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Seafood Processing Plant in Norfolk, Va. Settles Chemical Reporting Violations

Release Date: 04/20/2009
Contact Information: Contact: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / [email protected]

PHILADELPHIA (April 20, 2009) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that J.H. Miles and Company has settled alleged violations of chemical reporting regulations at the companys clam processing facility in Norfolk, Va.

In a consent agreement with EPA, the company has paid a $9,408 civil penalty and has completed an $18,540 environmental project for failing to file required reports on ammonia, No. 4 fuel oil and liquid nitrogen used at its facility.

The supplemental environmental project consisted of implementing a risk management program, preparing piping and instrumentation drawings and a process flow diagram, which will help emergency responders in the case of an emergency, and provide training for employees in risk management at the plant.

EPCRA requires companies that produce, manufacture, use or store more than a threshold amount of regulated chemicals to file annual emergency and hazardous chemical inventory forms with EPA and the state. EPCRA also requires companies that store specific quantities of hazardous chemicals to submit a material data safety sheet (MSDS) or a list of chemicals with state and local emergency response agencies and the local fire departments. The MSDS provides information regarding health risks associated with the chemicals, and safety precautions for handling or for accidental exposure.

According to EPA, J.H. Miles and Company, Inc. did not file chemical inventory forms for ammonia, No. 4 fuel oil and liquid nitrogen for 2005, 2006 and 2007. EPA also cited the company for failing to submit a MSDS for these chemicals.

The settlement reflects the companys cooperation with EPA, and its compliance efforts. As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied the alleged violations. NOTE: This case involves allegations of reporting violations, and not unlawful releases of toxic chemicals.

For more information on EPCRA and EPAs toxic chemical reporting program, visit https://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/epcra/index.htm

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