EPA enforcement actions at 10 California facilities address chemical safety deficiencies
Actions under Clean Air Act further protect communities from chemical accidents
SAN FRANCISCO (April 22, 2025) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing settlements with organicgirl, LLC and nine other entities with facilities across California for claims of chemical safety-related violations under the Clean Air Act. All entities agreed to come into compliance with Risk Management Program (RMP) safety requirements and pay penalties, which total over $170,000.
“Reducing risks from accidental releases of toxic substances is a core responsibility for EPA,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook. “As a result of our actions, workers, first responders, and communities throughout California will be made safer from chemical accidents.”
organicgirl, LLC Consent Agreement and Final Order
At organicgirl, in Salinas, which processes, stores, and distributes prepackaged salads, fresh-cut vegetables, and other food products, EPA found significant safety issues during an inspection in January 2024. The issues pertained to the facility’s anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system.
EPA claims that the company violated the Clean Air Act’s Section 112(r) because it failed to promptly address critical safety recommendations and implement work safe practices; had an insufficient operation and maintenance program for the refrigeration system, resulting in safety issues such as corrosion of the equipment and deficient emergency ventilation system; and had inadequate documentation to prove that the facility’s system was designed to prevent releases of anhydrous ammonia, among other issues. organicgirl agreed to pay a penalty of $151,979 and come into compliance with federal law by addressing the remaining deficiencies.
Anhydrous ammonia is a substance regulated under the Clean Air Act’s Section 112(r) as it, while an effective refrigerant, can cause serious, often irreversible health effects when released. In addition to causing potential impacts from inhalation or skin contact, this chemical is also highly flammable.
Expedited Settlement Agreements
In addition to the organicgirl case, EPA also completed several expedited settlement agreements to resolve the following claims of violations of Clean Air Act chemical safety requirements:
AMVAC Chemical Corporation, located in Los Angeles, failed to maintain accurate chlorine equipment diagrams, sufficiently evaluate hazards associated with its chlorine process, and inspect chlorine equipment in accordance with industry standards. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $8,000 and came into compliance to resolve the claims.
Fowler Packing Company, located in Fresno, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 to resolve the claim.
Benecia Water Treatment Plant, located in Benicia, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and update emergency contact information in a timely manner. The plant agreed to come into compliance and pay a penalty of $1,800 to resolve the claims.
Material Logistics & Services LLC, located in Carson, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,600 to resolve the claim.
Both Cal Marine Fish Company LLC, located in San Pedro, and Southern California Ice Company, located in Torrance, failed to submit their Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and each agreed to pay a penalty of $1,200 to resolve the claim.
Matheson Tri-Gas, located in Newark, failed to keep operating procedures readily accessible to employees who work in or maintain a process; failed to properly determine, correct, complete, and document actions and/or responses to the findings of a 2018 compliance audit. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $900 to resolve the claims.
Both Cement Hill Water Treatment Plant, located in Fairfield, and PR Farms, located in Madera, failed to submit their Risk Management Plan report and each agreed to pay a penalty of $800 to resolve the claim.
Background
EPA’s Clean Air Act RMP regulations work to prevent accidental chemical releases in our communities and the environment. The RMP requires companies that use extremely hazardous substances to follow industry safety standards and to implement safeguards to reduce the likelihood of chemical accidents and dangerous releases, as well as have emergency response procedures in place should an accident occur. The regulations require owners or operators of covered facilities to develop and implement an RMP and to submit a risk management plan to EPA.
More information
Learn more about EPA’s enforcement program and how to report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations to the EPA.
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