John Morrell has also agreed to improve the maintenance of process equipment at its Sioux Falls to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations.
The John Morrell facility is subject to risk management regulations because it uses large quantities of anhydrous ammonia.
Under the Clean Air Act, facilities that handle hazardous chemicals must develop a risk management program and submit a plan to assist with emergency preparedness, prevent chemical releases, and minimize any releases that do occur.
EPA inspectors found that the facility had not adequately implemented these regulations.
EPA enforcement program in Denver director Mike Gaydosh said Anhydrous ammonia is acutely toxic and extremely hazardous when released into the air.
John Morrell has had several releases of anhydrous ammonia at the Sioux Falls facility in the past, including one in 2004 which resulted in a penalty from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
