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Bulk Storage of Fertilizer
Bulk Storage of Fertilizer
Bulk storage tanks are defined as:
Having a capacity greater than 2,500 gallons OR
Having a combined capacity of all tanks greater than
7,500 gallons OR
Mobile containers that store fertilizer on site for
more than 30 days
Deadline for Containment: August 13, 2008 New
farm storage facilities (no tanks/storage before August
2003) must comply immediately. Siting: All farm bulk
storage facilities must comply with the setbacks laid
out in: Water Supply Setback Requirements for Bulk Storage
Facilities Regulated through Regulations 640, 641, 642.
FARMS WITH BULK STORAGE TANKS MUST HAVE:
1. Secondary Containment Dike must be designed to withstand
a full hydrostatic head of any discharged liquid and
weight load of material. Dike Materials: reinforced
concrete, precast concrete modules, steel, earthen berm
Liner Materials: synthetic liners (min 30 mils), clay
(min 6"), concrete, and steel. Liner must be watertight.
Secondary containment not protected from rainfall:
110% largest tank volume + displacement volume of other
tanks below dike wall + volume of a 6" rainfall
Secondary containment protected from rainfall (located
under a roofed structure): 110% largest tank volume
+ displacement volume of other tanks below dike wall
Tanks
Keep locked/secured when not in use; close valves
on empty tanks
Label as fertilizer with a minimum 4" lettering Appurtenances
(valves, gauges, pumps, hoses, plumbing, etc.)
Must be within the containment area and above ground
Support to prevent sagging and protect to prevent
damage
Keep locked/secure when not in use
Containment Area Management of Accumulated Liquid
Liquids must be removed by a manually activated
pump
Liquids with fertilizer - apply at agronomic rates
to sites where fertilizer can still be utilized as intended
Liquids without fertilizer - may be discharged as
surface runoff - but not directly into surface water,
waterways, storm drains or field tile.
2. Operational Pad Supervise loading and unloading
at all times.
Three Options:
Concrete Pad - holds at least 750 gallons, 10' by
20' minimum size dimensions
Portable Pad - holds at least 750 gallons, 10' by
20' minimum size dimensions
Closed Containment System - Dry couplers, hoses under
manufacturer warranty, anti-overflow devices, and 150-
gallon container under point of transfer.
3. Discharge Response Plan - MDA Spill Hotline: 1-800-405-0101
Contains: emergency contact numbers, product list and
site plan depicting all structures and nearby water sources.
Completing Emergency Planning on the Farm (MSU Bulletin
E-2575) will meet this requirement
Local Groundwater Technician assistance is available
at no cost (emergency tube program)
Resource: Michigan Department of Agriculture
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