Infosheet #4 - Fertilizer Handling and Storage

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Mixing and Loading - Dry or Liquid Fertilizer
  • 4-1 Distance from mixing/loading area to nearest surface water
  • 4-2 Distance from mixing/loading area to well
  • 4-3 Spill or leak containment in mixing/loading area
  • 4-4 Backflow prevention on water supply
  • 4-5 Filling supervision
  • 4-6 Handling system
• Cleanup and Disposal
  • 4-7 Disposal of rinsate (rinse water)
  • 4-8 Dry fertilizer (permanent mixing/loading area)
  • 4-9 Management
• Management of NH₃ (anhydrous ammonia)
  • 4-10 NH₃ management
  • 4-11 Dry formulation (bag and bulk)
  • 4-12 Liquid formulation
• Location
  • 4-13 Distance from fertilizer storage to nearest surface water
  • 4-14 Distance from fertilizer storage to well
  • 4-15 Security
  • 4-16 Dry formulation (bag and bulk)
  • 4-17 Liquid formulation
  • 4-18 Small containers (60 L or less)
  • 4-19 Large containers (more than 60 L)
  • 4-20 Liquid fertilizer storage monitoring

Introduction

This infosheet provides background to Worksheet #4 of the Environmental Farm Plan Workbook. It outlines options you could adopt to address problem areas in your operation. In most cases you'll need more information before implementation: please refer to the resource materials listed in the infosheet, and consult OMAFRA Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Technical Advisors.

All options are classed as Actions or Compensating Factors. Actions address the areas of concern identified, and will change the EFP rating to (3) or Best (4). Compensating Factors are alternatives that will adequately address the concerns, but will not change the rating in the EFP worksheets. Monitoring is an alternative only in special circumstances and is explained in the infosheet when and how it can be used.

At the request of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition, consisting of Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, AGCare, and the Ontario Farm Animal Council, the following people contributed to the development of Infosheet #4:

Michael Payne, OMAFRA (Chair)
Henry Neutens, TFIO
Tom Sawyer, TFIO
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

Technical Editing Committee:
Brent Kennedy, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

The following people contributed to the revision (2004) of Infosheet #4:

Michael Payne, OMAFRA (Chair)
Tom Bruulsema, Potash & Phosphate Institute
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

Technical Editing Committee:
H. J. Smith, OMAFRA
Jim Myslik, OMAFRA
Bob Stone, OMAFRA

OMAFRA = Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. Food and Rural Affairs
MOE = Ontario Ministry of the Environment

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Mixing and loading - Dry or Liquid Fertilizer

Issue: 4-1 Distance from mixing/loading area to nearest surface water

The shorter the distance between the fertilizer mixing/loading area and surface water, the greater the risk will be of contaminating surface water supplies. Steeply sloping topography and heavy soils, will further increase the chance of contaminated runoff reaching surface water if a fertilizer spill occurs.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Relocate mixing/loading area an adequate distance away from surface water:

• locate downslope from surface water where possible
• new mixing/loading location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• moving permanent structures could result in structural damage.

Option #2 - Action

Move surface water away from fertilizer mixing/loading area:

• a small watercourse could be redirected and moved further away from the mixing/loading area or moved underground through a non-perforated tile system
• make sure necessary approvals are received for this change
• new surface water location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better.

Option #3 - Action

Increase the flow path distance between surface water and fertilizer mixing/loading area:

• earthen berms can be built which will redirect any spillage to run alongside the watercourse for a distance instead of running directly into the watercourse
• flow path distance should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better.

Option #4 - Monitoring

For mixing/loading areas which have an impermeable floor, a curb installed to collect spills and are not cracked or leaking, monitor mixing/loading area regularly, visually checking for spills, leaks, cracks or seepage of liquids from the structure.

For More Information:

• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Issue: 4-2 Distance from mixing/loading area to well

The greater the distance between the mixing/loading area and the well, the less chance there is that a spill will collect in the vicinity of the well head and cause direct contamination. Also, if leakage out of the mixing/loading area reaches groundwater, contamination reaching the well is less likely if the well is located further away from the mixing/loading area. The soil type, depth to water table and bedrock will also influence the contamination potential.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Locate mixing/loading area an adequate distance away from well:

• locate mixing/loading area downslope of well if possible
• new location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• where the minimum legal separation distance cannot be attained due to site restrictions, seek guidance from MOE
• test well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year, and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate) until the new mixing/loading area is built
• most suitable for portable structures
• moving permanent structures could result in structural damage.

Option #2 - Action

Relocate well away from fertilizer mixing/loading area:

• make sure old well is properly removed from use (abandoned according to Regulation 903)
• new location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• where the minimum legal separation distances cannot be attained due to site restrictions, seek guidance from MOE
• test well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year, and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate) until the new water well is installed
• investigate water well records in the area.

Option #3 - Monitoring Well Water

For existing fertilizer mixing/loading areas which have an impermeable floor, a curb installed to collect spills and floors that are not cracked or leaking, test the well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year, and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate):

• monitoring of well water is not a solution. In the instance a test reveals contamination of the well water have a plan of action in place to immediately identify and address the source of contamination
• if you have an EFP rating of (1), contact MOE for further guidance.

For More Information:

• Water Wells & Groundwater Supplies, the Protection of Water Quality in Bored and Dug Wells, MOE, 2003
• Water Wells & Groundwater Supplies, the Protection of Water Quality in Drilled Wells, MOE, 2003
• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pages 14-21

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Issue: 4-3Spill or leak containment in mixing/loading area

Fertilizer spills, if cleaned up will not contaminate surface or groundwater or run off the surface to contaminate streams, ditches, ponds, etc.

If a water source is contaminated as a result of a spill or leak of fertilizer from a storage, a landowner may be penalized.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Construct a mixing/loading area with impermeable floor, curb and permanent roof to exclude rainfall:

• exclude rainwater from mixing/loading area.

Option #2 - Action

Construct a mixing/loading area with impermeable floor and curb and holding tank to contain all collected liquids moving off the mixing/loading pad. Issues to be considered:

• volume of contaminated liquids collected as a result of rainfall on the mixing/loading area
• cost of storage facility versus covering the mixing/loading area with a permanent roof
• removal system for contaminated liquid in storage including costs.

Option #3 - Action

Mix and load product at site of application away from surface water, wells, etc. No regular mixing/loading area at one location:

• portable water supply

Option #4 - Action

Mixing/loading done at field site using temporary plastic-lined berms for containment.

For More Information:

• Pesticide Contamination of Farm Water Supplies: Recommendations on Avoidance, Clean-up & Responsibilities, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 00-099
• Pesticide Handling Facility, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 94-037
• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 39

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Issue: 4-4 Backflow prevention on water supply

Eliminating the potential for backflow from a fertilizer tank to a water well or surface water will reduce the potential risk to human health. The backflow from a tank can quickly contaminate a water well or surface water.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use a separate tank to supply water to the fertilizer tank. Water would be pumped from a well or water source into the water tank and moved to the mixing/loading area, which would be located at an adequate distance from wells and surface water:

• location and availability of water source
• location for mixing/loading site.

Option #2 - Action

Install a permanent anti-backflow device on the water supply line:

• source of water supply, i.e. well versus surface water.

Option #3 - Action

Maintain a permanently fixed 6 inch air gap between the water supply line and the fertilizer tank.

For More Information:

• Pesticide Contamination of Farm Water Supplies: Recommendations on Avoidance, Clean-up & Responsibilities, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 00-099
• Pesticide Handling Facility, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 94-037
• Grower Pesticide Safety Course Manual, 2004, page 125
• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 17, 39

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Issue: 4-5 Filling supervision

The supervision of sprayer filling will reduce the potential for spills and possible surface and ground water contamination.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Ensure constant supervision of sprayer filling.

For More Information:

• Pesticide Contamination of Farm Water Supplies: Recommendations on Avoidance, Clean-up & Responsibilities, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 00-099
• Pesticide Handling Facility, OMAFRA Factsheet Order No. 94-037
• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Issue: 4-6 Handling system

The less handling and exposure of liquids to open air the less risk of a spill and contamination of surface water or ground water supplies.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Install a closed system for the transfer of liquid products.

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Cleanup and disposal

Issue: 4-7 Disposal of rinsate (rinse water)

Fertilizer rinsate must be treated in the same manner as the fertilizer and applied to crops so as not to contaminate water supplies. Rinsate that is applied to crops close to surface water and wells may cause water contamination problems.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Apply sprayer rinsate to recommended crops at adequate separation distances from surface water and wells:

• each type of sprayer rinsate will have to be collected separately so that it may be applied to its recommended crop, i.e. sprayer rinsate for different spray materials should not be mixed unless the materials are compatible and applied to fields at recommended rates.

For More Information:

• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Issue: 4-8 Dry fertilizer (permanent mixing/loading area)

Spills of dry fertilizer are to be contained and cleaned up so as not to contaminate water supplies.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Store and load dry fertilizer on an impermeable pad. Sweep pad down daily:

• spilled fertilizer should be applied to fields at recommended rates.

Option #2 - Action

Store and load dry fertilizer on an impermeable pad. Sweep down pad after any spill has occurred:

• spilled fertilizer is applied to field at recommended rates.

Option #3 - Compensating Factor

Dry fertilizer spills which occur on permeable sites (in field, on dirt floors, etc.) are cleaned up immediately:

• spilled fertilizer is applied to field at recommended rates.

For More Information:

• Agronomy Guide for Field Crops OMAFRA Publication 811
• Field Crop Protection Guide, OMAFRA Publication 812

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Issue: 4-9 Management

Without a written emergency plan in place and without spill clean up equipment available a farmer will be very vulnerable to damages incurred as the result of a spill. Farmers will not be aware of proper procedures to halt the spill and clean it up.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Prepare a written emergency plan and have spill clean up equipment available either on your farm or at a readily accessible location:

• include necessary details in plan
• keep plan in location where it is readily accessible
• inform others on the farm of the plan and its' location.

For More Information:

• Farm Contingency Plans - EFP Program
• Grower Pesticide Safety Course Manual, 2004, pp. 191, 201, 209
• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Management of NH₃ (anhydrous ammonia)

Issue: 4-10 NH₃ management

Because it is a compressed toxic gas, NH₃ is the most dangerous fertilizer product used in Ontario agriculture. Therefore it demands a high level of careful handling.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Inspect all tanks, hoses and safety equipment before using. Replace or repair damaged equipment. Request safety training for everyone using NH₃. Training is available through most NH₃ suppliers:

• operators must be supplied with neoprene gloves and safety goggles when using NH₃
• safety water bottles must be attached to each piece of NH₃ equipment
• safety training shows users the correct safe procedures to follow when using NH₃
• safety training teaches operators what to do in case of an emergency.

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Issue: 4-11Dry formulation (bag and bulk)

The smaller the quantity of fertilizer stored on the farm, the lower the risk of spills and contamination of surface or ground water.

If you do purchase fertilizer, purchase only that which is required and as close to the time of use as possible.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Have your fertilizer custom applied:

• no more than one tonne stored for longer than immediate use period
• availability of custom applicators or economics could be a concern.

Option #2 - Action

Purchase only the quantity of fertilizer required to grow the current, immediate crops:

• no more than one tonne of fertilizer stored for longer than immediate use period
• requires accurate estimation of fertilizer quantities needed.

For More Information:

• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Issue: 4-12Liquid formulation

The smaller the quantity of fertilizer stored on the farm, the lower the risk of spills and contamination of surface or ground water.

If you do purchase fertilizer, purchase only that which is required and as close to the time of use as possible.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Have your fertilizer custom applied:

• no more than 200 litres stored for longer than immediate use period
• availability of custom applicators or economics could be a concern.

Option #2 - Action

Purchase only the quantity of fertilizer required to grow the immediate, current crops:

• no more than 200 litres of fertilizer stored for longer than immediate use period
• requires accurate estimation of fertilizer quantities needed.

For More Information:

• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Location

Issue: 4-13Distance from fertilizer storage to nearest surface water

The shorter the separation distance between the fertilizer storage and surface water, the greater the risk will be of contaminating surface water supplies. Steeply sloping topography and heavy soils, will further increase the chance for contaminated runoff to reach surface water if a fertilizer spill occurs.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Move the fertilizer storage an adequate distance away from surface water:

• locate downslope from surface water where possible
• new storage location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• most suitable for portable storage
• moving permanent structures could result in structural damage and may be cost prohibitive.

Option #2 - Action

Move surface water away from fertilizer storage:

• a small watercourse could be redirected and moved further away from the storage or moved underground through a non-perforated tile system. Make sure necessary approvals are received for this change
• new surface water location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better.

Option #3 - Action

Increase the flow path distance between surface water and fertilizer storage:

• earthen berms can be built which will redirect any spillage to run alongside the watercourse for a distance instead of running directly into the watercourse
• flow path distance should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better.

Option #4 - Monitoring

For existing liquid storages which have secondary containment comprised of an impermeable floor that is not cracked or leaking and a curb/berm installed to collect spills, and for dry fertilizer storages which have an impermeable floor, monitor storage regularly, visually checking for spills, leaks, cracks or seepage from storage.

For More Information:

• Containment of Fertilizers and Pesticides at Retail Operations, TVA National Fertilizer & Environmental Research Center, Muscle Shoals, Al

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Issue: 4-14Distance from fertilizer storage to well

The greater the distance between the fertilizer storage and well, the less chance there is of a spill collecting in the vicinity of the water well head and causing direct contamination. Also, if leakage out of the storage reaches the ground water, contamination reaching the water well is less likely if the well is located further away from the storage. The soil type, depth to water table and bedrock will also influence the contamination potential.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Locate storage an adequate distance away from water well:

• locate storage downslope of well if possible
• new storage location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• where the minimum legal separation distance cannot be attained due to site restrictions, seek guidance from MOE
• test well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year, and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate) until the new storage is in operation
• most suitable for portable storage
• moving permanent structures could result in structural damage and may be cost prohibitive.

Option #2 - Action

Relocate water well away from fertilizer storage:

• make sure old well is properly removed from use (abandoned according to Reg. 903)
• new location should change the final EFP distance rating to a (3) or better
• where the minimum legal separation distances cannot be attained due to site restrictions, seek guidance from MOE
• test well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year, and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate) until the new water well is installed.

Option #3 - Monitoring Well Water

For existing liquid fertilizer storages which have secondary containment comprised of an impermeable floor that is not cracked or leaking and a curb/berm installed to collect spills, and for dry fertilizer storages which have an impermeable floor, test the well water for indicator bacteria at least three times a year and once a year for other parameters (such as nitrate):

• monitoring of well water is not a solution. In the instance a test reveals contamination of the well water, have a plan of action in place to immediately identify and address the source of contamination.
• if you have an EFP rating of (1), contact MOE for further guidance.

For More Information:

• Water Wells & Groundwater Supplies, the Protection of Water Quality in Bored and Dug Wells, MOE, 2003
• Water Wells & Groundwater Supplies, the Protection of Water Quality in Drilled Wells, MOE, 2003
• Best Management Practices Books: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, pp. 14-21

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Issue: 4-15Security

Fencing and locks deter vandalism and theft. Security fencing also reduces the chance of children playing in the area. Sight gauges on liquid storages facilitate product monitoring.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Use temporary fencing for short term storage:

• storage area can be adjusted depending on the quantity of fertilizer stored.

Option #2 - Compensating Factor

Reduce the quantity on hand:

• no more than one tonne or 200 L of fertilizer stored for longer than immediate use period.

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Issue: 4-16Dry formulation (bag and bulk)

For health and safety reasons, it is important to store fertilizer in a location where it will not contaminate water and not create a health hazard for humans and animals. In the event of a fire, fertilizer should be stored in a separate facility where fumes, explosions, water, etc., will not affect the health and safety of humans and livestock.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Store fertilizer in a separate free standing storage building:

• locate storage away from the water well and/or surface water
• consider the proximity to mixing/loading area
• new storage building must meet requirements of "Ontario Building Code". (Check with Municipality.)

Option #2 - Action

Storage in one designated area that is partitioned off within another storage area:

• not as costly as a free-standing separate storage.

For More Information:

• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Issue: 4-17Liquid formulation

Spills or leaks are to be contained in the storage area so as not to contaminate ground or surface water. Impermeable floors can contain small spills and allow them to be easily cleaned up.

What can you do?

Option #1 - Action

Ensure that the secondary containment area is impermeable (e.g. sealed concrete, with curb) and of sufficient size to contain a minimum of 110% of the volume of the storage:

• design and place floor slab so that cracking will be minimal
• no floor drain.

Option #2 - Action

Construct a clay-lined berm system to provide secondary containment of sufficient size to contain a minimum of 110% of the volume of the storage around the liquid storage.

For More Information:

• Best Management Practices Book: Water Management, Order No. BMP 07, page 45

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Issue: 4-18Small containers (60 L or less)

Clear and proper labelling is important to reduce the risk of crop damage due to the wrong product being used. Some products when improperly mixed can give off dangerous gases creating a safety hazard.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Keep product in original containers with proper labels. Keep sample labels on file. Dispose of damaged and unidentifiable containers at an approved disposal site after they have been adequately rinsed of fertilizer solution:

• most suppliers will supply product sample labels on request. These can be kept on file in the farm office in case the original label becomes unreadable.

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Issue: 4-19Large containers (more than 60 L)

Clear and proper labelling is important to reduce the risk of crop damage due to the wrong product being used. Some products when improperly mixed can give off dangerous gases creating a safety hazard.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Keep product in original containers with proper labels. Keep sample labels on file:

• most suppliers will supply product sample labels on request. These can be kept on file in the farm office in case the original label becomes unreadable. Containers should be well constructed and properly maintained. Dispose of damaged and unidentifiable containers at an approved disposal site after they have been adequately rinsed of fertilizer solution.

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Issue: 4-20 Liquid Fertilizer Storage Monitoring

Monitoring of both the storage and the containment area on a regular basis reduces the risk of loss of material. Daily visual inspections can detect minor leaks before they become major. Yearly inspections of the storage tank & valve system should be done prior to filling. Never enter a storage tank without proper training & equipment for confined space entry.

What can you do?

Option - Action

Daily visual inspection of secondary containment areas when the storage is in use and yearly documented inspection of the storage tank prior to use is recommended. Inspection records should be kept on site. A sample inspection form is available on request.

For More Information:

• Ontario Agri-business BA Liquid Fertilizers Environmental Containment Guidelines #2
• OABA Liquid Fertilizers Dyking Containment Guidelines #3

Infosheet Table of Contents

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