Amid a ballot battle seeking to ban slaughterhouses in Denver, Superior Farms suffered another blow this week, being fined nearly $120,000 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
An inspection of the lamb-packing facility in Globeville uncovered “several” violations of the Clean Air Act, resulting in $119,200 in penalties, the EPA announced on Wednesday, September 25. As part of a settlement agreement, the company addressed the violations and will spend at least $250,000 on significant equipment upgrades beyond what is legally required to prevent the release of toxic chemicals from the facility, according to the EPA.
The violations revolved around the slaughterhouse’s use of the chemical anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration system. Per the settlement, the company failed to design and maintain a safe facility to prevent chemical releases, minimize the consequences of accidental releases and appropriately assess and identify hazards…