EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice reached a settlement agreement with Ferrellgas, Inc., doing business as Blue Rhino (Blue Rhino), to resolve violations of its duty under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to prevent and mitigate the consequences of chemical accidents at Blue Rhino?s propane cylinder refurbishing and distribution plant in Tavares, Florida. Under the proposed agreement, Blue Rhino has agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty.
Blue Rhino operates several facilities throughout the United States that refurbish and refill 20-pound liquid propane cylinders for distribution to retail locations. The facility in Tavares has an approximately four acre asphalt storage yard where full and empty propane cylinders are stored. On July 29, 2013, workers at the facility improperly vented several cylinders to the atmosphere, causing propane to collect in the yard. As the propane cylinders were venting, a spark from a forklift ignited the vented propane gas resulting in a fire that caused the pressure relief valves in other cylinders to release propane, leading to a chain reaction and a large series of explosions. The fire and explosions injured workers and caused approximately $3.5 million of property damage, including minor damage to six nearby businesses and one residence. Blue Rhino shut down the facility for five months to investigate and to take corrective action.
EPA investigated the fire and explosions, and as a result of the investigation, EPA alleged that Blue Rhino violate