Reynoldsburg, Ohio-The Ohio Dept. of Agriculture is reminding farmers that state regulations now require installation of secondary containment structures for bulk liquid fertilizer in the event of a spill. According to Robert Boggs, department director, the regulation adopted in 2001 required immediate compliance on modified or new facilities construction after Jan. 1, 2002, but provided a five-year grace period for those already built. Under the new rule, these structures must now comply where more than 5,000 gallons are stored for more than 30 days per year. “We will continue to work with farmers throughout the year to bring them in compliance,” said Boggs. “But we may have to take steps to enforce the regulation for those who refuse to comply.” He said more than 775 farmers either have submitted plans, have approvals pending, or have already made the required changes. When the regulation was implemented, the Department of Agriculture worked with Ohio State University Extension, fertilizer dealers, and the media to inform farmers of the new regulation.
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