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etailers, increased access to fertilizer data, and consideration of alternative building designs for the storage of ammonium nitrate. Facilities, such as the one in West, Texas are required to compile a Tier II report or hazardous chemical inventory report, March 1 st of each year. It has been required by the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act since 1986. If you blend or mix fertilizers, you need to report the hazardous ingredients. This report is then available to local fire departments, Local Emergency Planning Committees and State Emergency Response Commissions annually. Knowledge about the chemicals stored is key to protecting the public. Local fire fighters and emergency responders need to know what chemicals are stored at Ag retail facilities. How do we tackle this mission of ensuring chemical safety in the Heartland? We integrate accident prevention and emergency planning with preparedness outreach programs. Here are a few examples: Region 7 partnered with MO-AG President Steve Taylor by asking him to deliver a presentation at the Regional emergency response semi-annual conference. Steve offered MOAG’s perspectives on future steps to reduce the risk of a tragic incident, like the one in West, Texas. He also is in an EPA video highlighting the need to enhance communications with emergency responders, which is being shown at our booth and is now on Region 7’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/eparegion7 4
Recently, EPA joined MO-AG, the Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC), OSHA and others in presenting workshops in Chillicothe, Warrensburg, and Springfield for fertilizer dealers. The goal is to educate fertilizer dealers about the laws to which they might be subject and to refresh their knowledge of safe chemical handling and storage. EPA contributes regulatory updates to MO-AG’s newsletter, which is an excellent source of information for you. Last month, EPA’s Ag Counselor Sarah Bittleman spoke at the Kansas Agribusiness Expo in Wichita. And this fall, I also met with Kansas agri-businessmen at the Kansas State Fair to discuss the need for better federal agency coordination. EPA met with the Fertilizer Institute and National Grain and Feed Association staff at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City in November. And Region 7 regularly updates all four State Emergency Response Commissions on chemical safety, regulation changes and developments in Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Our HQ office has tasked Region 7 to advise about the storage and use of ammonium nitrate. EPA is redoubling discussions with agribusiness associations and media outlets to promote the safe storage and handling of this chemical. 5
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chemical safety, nutrient reduction initiatives - US Environmental ...

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