NH3 security plan urges use of dye

Lansing, Mich.-Agricultural interests are supporting the recent adoption of statewide anhydrous ammonia safety and security practices which encourage, among other things, the use of a dye additive to discourage theft and unlawful uses. Without mentioning GloTell, the only such product available, the Michigan Agriculture Commission, which approved the practices, suggested use of a “dye that will on release from an ammonia tank stain skin and clothing in a highly visible manner.” Sellers and end users who voluntarily comply with this, along with using a functioning tank or valve lock, removing nurse tank hoses when not in use, parking tanks downwind of sensitive areas, not leaving tanks sitting in a field overnight, and not keeping full tanks on site any longer than absolutely necessary, will be granted immunity from personal injury and property damage claims caused by theft or unlawful use. The Michigan Agri-Business Assn. welcomes the Anhydrous Ammonia Safety and Security Practices, or AASSPs. In fact, reported MABA Policy Director Bob Tadsen, “We actually helped write the AASSPs, so we are very comfortable with them.” The agriculture commission was directed to develop and issue the AASSPs by March 29, 2007, under the Anhydrous Ammonia Security Act, Public Act 417 of 2006, with input from Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, State Police, Michigan State University Extension, producer groups, the fertilizer industry, and local law enforcement. A workgroup with these partners was organized last fall to identify the safety and security practices. Michigan Dept. of Agriculture Director Mitch Irwin noted, “The adoption of AASSPs by Michigan producers and the fertilizer industry helps protect anhydrous ammonia fertilizer for its agricultural use and curb its theft in Michigan for illegal use.”