The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Missouri Department of Agriculture
and Missouri State Emergency Management Agency a total of $75,000 to assist with outreach
education to help prevent accidental anhydrous ammonia
releases.
Anhydrous ammonia is a source of nitrogen fertilizer widely used for corn, milo and
wheat. It’s generally safe provided that handling, operating, and maintenance procedures
are followed.
Inhaling anhydrous ammonia can cause lung irritation and severe respiratory injuries.
EPA funds are being provided through the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program,
which was designed to prevent releases that could harm the public and the environment.
Having a solid risk management plan up to date helps us avoid any emergency situations.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture will receive $30,000 to address chemical
accident prevention by conducting on-site audits and follow-up safety assessments at
189 agricultural retail anhydrous ammonia facilities.
Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency will receive $45,000 to conduct
workshops and on-site audits of 205 non-agriculture related facilities.
This grant focuses on enhancing communication between local first responders, planners and
regulated facilities. This will result in improving emergency responses at
agribusinesses, such as Sur-Gro’s.
All fertilizer facilities that handle, process or store more than 10,000 pounds
of anhydrous ammonia are subject to EPA’s chemical safety requirements.
Some of the decals that are required to be on the tank…this red decal in particular
give several do’s and don’ts…for instance, stand upwind when working around equipment.
Wear goggles and rubber gloves when transferring products from bleeding hoses.
Do not fill tanks in excess of 85 percent. It has a list of 11 do’s and don’ts on
there. Also we’re required to have “inhalation
hazard” and “anhydrous ammonia” both on there. Supposed to have the company name,
also you’re required to have 1005, which is the anhydrous number on all four sides.
EPA Region 7 receives more accidental release reports for ammonia than any other chemical.
Anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient in the illegal production of methamphetamine. When
stolen, the toxic gas can be unintentionally released, causing injuries to emergency responders,
law enforcement personnel, the public, and the criminals themselves.
The EPA grant will address three main areas. First, to work with agricultural retail
anhydrous ammonia facilities and other facilities to reduce accidents. Second, the funds foucs
on enhancing communication between local first responders, planners and regulated facilities.
Third, this grant builds partnerships with Missouri agribusiness, Missouri Department
of Agriculture and emergency response organizations.
EPA wants to ensure the continued safe handling of anhydrous ammonia at agricultural and other
types of facilities storing this chemical. These funds support our goals for a clean
and healthy environment.
To learn more, please note the following websites and contact information: