Fremont Company Settles EPA Action, Agrees To $170K Penalty

FREMONT, CA — Arctic Glacier U.S.A. has agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over claims that the company violated federal environmental rules at the Fremont ice processing plant. Arctic Glacier will pay a $169,400 penalty as part of the settlement.

Based on an inspection of the facility in 2018, the EPA determined that the piping, operating equipment, and safety systems were not in compliance with regulatory requirements. The company has since addressed the issues at the facility.

The company uses anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance used as a refrigerant. Exposure to it may result in chemical-type burns to the skin, eyes, and lungs.

“Toxic substances like anhydrous ammonia can pose serious threats to workers, first responders and the public, so it’s imperative that companies using them follow federal requirements to prevent accidents,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This settlement demonstrates that EPA will be vigilant in holding accountable companies that fail to comply with environmental laws.”

The refrigeration system at Arctic Glacier's Fremont plant contains about 14,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia.