New Bedford seafood processor to pay $220k for alleged violations of federal law

Standard-Times Staff

Published Apr 9, 2021 

NEW BEDFORD — In a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Northern Pelagic Group, also known as Norpel, has agreed to pay a $220,000 penalty to settle EPA’s claims that the company violated federal laws. 

The federal Clean Air Act has chemical accident prevention requirements and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires hazardous chemical reporting.

The EPA alleged the company, which maintains a significant amount of ammonia at its New Bedford seafood processing facility, failed to file a risk management plan with the agency a few years ago. Such plans are required for facilities that manage, maintain or produce hazardous chemicals in order to ensure public safety.

The agency also alleged the company did not adequately design, operate or maintain its refrigeration system and failed to file its annual chemical inventory report in 2015 with state and local emergency response authorities. 

In 2018, Norpel agreed under a separate compliance order with the EPA to correct deficiencies noted in the agency's inspection of the facility, according to the EPA. The inspection revealed the company had violated many risk management program requirements.

As of this year, the company has come into compliance with risk management planning requirements and “key safety measures” for ammonia refrigeration systems, according to the EPA.

“Complying with risk management plan regulations helps companies prevent accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances, including ammonia,” said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Szaro in a statement. “These requirements are designed to help protect local communities and the emergency responders who may be called on if there is an accident at the facility.”

Anhydrous ammonia is an efficient refrigerant, but it must be handled with care as it is corrosive to skin, eyes, and lungs, according to the EPA. Ammonia is also flammable at certain concentrations and can explode if released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire.