Is Your Ammonia Refrigeration System Safely Managed?

As business resumption continues following the COVID pandemic, we want to make you aware of the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1 General Duty Clause (GDC) enforcement initiative.

The EPA recent update includes facilities below the traditional 10,000 pounds threshold. This is a continuation of the goal of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7412(r), to reduce the risk of chemical accidents.

Owners and operators of stationary sources producing, processing, handling, or storing extremely hazardous substances, including anhydrous ammonia, must:

1. Identify hazards which may result from accidental releases using appropriate hazard assessment techniques;
2. Design and maintain a safe facility taking steps to prevent releases; and
3. Minimize the consequences of accidental releases that do occur.