The US EPA has reached a settlement with Cooper Heat Treating LLC, Detroit, Mich., over alleged violations of Clean Air Act requirements aimed at preventing chemical accidents at facilities that use certain hazardous substances. The company has paid a penalty of $12,300.
EPA determined from a June 2022 inspection that Cooper Heat failed to comply with requirements to help minimize the risk of an accidental release at facilities with more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia.
Specifically, EPA alleged that Cooper Heat failed to evaluate hazards related to stationary source siting and a potential failure of its engineering and administrative controls, and also failed to periodically inspect its facility’s piping and submit an updated risk management plan.
As part of the settlement, the company will install permanent ammonia and oxygen sensors throughout its facility, install fixed cameras along its ammonia process line, and purchase and use an infrared camera for preventative maintenance.