Menu

Last year, three bulk fertilizer tanks in different parts of the state ruptured, causing potential damage to nearby water resources. In response, the State of Ohio has implemented new requirements for diking around certain storage facilities.

Dikes will be required around any permanent storage tanks with a capacity of 5,000 gallons, used or intended to be used for more than 30 days per year. This includes either single tanks or groups of tanks with a total capacity of 5,000 gallons. The rules apply to on-farm and commercial storage facilities for any type of liquid fertilizer.

The secondary containment system must have a capacity of not less than 110 percent of the largest storage vessel within the containment facility. The dike must be constructed of materials that are compatible with the type of fertilizer being contained. Engineers will be able to advise operators on appropriate diking materials such as dirt, concrete or others.

Owners of the storage tanks will be expected to conduct certain weekly, monthly and annual inspections, and to keep specific records. Among the requirements are records of liquid levels, discharges and actions taken to recover or control spillage. Maintenance and repair work on both the tanks and dikes must also be documented. Records must be kept for five years and be available for Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) inspector review.

All new tank construction is immediately subject to the new rules. For existing tanks, an authorized inspector must establish a baseline report no later than Jan. 1, 2003. Dikes around these existing facilities must be built by Jan. 1, 2007.

Ohio Farm Bureau worked with the ODA in creating the new rules. OFBF's goal was to establish regulations that created adequate environmental protections without overburdening farmers and agribusinesses.

The full text of the new regulations will be posted on the OFBF Web site.