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Farmers exempted from
chemical facilities anti-terrorism standards
By
Aimee Nielson
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Jan. 9, 2008) – In November, the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security released a list of chemicals of
concern, known as “Appendix A.” Appendix A includes such
chemicals as ammonium nitrate, anhydrous ammonia, potassium
nitrate and sodium nitrate. Kentucky farmers might use one or
all of these common chemicals in their operations. Initially the
standards included farmers if they possess the chemicals above
specified quantities and required them to register with DHS and
complete what’s known as a “Top-Screen” assessment by Jan. 21.
However, recent changes to the standards will exempt most
farmers from those requirements.
Greg Schwab, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture
extension soils specialist, said farmers and other end users
such as horticulture users and parks may not have to complete
the “Top-Screen” as long as users possess these chemicals solely
to use for treatment of crops, feed, land, livestock or other
areas of agricultural production facilities.
This exemption does not apply to chemical distribution
facilities or commercial chemical application services, Schwab
said.
The following is a partial list of common agricultural chemicals
and quantities specified in Appendix A:
• Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer – 2,000 pounds in a shipping
package (bags, truck, fertilizer buggies – basically anything
except bulk storage)
• Anhydrous Ammonia – 10,000 pounds total (Add all quantities in
nurse tanks and bulk tanks to get possession quantity.)
• Potassium Nitrate – 400 pounds in a shipping package
• Sodium Nitrate – 400 pounds in a shipping package
• Some common fumigants and insecticides. (Check Appendix A for
specifics.)
• Propane – 60,000 lbs (not counting tanks 10,000 pounds or
less).
The new DHS requirements were put into play when Congress passed
and President Bush signed the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act of 2007. A section of the act authorizes DHS
to require high-risk chemical facilities to complete security
vulnerability assessments, develop site security plans, and
implement risk-based measures designed to satisfy DHS-defined
risk-based performance standards. The act also authorized DHS to
enforce compliance with the security regulations, including
conducting audits and inspections of high-risk facilities,
imposing civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day, and shutting
down facilities that fail to comply with the regulations.
Schwab said those who meet the criteria should log onto the DHS
Web page at
http://dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1169501486197.shtm
and complete the Chemical Security Assessment Tool.
For more information about the DHS’ Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards visit the DHS Web site at
http://www.dhs.gov/chemicalsecurity
or call the CSAT Helpline at 866-323-2957 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
EST, Monday through Friday. |
Contact: Greg Schwab, 859-257-9780
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of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission, reaches across
the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension
to enhance the lives of Kentuckians. |
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