E.P. ammonia seller faces $149K EPA fine

BOSTON – East Providence-based ammonia distributor Tanner Industries faces a $149,080 fine for allegedly violating regulations meant to prevent chemical accidents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a news release.
EPA’s New England office is proposing to fine Tanner for a deficiency in its plan concerning the failure to anticipate problems that could arise if an ammonia release occurred at its Rhode Island facility during periods when it is unstaffed, the agency said. In a separate administrative order issued in June 2009, EPA ordered Tanner to correct these deficiencies, and Tanner is cooperating, according to EPA.
Tanner operates distribution facilities across the country, including one in East Providence.
Exposure to anhydrous ammonia can result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes and lungs, EPA said. &#8226