Cargill fined by EPA for alleged toxic release violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a settlement with Cargill Inc. for alleged violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Program.

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Environmental Protection Agency says company failed to timely file report for zinc and manganese compounds it processed

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a settlement with Cargill Inc. for alleged violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Program.

According to the EPA, Cargill has agreed to pay a penalty of US$40,294 for allegedly failing to timely file TRI reports for zinc and manganese compounds processed at its plant in Swanton, Vermont.

“To inform the public and protect communities, EPA requires companies and organizations that manufacture, process, or otherwise use certain chemicals to report this information publicly every year. This reporting is an important part of ensuring that local communities have access to information about the presence of chemicals in their area,” said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Szaro.

Under federal TRI regulations, companies that use certain listed chemicals must report their chemical usage each year to EPA. This information serves as the basis for the Toxic Release Inventory, which is a collection of data that can be reviewed by communities, government, and industry. Because the information is available to the public, companies have an incentive to reduce harmful chemical use and improve their environmental performance. TRI reporting informs surrounding communities about a facility’s toxic chemicals that could potentially harm public health and the environment.

Cargill is the world’s third largest animal feed producer and the largest in North America, according to Feed Strategy’s 2020 World’s Top Feed Companies listing. It produced 19.6 million metric tons of animal feed at 39 feed mills in 2020.

Cargill has not responded to Feed Strategy’s request for comment.

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