Farmers, Agribusinesses May Be Affected By New High-Risk Chemical Facility Regulation

January 4, 2008

Farmers and agribusinesses should review chemical guidelines and determine whether they will be affected by a new Department of Homeland Security regulation.

In an effort to increase the security of high-risk chemical facilities, the Department of Homeland Security recently released a list of chemicals that, if possessed by a facility in a specified quantity, would require them to complete a Chemical Security Anti-Terrorism Top-Screen assessment. Those required to go through this initial screening must do so before January 21.

Failure to comply with the regulations could result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day or the shut down of the facility.

Chemicals of interest and quantities that are most likely to affect agriculture include, but are not limited to:

  • Chlorine -- 2,500 pounds (bulk, not bagged or in some other transportation package).
  • Chlorine -- 500 pounds (bagged, on a trailer, or in some other transportation package).
  • Anhydrous ammonia -- 10,000 pounds (4 typical pull behind tanks, completely loaded).
  • Ammonium nitrate -- 2,000 pounds (bagged, on a trailer or in some other transportation package).
  • Potassium nitrate -- 400 pounds (bagged, on a trailer or in some other transportation package).
  • Sodium nitrate -- 400 pounds (bagged, on a trailer or in some other transportation package).

For more information on the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, or to view the chemicals of interest list, visit http://www.dhs.gov/chemicalsecurity.


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