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With spring planting season upon us, it is once again important for farmers, chemical companies and feed stores to protect their anhydrous ammonia tanks from would-be thieves who would use the product to produce methamphetamines or "meth."

The chemicals and waste products from meth production (5 to 6 pounds of waste per pound of meth) can not only cause harm to people, property and the environment, but the cost of cleaning up a meth lab can be as high as $150,000 and may fall on innocent property owners. Meth components like sodium hydroxide and red phosphorus are dangerous and can cause fires and explosions for more than 10 years after they are discarded.

1. Never leave a nurse tank where it can be seen from the road.
2. Try to park it in a well-lighted area, but not near a residence.
3. Park so thieves can't easily tap the tank.
4. Set delivery times as close as possible to actual application.
5. Bleed and remove hoses at the end of the day. A typical hose will contain enough ammonia for a batch of meth.
6. Lock up tanks, if possible.
7. If you don't have locks, place brightly colored plastic wire ties or seals between the valve wheel and the roll cage to facilitate quick visual checks.
8. Know how much you're leaving in a tank, then inspect it first thing in the morning.
9. If you suspect you've been hit, check for reddish chemical-based stains around the tank, but don't disturb the area. Alert local law enforcement.
10. Never attempt to stop a thief. He (or she) might throw a container of ammonia at you in an attempt to get away, and a person under meth influence may become dangerously violent.