Under the settlement agreement, the company has agreed to pay the EPA a $66,235 penalty.

On 2 July 2009, the facility released around 300 pounds of anhydrous ammonia into the environment, according to the EPA settlement.

The facility produces dried and dehydrated frozen potato products.

EPA Preparedness and Prevention Unit Manager in Seattle Wally Moon said thesecases are about protecting workers, emergency responders and the community.

"When unintended chemical releases occur, every minute counts if it is an emergency. Emergency responders need to be notified promptly to react effectively," Moon said.

The leak occurred when a circuit breaker failed, causing a pressure relief valve to open releasing the anhydrous ammonia.

The ammonia release and the failure to notify appropriate agencies are violations of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.