By Scout Nelson
With planting season on the horizon, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) underscores the significance of adhering to established guidelines for bulk fertilizer storage.
These protocols aim to mitigate the risk of contaminating soil, waterways, and groundwater, which can occur from leaks in storage tanks or pipes for liquid fertilizers, or through leaching of dry fertilizers mixed with precipitation.
For environmental safeguarding, liquid fertilizer tanks must reside within a secondary containment system to manage spills. The storage of dry fertilizer necessitates an impermeable surface and a covered area to shield it from weather elements.
The MDA mandates that all farmers storing dry bulk fertilizer obtain a bulk storage permit, and those with more than 6,000 gallons of liquid fertilizer also need to secure a permit.
The permit process involves submitting an application, complete with secondary containment drawings and a $100 fee, before initiating construction or storage activities. Details and the application form are accessible on the MDA's official website.
Non-compliance with these storage requirements may trigger enforcement actions from the MDA, potentially leading to costly environmental cleanups. In the event of a fertilizer release into the environment, immediate notification is required to the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.
Farmers seeking further information on bulk storage regulations and permit procedures can reach out to Matthew Parins at 651-201-6587 or via email at Matthew.Parins@state.mn.us.
The MDA's proactive measures aim to ensure the safe storage of fertilizers, thus preventing environmental contamination and fostering responsible farming practices in Minnesota.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Government & Policy