Per USEPA News Release 07 May 2012:

Rhodes International, Inc. will pay over $84,000 to settle hazardous chemical reporting violations at its facility in Caldwell, Idaho, according to a consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Rhodes facility produces frozen cinnamon rolls and other frozen bread products. According to EPA, the facility stored large amounts of anhydrous ammonia without properly reporting it to the Caldwell Fire Department, Canyon County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the State Emergency Response Commission.

“Local emergency planners and responders rely on this information to do their jobs. Its critical information for them to protect the community and themselves when a dangerous chemical release occurs,” said Wally Moon, Preparedness and Prevention Unit Manager from the EPA Emergency Management Program in Seattle.

According to documents, the company failed to file inventory forms with state and local emergency response entities from 2006 through 2009, as required by law for its storage of anhydrous ammonia. The failure to report large amounts of anhydrous ammonia to appropriate agencies is a violation of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

 

Did You Know?

Safetec can assist you with Tier II reporting so that you can avoid costly reporting errors such as this one. Our Chemical Management System integrates with the Federal Tier II Submit software. Safetec has several tools and services that can assist you in complying with several Federal, State and Local EPA and OSHA regulations. Contact us today!

For information on EPA’s Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/epcra/epcraenfstatreq.html

For more about toxic effects of Anhydrous Ammonia (NIOSH GUIDE): http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0028.html