Category Archives: Community Involvement

EPA RMP update “Delay” rule vacated by DC District Court

Posted on August 17, 2018 by Brian Chapin

EPA retains authority under Section 7412(r)(7) to substantively amend the programmatic requirements of the Chemical Disaster Rule, and pursuant to that authority, revise its effective and compliance dates, subject to arbitrary and capricious review. . . . the agency must … Continue reading →

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What can we learn from the Fernie Ammonia fatalities?

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Brian Chapin

The October 17th, 2017 Ammonia release in Fernie, BC resulted in three fatalities: On October 16, 2017, the curling brine chiller at the Fernie Memorial Arena was put back into operation after a seasonal shutdown. During the shutdown and seasonal … Continue reading →

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General Duty vs. PSM/RMP: Is there a benefit to dropping below the 10,000lb threshold?

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Brian Chapin

Several times a year I get a phone call or an email from a client that wants to lower the NH3 inventory below the federal 10,000lb threshold so they are no longer subject to the PSM/RMP rules. It’s a conversation … Continue reading →

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How to get Willful OSHA Citations & Fines

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Brian Chapin

The incident we are discussing today is from a recent ruling in the United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit where they recently denied a petition for review in the case of “DANA CONTAINER, INC. v. SECRETARY OF LABOR.” While this … Continue reading →

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What the Ammonia refrigeration industry can learn from West, TX

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Brian Chapin

Last night I attended the CSB Public Meeting in Waco, TX concerning the 2013 West, TX Ammonia Nitrate explosion. The purpose of the meeting was to release their report on the incident. The explosion resulted in 15 fatalities and 260 … Continue reading →

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A little memo with some very big implications

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Brian Chapin

  Memo of Understanding between the DOL and DOJ: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), recognizing the importance of ensuring the health and safety of America’s workforce, enter into this memorandum of understanding … Continue reading →

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Shock to the system

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Brian Chapin

The CSB just released a video on the August 23, 2010 Alabama ammonia release. While not perfect, it is a worthwhile video to watch as it might just make you question how you should deal with the type of power-failure issues … Continue reading →

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Region 7 Ammonia Safety Day

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Brian Chapin

If you are within a couple hundred miles of Kansas City, Kansas it’s worth attending the 7th annual Region 7 Ammonia Safety Day which is held at the Kansas City Community College on May 28th, 2014. More information including the schedule and enrollment … Continue reading →

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Welcome 2015!

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Brian Chapin

I’ve been slow in my posts recently due to an incredibly hectic schedule in both my professional and personal life and for that I apologize. I’ll see what I can do to improve the post rate in 2015. Remember, there … Continue reading →

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$205,000 fine for dumping 40 pounds of ammonia

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Brian Chapin

Kodiak fish processor North Pacific Seafoods pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to illegally dumping ammonia into the Kodiak city sewer, while the processor’s chief engineer faces charges of his own. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline imposed $205,000 in criminal … Continue reading →

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