A carbon dioxide producer has been found guilty of violating the Environmental Protection Act following an ammonia release at its Lambton County facility.
Air Liquide Canada, which produces food-grade carbon dioxide, was convicted in Sarnia court on March 14 in connection to an incident that occurred on April 16, 2017.
The Ministry of the Environment said during the early morning hours the flow of raw carbon dioxide unexpectedly increased at the facility, causing raw carbon dioxide to exceed the refrigeration capacity. As a result, around 815 kilograms of ammonia was vented through cooling system pressure release valves.
There was no staff present at the facility at the time, but two employees at a distribution plant approximately one kilometre downwind were forced to seek shelter from the ammonia odour. The ministry said leaving the distribution plant unattended created a potentially dangerous situation.
Ammonia can have corrosive effects on the respiratory system and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, however, one of the employees only experienced eye and throat irritation.
Upon conviction, Air Liquide Canada was fined $100,000 with an additional victim fine surcharge of $25,000.
