EPA settlement with Superior Farms resolves chemical risk violations at North Denver facility

Meat company to pay over $119K penalty

September 25, 2024

DENVER - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a Clean Air Act (CAA) settlement with Mountain Meadows Lamb Corporation, doing business as Superior Farms, Inc., which resolves alleged violations of toxic chemical-related regulations at the North Denver meat processing facility located 4900 Clarkson Street, Denver, Colorado.

An EPA inspection revealed several CAA violations related to the company's management of anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used as a refrigerant that can be hazardous to human health if not managed properly. Superior Farms has certified to EPA that it addressed these findings and will pay $119,200 in civil penalties as part of the settlement. The company will also spend at least $250,000 on a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), which will provide significant equipment upgrades, beyond what is required by codes and standards, to prevent an ammonia release from its facility.

"I'm glad that Superior Farms is implementing critical safety measures to protect workers and the community," said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. "This settlement will benefit the surrounding community by preventing dangerous chemical accidents."

Deficiencies found by EPA's inspection included failure to identify hazards using appropriate hazard assessment techniques, failure to design and maintain a safe facility to prevent releases and failure to minimize the consequences of accidental releases. The Superior Farms facility is subject to CAA regulations because it stores and processes anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration system. The CAA's General Duty Clause applies to all facilities holding less than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia.

This settlement is part of EPA's National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative to reduce risks from chemical accidents. The initiative focuses on improving compliance with environmental laws within the chemical manufacturing industry sector, where accidental chemical releases can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.