San Francisco-Columbus Manufacturing of south San Francisco has been ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take more safety precautions after an August 2009 anhydrous ammonia release that resulted in the evacuation of all of its plant employees and several neighboring businesses. According to EPA, the incident at the meat processing plant caused nearly 30 people to seek medical attention; 17 were hospitalized, with one remaining in the hospital for four days. In addition, off-ramps from Highway 101 and several local streets were shut down. There may be substantial fines, warned Jaren Blumenfield, southwest region EPA administrator. “This release of an extremely hazardous chemical is unacceptable,” Blumenfield stated. “It’s critical that Columbus Manufacturing take specific actions to safeguard its employees and neighbors.” EPA has ordered that in the next three months Columbus must replace a number of safety relief valves and all components with any signs of corrosion. In addition, the company must replace components made from incompatible materials such as brass, and properly tag and label all ammonia refrigeration system piping and valves. Verification of compliance must be submitted within 105 days. The release is believed to have been caused by a buildup of hydrostatic pressure in a section of piping, which caused the subsequent rupture of a nearby component.
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