Superior Farms, a Denver slaughterhouse, has agreed to pay a $119,200 settlement to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after the agency found problems with how the company managed a toxic chemical. The issues related to the refrigeration systems and the use of anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous chemical used as a refrigerant. The settlement includes a $119,200 civil penalty and $250,000 for equipment upgrades beyond legal requirements. The company did not admit to the allegations but voluntarily agreed to the settlement.
EPA regional administrator KC Becker commended Superior Farms for implementing safety measures to protect workers and the community. However, animal-rights activists are supporting a ballot measure to ban Superior Farms and any future facilities in the city, citing the company’s environmental violations and potential risks to workers and animals. Superior Farms, the city’s only slaughterhouse, has been operating in Denver for 70 years.
The company’s spokesman expressed excitement for exceeding food quality standards and providing a safe environment for employee-owners. Despite the EPA’s acknowledgment of the company’s efforts to go beyond legal requirements, the animal-rights group behind the ballot measure continues to criticize Superior Farms. The settlement agreement outlined several issues with the refrigeration system that the EPA investigators identified, including improper storage of flammable materials and missing safety controls.
This settlement highlights the ongoing debate between environmental concerns and economic interests, as Superior Farms faces scrutiny from activists and support from its industry allies.
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