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Anhydrous Ammonia Service Status Policy

Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division, Ph. 651-201-6275, Fax: 651-201-6117        FACT SHEET

 

The anhydrous ammonia (NH3) Service Status Policy was initiated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) on July 15, 2007. This Policy has recently been simplified, replacing the July 15, 2007 edition.

In Service Status

NH3 equipment and storage systems in this service status category are subject to full inspection and enforcement by the MDA. Equipment and storage systems in this service status category must always be in full compliance.

Out of Service Status

This service status must be established prior to an MDA inspection by the owner or operator.

The purpose of this service status category is to allow NH3 equipment and storage systems to be taken out of service in order to correct any non- compliance or for non-use/off-season placement, and is subject to limited inspection and enforcement based on the following conditions:

OUT OF SERVICE STATUS CONDITIONS FOR CADDY APPLICATORS AND NURSE TANKS

  1. Tag or equivalent, posted on equipment (i.e. “Tag It” magnet), must list:
    • Firm/person owning equipment;
    • Date taken out of service;
    • Authorized name (printed or signed name).
  2. Liquid level must be 10% or less
  3. Compliant nameplate or “DOT Special” per 49 CFR, Part 173.315(m)(2)
  4. Tank must be free of dents (½+” depth), defects, non-code welding, or documented by an R-stamp firm as being in sound condition
  5. Compliant pressure relief valve – i.e. Within 5 year service life based on installation record
  6. Hosing must be PROVEN emptied and pressure relieved to 0 psi or removed

 

Tanks and hosing PROVEN emptied and pressure relieved to 0 psi will not be required to meet conditions 1 through 5.

OUT OF SERVICE STATUS CONDITIONS FOR STORAGE TANKS/SYSTEMS

  1. Tag or equivalent, posted on storage tank/system (i.e. “Tag It” magnet), must list:
    • Firm/person owning storage tank/system
    • Date taken out of service
    • Authorized name (printed/signed name)
  2. Storage tank(s), components, piping, and hosing must be PROVEN emptied and pressure relieved to 0 psi

OUT OF SERVICE STATUS CONDITIONS FOR TOOLBARS AND OTHER NH3 APPLICATION EQUIPMENT

  1. Heat transfer unit (i.e. cooler), lines, and hosing must be PROVEN emptied and pressure relieved to 0 psi
  2. Break-away coupler must be removed.

The Service Status Policy does not apply if

NH3 equipment or storage system is involved in a complaint, incident, or storage facility permit inspection.

For more information, contact Ed Kaiser at Ed.Kaiser@ state.mn.us.

 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this information is available in alternative forms of communication upon request by calling 651-201-6000.

TTY users can call Minnesota Relay Service at 711.  The MDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.