EPA Acts to Protect Public from Harmful Chemical Releases in Springfield, Massachusetts
BOSTON (Jan. 15, 2026) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a settlement agreement with Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. in Springfield, Massachusetts, for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act's (CAA) General Duty Clause (GDC). The GDC violations arose from deficient anhydrous ammonia management practices at Smithfield's meat processing, packaging, and distribution facility located in Springfield. The company was assessed a $138,506 civil penalty.
"Workers and communities deserve to be protected from dangerous chemical releases," said Mark Sanborn, U.S. EPA New England Regional Administrator. "EPA is taking this action to protect human health and the environment, hold the company accountable, and ensure that other companies comply with chemical safety laws at their facilities."
EPA's inspections found that Smithfield failed to design and maintain a safe facility, including failure to:
- Adequately label piping associated with the ammonia refrigeration system to indicate contents and direction of flow
- Provide impact protection under the high-pressure receiver; and
- Anchor jersey barriers protecting the exterior of the ammonia machinery room and condenser support system.
Additionally, the company failed to minimize the consequences if a release of anhydrous ammonia were to occur, including the absence of a handwheel to allow for easy closure during an emergency of the primary valve inside the ammonia machinery room, atmospheric termination of pressure relief device discharge piping was fewer than 20 feet from an opening to a building, and emergency shutdown instructions and phone numbers were not posted, clearly identified, or easily available.
The facility employs approximately 184 full time employees and is located in a densely developed area that includes two preschools, a day habilitation center serving adults with disabilities, an urgent care facility, two churches, several restaurants, a Red Cross Blood donation center, and multiple other human service, government, industrial, and retail entities. The company certified that it has corrected the alleged violations and is in compliance with the CAA General Duty Clause at the Springfield facility.
A copy of the Consent Agreement and Final Order is available upon request.
Why This Matters:
Thousands of facilities nationwide, make, use, or store extremely hazardous substances, like ammonia. The CAA's General Duty Clause requires facilities to identify hazards, take measures to prevent chemical releases and minimize the consequences of releases that occur. Failure to do so can result in the accidental release of extremely hazardous substances that can cause serious injuries and fatalities, evacuations, and shelter-in-place orders. EPA prioritizes compliance with the Clean Air Act's chemical accident prevention requirements. Reducing the risk of chemical accidents is one of EPA's national enforcement and compliance initiatives.
Read more about the Clean Air Act's Chemical Accident Prevention Program.