US Seafood Companies Fined $495,000 for R22 Refrigerant Leaks

Two Seattle-based seafood processing companies recently received a fine of $495,000 between them for R22 refrigerant leaks from their refrigeration systems. 

​Ocean Gold Seafoods and Ocean Cold, located in Westport, Washington State, violated the US government's Clean Air Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and were fined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

​Ed Kowalski, director of the EPA's Pacific Northwest Office of Compliance and Enforcement, stated:

​“Because of this settlement, the Ocean Companies are expected to cut their future ozone-depleting releases and reduce their future refrigerant emissions in an amount equivalent to approximately 47 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year, another step in our efforts to combat climate change.”

​He continued:

​“Investing in better equipment and maintenance to stop wasteful refrigerant leaks is good for our environment and good for business.”

​The EPA found that the seafood processing companies had not repaired R22 refrigerant leaks quickly enough, nor had they kept adequate records of any repair work done. Furthermore, the companies had not provided timely reports to emergency planners, which was another violation.

As part of the deal with the EPA, the companies have to implement and comply with a refrigerant leak reduction program, train their employees in 'refrigerant-related work requirements' and regularly report to the EPA. Inspectors will visit the sites to check on their leak detection, leak reduction and reporting procedures.

The cost of fixing the leaks which caused the problems is reckoned to be about $260,000.

Read more about the decree here.