175 S. University St., W. Lafayette, IN 47907 (765) 494-1492

Bulk Storage and Containment Requirements for Fertilizers & Pesticides

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Must register bulk storage facility with OISC:

  1. Applies to any facility that stores or has containers capable of storing at least:
    1. Liquid fertilizer: single tank greater than 2,500 gallons or multiple tanks total greater than 7,500 gallons.
    2. Dry fertilizer: greater than 12 tons.
    3. Liquid agricultural pesticide: single tank 500 gallons.
    4. Dry pesticide: 4,000 pounds.
    5. Pesticide facilities include refillers whose principal business is retail sales, custom blenders, and commercial applicators
    6. Information from the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/pest-containm-scope.pdf.

  2. Bulk tanks must:
    1. Be stored in secondary containment dikes.
    2. Be durably marked with a serial number or ID code.
    3. Have a vent.
    4. Have a locked shutoff valve(s) when facility is not occupied.
    5. Have no leaks from tank or plumbing.
    6. Have no sight gauges on pesticide tanks; have locked sight gauges on fertilizer tanks.
    7. Be anchored unless the level in the tank is higher than the top of the dike wall.
    8. Have appurtenances and repairs made of compatible materials.

  3. Containment dikes must:
    1. Protected: min. cap. 100% of largest tank plus displacement of everything stored in dike.
    2. Unprotected from precipitation:
      1. Pesticide: 110% of the capacity of the largest tank.
      2. Fertilizer: 6” additional wall height beyond capacity of largest tank.
    3. Be sloped or walled to intercept and collect liquid.
    4. Have no drains or openings in containment dike floor or walls.
    5. Contain all plumbing (pumps, manifolds, valves, flexible hoses, etc.)
    6. Be kept free of debris or other materials or equipment.

  4. Loading and unloading pads must:
    1. Be constructed with an impermeable surface (concrete).
    2. Fertilizer: min. 10’ x 20’ and 750 gallons (100 ft3).
    3. Pesticides: 100% of the cap. of largest tank used on pad or max. 750 gallons.
    4. Be sloped to capture liquid.
    5. Have all spills or discharges cleaned up promptly.

  5. Pesticides: conduct monthly inspections, initiate same-day repairs, and keep records for three (3) years.

  6. Details regarding these rules and requirements are available at:
    1. Fertilizer Laws & Regulations
    2. More info from EPA