DRY FERTILIZERS ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAINMENT
LOADING AND UNLOADING DRY FERTILIZER
1.0 PURPOSE:
Purpose of this guideline is to assist Association members in developing a loading and unloading system for dry fertilizers.
2.0 INTRODUCTION:
The main concerns when loading or unloading fertilizer is the potential contamination of surface water, groundwater, air and soil with fertilizer materials (or with pesticide impregnation systems).
Loading and unloading of fertilizer must be carried out in accordance with required government regulations.
Facilities must be designed and constructed to prevent environmental contamination. Current systems that are inadequate should be upgraded.
3.0 DESIGN OF FACILITIES
3.1 INTRODUCTION:
Loading and unloading facilities should be of a design that will reduce the risk of dry fertilizer escaping to the environment, and should permit easy cleanup of any spilled fertilizer.
3.2 CONCEPTS & PRINCIPLES:
Surface of the loading and unloading areas must be constructed of an impervious material (i.e. concrete or asphalt). The area must be larger than the vehicles being loaded and/or unloaded. The perimeter area should be sloped away from the loading or unloading area to permit rainwater to drain away (to prevent puddles). Spilled fertilizer can be swept up and re-blended in a dry useable form.
Sub-surface loading or unloading pits (elevators or augers) should be avoided if possible. Existing pits should be water-tight to prevent water from collecting in them, which may become contaminated with fertilizer ingredients. Any water that seeps into the pit should be pumped dry and the water reused (i.e. spray through floater, or empty into liquid manure tank for field applications).
Equipment (i.e. elevators, conveyors, etc.) should be of a design that does not permit fertilizer granules or dust to escape into the environment.
Transfer system (i.e. loader, bobcats, alleyways), should be developed to eliminate any unnecessary spillage and to permit easy cleanup when spills do occur.
Dry fertilizer that is dropped by gravity (i.e. from grain door of bulk trailers to unloading conveyor, or from bulk load out pipe to spreaders), a method should be put in place to reduce or eliminate airborne fertilizer (i.e. socks).
Bagged fertilizer must be handled in a manner to prevent fertilizer from escaping to the environment. Torn bags should not be transported. It is best to re-blend or re-package the fertilizer immediately.
Fertilizer storage warehouses should be constructed of materials that protect the fertilizer from the natural elements. Dry fertilizer should be stored in a manner to prevent contamination with other products. (i.e. seed, pesticides, grain, etc.)
3.3 RISK MANAGEMENT:
Potential for fertilizer escaping to groundwater, streams, ditches, etc., is greatest in areas where the soil is composed of porous sand and gravel. Heavy clay soil will reduce the leaching of fertilizer into the groundwater, but does not reduce the need for immediate cleanup.
All new facilities should consider rural locations that will be central for all customers. Reduce the risk of accidents due to road travel.
Monitoring surface runoff water from a ditch and on site wells for N, P, K (chlorine, sulphur, micronutrients optional), is a management tool to determine if any fertilizer is escaping to the environment.
4.0 OPERATIONS
4.1 TRAINING:
Training programs should be implemented at all blender sites for employees involved in handling of dry fertilizer to ensure the protection of the employees and the environment. Training programs should be documented and updated regularly.
4.2 INSPECTIONS:
Check all equipment for leaks of fertilizer and dust during operations.
Inspect roofs and bin walls for leaks of water or snow.
Be sure that all delivery equipment is safe for use on roadways.
4.3 ON-SITE SPILL MANAGEMENT:
Spills should be cleaned up immediately or at the end of the day to avoid the potential for soil and groundwater contamination.
Spills may need to be reported the Ministry of the Environment if there is any potential for an impact on the environment.
All dry fertilizer should be reused and wet fertilizer should be properly reused, recycled. (see Guidelines # 4, Fertilizer - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
4.4 EQUIPMENT CLEANUP:
Dry fertilizer handling equipment should be cleaned in a manner that will allow as much product as possible to remain in a reusable form. If water is used, be sure a proper method of collection is in place. (see Guidelines # 4, Fertilizer - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
4.5 SECURITY:
The site should be locked securely during non-working hours.
5.0 CHECKLIST:
o
Are you loading and unloading in an area constructed of impervious
material?o
Do you have loading or unloading pits?o
Do you have water entering these pits?o
Do you have a disposal method for fertilizer contaminated water?o
Do you have socks on your loadout spouts?o
Do you have ripped fertilizer bags?o
Do you have water settling in your loading areas?o
Is your building in a good state of repair?o
Is the soil type around your plant composed of porous material?o
Do you monitor surface or groundwater for fertilizer elements?o
Do you give the environment a top priority during all handling and mixing
procedures?o
Do you wash your equipment at your plant?
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