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All farmers who store large amounts of fertilizer will soon be required to have secondary containment systems in place.

Rules issued in 2002 stated that farmers who were storing more than 5,000 gallons of fertilizer for at least 30 days would need to have the diking systems by Jan. 1. All new facilities have been required to install the systems immediately.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has been receiving a lot of calls regarding the rules, according to David Shleich, chief of ODA's Plant Industry Division. He said the department has approved approximately 350 storage tanks for construction but was unsure about how many more farmers are potentially affected. He said ODA will work as quickly as possible to get through the applications, but if hundreds of requests are submitted at the last minute, it could slow the process.

For farmers to fill their bulk tanks, ODA must approve their containment structure.

"They have to make an application, and then it has to be inspected," Shleich said.

While there are no financial penalties for farmers who don't comply, ODA could seek an injunction to prevent farmers from using their fertilizer facilities if a problem arises.

Shleich said the cost of containment structures could vary depending on how elaborate they are.

The regulations also require that farmers regularly inspect, maintain and keep records of their bulk fertilizer tanks. The records must be kept on-site for five years and be made available to ODA upon request.

Ohio State University has issued a fact sheet to help guide farmers on the specific requirements of the regulations. It includes a chart to assist farmers with their inspection responsibilities.

"Even though bulk fertilizer storage facilities represent greater potential for large fertilizer spills, the small spills and equipment leaks can contribute just as much damage to the groundwater if precautions are not taken," according to the fact sheet.

Dee Jepsen, agricultural safety and health program director for Ohio State, said all farmers should use precautions when storing any potentially hazardous materials.

"Any time you have bulk tanks there should be some sort of barrier," she said.

Jepsen said farmers should check all tanks for deterioration and make sure hoses and valves are well maintained. She added that it's important to train employees and family members who may use the tanks.

To read Ohio State University's fact sheet, visit www.ofbf.org and click on featured links. For questions regarding the regulations contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6397.