Environmental Law
CERCLA
Clean Air Act
United States of America v. Columbus Manufacturing Inc.
Published: Feb. 18, 2012 | Result Date: Jan. 30, 2012 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: cv12 0471 Settlement – $685,446
Facts
In 2009, a Columbus Manufacturing Inc. facility in South San Francisco released anhydrous ammonia on two occasions. The U.S. Government sued the company for violating the Clean Air Act in failing to maintain a safe facility and comply with regulatory requirements. The hazardous ammonia cloud left 17 people hospitalized. Anhydrous ammonia, a poisonous gas, was known to cause temporary blindness and eye damage, as well as skin, mouth, throat, respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritation.
Result
The company agreed to pay $685,446 in penalties and to spend approximately $6 million to upgrade its refrigeration safety system.
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