Purdue News

December 15, 2000 Fertilizer storage and handling regulations changed WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Farmers who store more than 7,500 gallons of liquid fertilizer without proper containment systems must now comply with regulations set by the State Chemist's Office at Purdue University. "Effective Sept. 1, 2000, fertilizer storage facilities must be limited to three 2,500-gallon vessels," said Mike Hancock, fertilizer administrator for the State Chemist's Office. Tanks can be removed, provided with proper containment or simply not used. "It is up to the individual," Hancock said. If tanks are abandoned, the valves must be removed or the tank rendered unusable. If tanks are removed, care should be used to reduce the potential for personal injury or potential spills, which could create an environmental problem. Tanks in good shape may be sold, with the cost of moving included. According to Hancock, if there were a spill, the new regulations limit environmental risks, ultimately saving the business money. "If the spill is within a containment area, it doesn't go anywhere and can be reclaimed and used," Hancock said. The new policy allows farmers to continue buying fertilizer in bulk while minimizing possible environmental hazards. Failure to comply could result in fines, as well as paying the cost of removing the fertilizer. Proper containment consists of a dike strong enough and tall enough to hold 100 percent of the contents of the largest container inside the dike, with a 6-inch freeboard. It also must be made of materials resistant to the fertilizer's corrosive properties. Under the new regulations a facility is defined as land owned or controlled by a single person or group. For example, a farming operation mutually owned or controlled by any number of people and made up of three non-connected farms can't store more than 7,500 gallons of fertilizer on all locations. The new rules clarify and modify the 1994 requirement that only mandated containment of tanks larger than 2,500 gallons. Dry fertilizer regulations also are changing effective September 1, 2001. In addition to being kept under a roof or tarp, dry fertilizer will have to be handled over an impermeable operating pad. The pad can be made of concrete, steel or synthetic materials, and spills should be cleaned up immediately. The pad must be large enough to ensure that any spilled material stays on the pad for cleanup. Farmers may apply to the State Chemist's Office for a certificate which qualifies them for tax deductions and property tax abatements for changes made to comply with fertilizer laws. Both distributors and farmers are responsible for ensuring that facilities are in compliance. If a facility doesn't meet the regulations, a dealer can be held responsible for leaving the fertilizer. The Office of the Indiana State Chemist works on issues concerning consumer and environmental protection. Fertilizer regulations are written based on input from the industry, farmers, researchers and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Source: Mike Hancock, (765) 494-1492, hancockmr@purdue.edu Writer: Theresa Lawton, (765) 494-8402, news_students@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page