EPA Settles with Two Watsonville, Calif., Companies for Claims of Chemical Safety Violations

Summary:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlements with two companies, Del Mar Food Products Corp. and S. Martinelli & Co., for claims of Clean Air Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act violations at their facilities in Watsonville, California. The companies failed to comply with regulations regarding the safe use and handling of anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance used as a refrigerant in food and beverage production. As part of the settlements, Del Mar Food Products Corp. will pay a $131,420 penalty and S. Martinelli & Co. will pay a $127,828 penalty, as well as complete tasks to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The EPA has also required the companies to complete supplemental environmental projects valued at $67,000 to purchase emergency response equipment for the Watsonville Fire Department.