|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Secondary bulk fertilizer structure required in Ohio |
|
|
|
| By CELESTE BAUMGARTNER
Ohio Correspondent
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Robert Boggs reminds farmers about a new regulation requiring them to install a secondary containment structure to help contain bulk liquid fertilizer in the event of a spill.
This new regulation, adopted in 2001, required immediate compliance on new facilities constructed after Jan. 1, 2002, according to Melissa Brewer, ODA spokeswoman. Facilities constructed prior to 2002 were provided a five-year grace period to meet compliance.
“We will continue to work with farmers throughout the year to bring them into compliance,” Boggs said. “But we may have to take steps to enforce the regulation for those who refuse to comply.”
This new regulation became effective Jan. 1 of this year.
It affects those individuals who are storing more than 5,000 gallons for more than 30 days annually, Brewer said.
“It has an impact on a lot of farmers and producers and the commercial companies as well – anybody who is storing liquid fertilizer,” she said. “We have been working to get farmers into compliance. Currently, we have more than 775 who have either submitted plans that have been inspected or they’re working to get into compliance.”
Anyone affected must submit plans to ODA outlining the containment storage facilities that they’re going to build, Brewer said. These new regulations ultimately help contain fertilizer in an event of a spill, giving added protection to the environment and waterways of Ohio.
“This containment system will help to contain any kinds of spills so a leak would stay within the structure,” Brewer said.
For more details, phone ODA at 614-728-6987 or visit www.ohioagriculture.gov
This farm news was published in the Sept. 19, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. |
| 9/19/2007 |
|
|
|
|
