The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 settled an administrative complaint with John Morrell and Company (Springdale, OH) for violation of federal laws on the reporting of hazardous chemical releases. The company will pay a civil penalty of $20,811 and pay for environmental projects valued at $253,411.

EPA alleged that on Oct. 22, 2000, Morrell failed to promptly report a 3,000-lb release of anhydrous ammonia from a 30,000-lb refrigeration system at its pork processing plant, 801 E. Kemper Rd. in Hamilton County.