EPA settles with 4 Washington companies over hazardous chemical storage

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently reached settlements with four Washington companies over violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know-Act, including a failure to report hazardous chemical storage at their facilities.

Foster Poultry Farms; Shining Ocean, Inc.; Two Rivers Terminal, LLC; and Wilcox Farms, Inc., allegedly were found by EPA inspectors to have undocumented chemicals such as sulfuric acid, ammonia, paraquat dicholoride and diesel fuel in excess of reporting requirements. The companies will each pay a fine, ranging from $15,625 to $200,000, and take steps to improve their facilities and prevent similar violations in the future.

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act allows State Emergency Response Commissions, Local Emergency Planning Committees and local fire departments to better plan for emergency situations by keeping track of local companies’ inventories of hazardous materials.

"If emergency responders don’t have accurate records on hazardous chemicals in their communities, it can hinder their ability to respond during crises," EPA Seattle Office Pesticides and Toxics Unit Manager Kelly McFadden said. "These laws are in place to protect emergency responders and communities when it matters most."