1. Bulk Liquid Fertilizer Storage in Minnesota
Gregg Regimbal
Supervisor, Ag Chem Registration and Facilities Unit
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

2. Overview On-Farm Storage Issues MDA’s Authority Storage Guidelines
Incidents
Enforcement
Permitting
Rulemaking History
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

3. On-Farm BLF Storage Substandard recycled tanks
Lack of secondary containment
Large quantities stored
Appears to be increasing
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

4. MDA Authority on Fertilizer Storage
MDA statutes:
Permit for bulk storage of fertilizers (18C.305)
Must store, handle and distribute fertilizer in a manner that does not cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment (18C.201 subd.1)
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

5. MN Fertilizer Authority (cont.-)
Liquid Commercial Fertilizer Rules ( – )
Safeguards and storage containers must prevent the escape of liquid fertilizer; and prevent pollution of any surface or ground waters.
Storage container is a tank in which liquid fertilizer is stored.
Liquid Fertilizer is fertilizer material in a fluid, nonpackaged form
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

6. BLF Storage Guidelines
Storage quantity is limited to slightly over a semi load (approx. 6,000 gallons) and for a short period of time prior to use (approx. 4 weeks)
Tanks and appurtenances in good condition
No storage adjacent to wells, surface waters, tile inlets or anything easily contaminated from a spill
Must maintain an incident response plan
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

7. BLF Incident Cause and result of inadequate storage Substandard Tank
Clean-up
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

8. Enforcement Actions Involving Growers & Dealers Incidents occurred
Substandard tanks
Nonpermitted sites
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

9. Proper Secondary Containment
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

10. Permitting Options “Permit Pending” Traditional permit
Pre-approved plans
Fill tanks in sound condition prior to completion of secondary containment
Traditional permit
Complete secondary containment prior to filling tanks
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

11. Rulemaking History
New proposed BLF rule in the late 1990’s was not finalized
Proposal contained more specific language on storage
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture

12. Any Questions? Gregg Regimbal
Supervisor, Ag Chem Registration and Facilities Unit
September 12, 2005
Minnesota Department of Agriculture