U.S. EPA requires Starkist Samoa to improve chemical safety

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Starkist Samoa Co. (Starkist) to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical safety requirements at the Starkist-leased, Samoa Tuna Processors’ facility. The facility is used to refrigerate tuna in Pago Pago.
“Ensuring facilities reduce the risk of releases of hazardous substances is critical,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Stoker. “We’re pleased that Starkist will invest in making the Samoa Tuna Processor’s facility safer as a result of this agreement.” A 2016 EPA inspection found Starkist violated the Clean Air Act’s General Duty Clause by failing to safely manage anhydrous ammonia, a toxic chemical highly corrosive to skin, eyes and lungs.