The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Hiland Dairy Foods Company LLC in Norfolk, Nebraska, $93,107 for violating the Chemical Accident Prevention provisions of the Clean Air Act. The company illegally stored over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a chemical that can severely harm the skin, eyes, and lungs, and is potentially fatal at high concentrations.
EPA cited the company for not conducting required compliance audits every three years, failing to update emergency contacts promptly, and lacking proper emergency response coordination. The facility is in an environmentally sensitive area, at risk for toxic emissions, within an ozone non-attainment zone, and near a Superfund site. EPA is enhancing enforcement in communities heavily affected by pollution to reduce industrial impacts on vulnerable populations.
Under the Clean Air Act, facilities handling regulated toxic or flammable substances are mandated to develop Risk Management Plans, which detail potential impacts of chemical incidents, preventative measures, and emergency response strategies. Despite these requirements, EPA research shows that many facilities still fail to meet safety and risk management standards, posing significant threats to nearby communities.
As a result, reducing the risk of hazardous material releases is a key focus of EPA's 2024 enforcement and compliance efforts. EPA leadership stresses the importance of strict adherence to the safety protocols outlined in the Clean Air Act to protect communities, especially those heavily affected by pollution, from chemical spill hazards.
