A south-central Idaho cheese producing company has agreed to pay the federal government $88,000 following allegations it failed to properly adhere to regulations involving a colorless gas that can cause temporary blindness.
Jerome Cheese Company admitted to no lapses in its handling of some 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia each year in agreeing to the settlement.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contends the company violated the Clean Air Act due to poor record keeping, incomplete safety system information and a lack of timely safety training based on a 2011 inspection.
On Thursday the EPA announced that the company has since corrected the violations.
The colorless gas is commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems.
