Spokane juice company fined $154,000 by L&I for three ammonia leaks endangering workers and neighbors last year

Johanna Beverage Co. has been fined $154,000 for what the state Department of Labor and Industries has determined were “multiple willful, serious and general workplace safety violations.”

Johanna Beverage had two ammonia leaks in December. The first was reported on a Saturday evening and caused fire crews to evacuate homes and businesses within a third of a mile of the plant.

The fumes made eight employees sick. One was taken to a hospital.

The second leak, a few days later, was much larger. It led to authorities closing Interstate 90 for about an hour.

Though the second leak covered a much larger geographical area, residents and workers reported only minor symptoms and no one needed treatment.

Labor and Industries spokeswoman Elaine Fischer said the company has until March 29 to appeal the fine.

“And they must submit paperwork to us by April 3 to show that they have made the corrections,” Fischer said.

Johanna Beverage, which makes juice sold under the names of Earth Wise, Washington Natural and Tree Ripe, among other brands, declined to comment.

The L&I citation states the company had three ammonia leaks in less than one year.

After the first leak, regulators ordered Johanna Beverage to devise an evacuation and response plan. Regulators said no such adequate plan was produced.

The result was that employees evacuated downwind during the following leaks had an increased risk of exposure to anhydrous ammonia, which can cause serious injury or death.

Anhydrous ammonia is often used as a refrigerant by juice companies and wineries.

L&I requires Johanna Beverage to install an ammonia alarm system to alert workers to the poisonous gas, and also work out and practice an evacuation plan.

“They actually had three leaks within a year, so they really need to work on this problem,” Fischer said.