News Release
December 31, 2025
Media Contact: Mark Meredith, Manager of Communications
mmeredith@urmstores.com
509-467-2620

URM Risk Management Program Notice

This notice is part of our commitment to transparency and to meeting updated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements.  

While ammonia has long been a part of our operations, updated U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations now require facilities like ours to formally share information about systems that use regulated substances. These regulations are designed to ensure facilities that use regulated substances identify potential hazards, maintain strong safety systems, and communicate clearly with employees, emergency responders, and the surrounding community. This notice reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and responsible communication. 

Our warehouse facility has safely used an ammonia-based refrigeration system for many decades to support temperature-controlled operations. Ammonia is a commonly used industrial refrigerant in food storage and distribution facilities across the United States because it is effective, reliable, and environmentally responsible when properly managed. 

The information provided below explains how our refrigeration system is managed, the safeguards in place, and how we work to protect our employees, neighbors, and the environment. 

Safety is our top priority. 
We operate our refrigeration system under strict federal and industry safety standards, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements. These standards are designed to protect employees, first responders, and the surrounding community. 

Here’s what that means in practice: 

  • Preventive design and maintenance: Our system is designed, inspected, and maintained following recognized engineering and safety practices. Regular inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance are performed to identify and address issues before they become risks. 

  • Monitoring and backup protections: The system includes monitoring equipment to detect any abnormal conditions. Backup power and safeguards help ensure monitoring remains active even during power interruptions. 

  • Emergency preparedness: We maintain emergency response procedures and coordinate with local responders. We also participate in emergency response planning and exercises as required by federal regulations. 

  • Independent oversight and continuous improvement: When incidents occur anywhere in the industry, regulations require deeper reviews, independent audits, and root cause analyses. These measures help strengthen systems across facilities like ours and ensure lessons are applied proactively. 

  • Employee involvement: Our employees are trained, encouraged to speak up about safety concerns, and actively involved in hazard reviews and safety planning. 

What this means for our neighbors: 
There is no immediate danger to the public from our refrigeration system. The layers of prevention, monitoring, training, and emergency planning in place are designed specifically to protect the surrounding community. The new EPA regulations further strengthen these protections by increasing transparency, accountability, and preparedness. 

We believe that being open about how we operate is part of being a responsible neighbor. If you would like more information about our safety practices or the Risk Management Program, we are committed to providing it upon request.