Best Management Practices
for
Blended Fertilizer Plants
in Florida
An Educational Publication Cooperatively Prepared By:
Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
October 1, 1997
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
GENERAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 3
DUST SUPPRESSION 4
STORMWATER 6
LOADING AND UNLOADING SITES 8
STORAGE SITES 9
STORAGE TANKS 9
WASHOUT FACILITIES 10
DISPOSAL OF RINSATE / CONTAMINATED NON-PROCESS WASTEWATER 10
PESTICIDE STORAGE and HANDLING 11
REFERENCES 12
APPENDIX A-1
APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY LAWS AND REGULATIONS A-1
Current Regulatory Requirements A-2
What Does the Stormwater General Permit Require? A-2
SPILL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS B-1
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS C-1
Emergency Reporting C-1
Non-emergency Numbers C-2
FERTILIZER PLANT MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST D-1
ii
INTRODUCTION
One of the most pressing water quality issues that this nation must face today is called nonpoint
source (NPS) pollution. Most of the large, obvious pollution sources like city sewers and
factories which discharged into our lakes, rivers and streams have been addressed in the last 25
years. Now we must tackle the more common, everyday sources which we often don鈥檛 even
think about. Unlike point sources of pollution, such as domestic or industrial wastewater
discharges, nonpoint pollution is from diffuse sources which can not be centrally collected and
treated. NPS pollution is associated with the cumulative effects of all of the every day activities
that occur within a watershed. Typical examples include erosion and sedimentation from
construction sites, septic tanks, and the stormwater runoff from roads, parking lots, factories,
suburban areas, and farms. Nonpoint source pollution is driven primarily by rainfall, which
causes pollutants which have accumulated on the land surface to run off into surface water or to
leach into the ground water.
Many of Florida鈥檚 water resources are particularly susceptible to pollution because of the unique
geology of the state. Floridians obtain almost all of their drinking water from wells. The ground
water supplies often lie very near the land surface or are overlain by coarse sands which allow
chemicals to leach through without much binding to the soil. Additionally, many of Florida's
surface waters are directly connected to our ground waters through sinks and springs.
Florida鈥檚 fertilizer industry has been aggressively involved for several years in ensuring that the
management practices used in fertilizer plant operations will provide for a safe, environmentally
sound workplace. The health and safety of fertilizer plant employees and the protection of air,
soil, and water are the primary goals of such management practices. Modern industry practices
involve the education of employees, reuse of waste and wastewater, better material management
practices, and improved site design to control runoff and potential spillage.
Every plant should implement practices to prevent the contamination of soil, surface water, and
ground water by the materials produced, stored, and handled at the facility. This document
describes a number of "Best Management Practices", or BMPs, which can be put into practice
through proper design and operation of the facilities. BMPs are control techniques used for a
given set of site conditions to achieve stormwater quality and quantity enhancement at a
minimum cost.
All blended fertilizer plants have some common functions that are areas for potential material
losses and/or the creation of pollutants that can get into stormwater at the plant. It is these
common functions this document seeks to address. Functions that are not common to all
fertilizer facilities need to be addressed in the development of an individual facility鈥檚 overall
management plan, especially it鈥檚 stormwater pollution prevention plan.
This booklet is intended to be an educational, not regulatory, document. The purpose is to
familiarize you with BMPs and the steps toward pollution prevention that you can carry out on
your property to protect the environment and improve the efficiency and profitability of your
business. This document represents an attempt to use educational outreach and voluntary
1
compliance with BMPs to enhance the business environment of the Florida blended fertilizer
industry. In this way the industry can continue to meet the plant nutrition needs of Florida鈥檚
agricultural community, and ultimately the American consumer, in an environmentally sound and
economically viable manner.
This document is meant to be a guide and educational tool. It is designed to raise the awareness
of potentially polluting practices or operations which, if modified, may eliminate the potential to
cause pollution of surface and ground waters. While the information contained herein is very
general, there are several excellent references listed in the reference section which contain more
detailed recommendations. Industrial consultants, material suppliers, and industry trade
associations may also be able to provide more information. Fertilizer plant managers are
encouraged to consult these and other references on specific practices which may apply to their
operation.
Before taking action, always check with local authorities in your area. Local ordinances and
Water Management District rules may be more restrictive than State or Federal regulations.
This document is not intended to be a substitute for compliance with federal, state, or local laws
or rules that may apply to blended fertilizer plants. Rather, it is meant to encourage the
implementation of BMPs and common sense good housekeeping practices which can prevent or
reduce the generation of pollutants and the discharge of pollutants to Florida's surface and ground
waters. By being a good corporate environmental steward, blended fertilizer plants can avoid or
minimize regulation and operate in an efficient and profitable manner.
General Best Management Practice Principles
The general approach to best management practices involves three principles:
Isolate all potential contaminants from soil and water,
Do not discharge any material, and
Dispose of waste materials in an environmentally sound manner.
REMEMBER! You have paid for your raw materials. It is up to you to ensure that all of these
materials go out the door in your product. No one will pay you for materials that are disbursed to
the environment through poor housekeeping practices. It will, however, cost you dearly if you
have to pay for an environmental cleanup operation, not to mention the possibility of fines and
other legal penalties.
2
GENERAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Good, progressive management practices are vital to preventing contaminated runoff, fugitive
dust, or spilled nutrients or product from reaching surface and/or ground water. Such practices
should be a part of the everyday management of a fertilizer facility. The managerial commitment
to institute the necessary fertilizer plant improvements and management procedures will assist a
fertilizer facility in stopping potential contamination problems before they occur. Of course, at a
small facility, the manager may wear many hats, but the managerial functions described below
apply regardless of how many people are involved. Some examples of managerial best
management practices include:
1. Appoint a pollution prevention/environmental management/emergency response
officer, in writing, to oversee all compliance with environmental regulations and
BMPs, to conduct internal inspections, and to work with the production team to
develop better methods of pollution prevention. He/she should also ensure that all
employees understand the concepts of pollution prevention and how it applies to
their job. This person should prepare a detailed, written emergency response plan,
and ensure that all employees are familiar with the emergency plan. This person
should report directly to the plant manager.
2. Plant staff should conduct regular plant inspections. The pollution prevention/
environmental management officer should perform daily "walk through"
inspections of the plant, with more detailed self-audits conducted monthly (see
Appendix D). Reports of such self-audits should be made to the senior
management of the facility and used to devise strategies to correct any
deficiencies noted.
3. Perform regular inspections and preventative maintenance of stormwater control
structures, barriers, slopes, retention areas, tank containment, etc. The facility
should be carefully observed during heavy rainfall events to ensure that no
contaminated discharges occur either to existing on-site stormwater systems, to
municipal storm sewer systems, or off site.
4. Plant management should work with qualified plant personnel or specialized
industry consultants to develop a plant-specific pollution prevention plan. The
plan should provide for implementation of BMPs for the facility and ensure the
incorporation of BMPs in the design of capital improvements to the facility. Such
plans should include detailed management and production practices and plans for
capital improvement of the facility where necessary to implement BMPs.
Projected budgets and a construction schedule should be included in the work
product. The plan should clearly outline the appropriate actions and lines of
communication to be followed if an employee reports an incident or undesirable
practice.
3
5. Conduct frequent employee training on plant safety, proper materials handling,
plant operations, and emergency procedures.
6. Ensure proper design and construction of plant facilities to prevent contamination
of stormwater and to prevent potential contaminants from leaving the plant area.
7. Ensure security through proper access control throughout the facility (e.g. security
fence/gates, lighting, surveillance, lockouts on secondary containment, etc.).
8. Maintain plant conditions through good housekeeping measures and proper
preventative maintenance as described in this manual.
9. Focus particular attention on the critical control and transfer points in the plant.
These are the locations where spills, dust emissions and runoff of nutrient-laden
water are most likely to occur.
Critical Control/Transfer Points:
Loading/unloading sites
Elevator shafts
Conveying systems
Area around mixers, screens and oversize mills
Wash areas
Material stockpiles/holding hoppers
Storage tanks
DUST SUPPRESSION
Nonpoint source pollution is driven by rainfall. But the pollutants in stormwater are from the
dust, oil, grease, etc. that settles on the ground and is washed away by the rain. Pollution
problems at blended fertilizer plants are usually caused by one of three mechanisms: nutrient
laden dust, spilled materials or material stored in the open, and equipment washwater.
The facility management should take every precaution to ensure that dust is confined internally to
the fertilizer plant and that the dust suppression methods used in the facility meet the OSHA
standards for internal air quality. Critical control/transfer points throughout the operation should
be closely monitored so the potential for dust emissions outside the walls of the facility is kept to
a minimum. Limiting the release of dust outside the facility will reduce the potential for the dust
becoming a source of air or water pollution or a nuisance.
Individual site requirements will dictate the type of dust control methods that are most
appropriate and the location of critical control/transfer points. Washing areas may not be
commonly identified as needing dust control, but dried residues must be prevented from
contaminating stormwater or being tracked elsewhere in the plant.
4
Figure 1. Covered truck loading area. Note the entire area is paved to facilitate sweeping.
There are several methods to control the amount of dust which escapes the manufacturing
process to prevent it from contaminating the surrounding area, including:
1. Application of dust control agents such as oil, ammonium polyphosphate,
molasses, lignon, etc.
2. Enclosing specific dust generating plant functions such as loading and unloading
areas and using enclosed conveyors.
3. Using curtains, shields, boots, socks, or other means of limiting dust and
containing dust to the interior of the facility, such as the polyethylene curtain
strips shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Dust suppression curtain across doorway.
5
4. Installing powered dust collection systems and keeping them properly maintained,
including regular servicing of air filtration devices.
5. Limiting the tracking of fertilizer residues between internal plants sites or around
the outside of the plant by sweeping up spilled materials as they occur.
Sweepings may be re-blended as filler or field applied at agronomic rates. If
pesticide impregnation is practiced, label instructions for handling and disposal
must be followed.
6. A routine sweeping regimen should be maintained for the plant area. High traffic
areas should be swept at least daily to keep dust under control and prevent
stormwater contamination should rain fall on unprotected areas. Outlying areas
receiving little traffic or nutrient dust may be swept less often, depending on the
need and whether structural stormwater controls are present. Vacuum sweepers
are more efficient than mechanical sweepers.
Figure 3. Tractor with sweeper brush.
STORMWATER
The stormwater management tool box contains many Best Management Practices (BMPs) that
can help prevent or correct stormwater problems. The stormwater tool box can be separated into
two main drawers: non-structural controls and structural controls. Generally, non-structural
controls are those that can help to prevent pollutants from getting into stormwater. Non-
structural controls often are called 鈥渟ource controls鈥? because they are used to limit the types
and amounts of potential pollutants that get into runoff.
Structural controls are used to help treat and remove stormwater pollutants. Until recently,
most stormwater programs, because of their focus on flood control, have relied solely upon
structural controls.
6
In Florida, the primary structural BMPs used for stormwater treatment include:
Retention practices - these BMPs are used to retain stormwater on-site and allow it to soak back
into the ground or to evaporate. Retention areas often are integrated into a site's landscaping as a
depressed area and they are grassed. Typical retention BMPs include retention basins, swales,
and exfiltration trenches. Retention practices commonly are used in areas with sandy soils and
where the water table is well below the land surface.
Detention practices - these BMPs are used to detain stormwater on-site and then slowly release it
at a controlled speed so that downstream flooding and erosion does not occur. Detention systems
typically have a permanent pool of water and often resemble a small pond. They sometimes
include a filtration system made of sand and gravel. Detention practices are used in areas with
high water tables and with soils that do not percolate very rapidly.
There is increasing emphasis on the 鈥淏MP treatment train鈥? concept, wherein several types of
stormwater controls are used together and integrated into a comprehensive stormwater
management system. Increasingly, swales are being used instead of storm sewers and small, off-
line depressional storage areas are being integrated into site plans, usually as part of the site鈥檚
open space and landscaping. These can not only reduce pollutants but reduce the overall size and
cost of downstream stormwater system components.
Stormwater should be managed to reduce the potential of stormwater runoff reaching surface
and/or ground water. Stormwater that has come into contact with fertilizer residue, dust, or non-
process wastewater is considered an industrial waste and should be collected in impermeable
containment structures and reused as outlined in the section on rinsate disposal.
The most effective method of reducing the scope, complexity, and cost of structural stormwater
controls is the use of non-structural controls to prevent contamination of the stormwater in the
first place. To minimize the storage volume needed to contain stormwater, it is recommended
that runoff or rainfall contact with fertilizer materials be limited by the following pollution
prevention practices:
1. Whenever possible, materials storage areas and loading and unloading areas
should be roofed to prevent rainfall from getting on raw materials, waste products,
or final products.
2. Steps should be taken to prevent stormwater contact with loading and unloading
areas, or areas that house blended product, raw materials, sweepings, settled dust,
or spillage. Paving, diking, curbing, contouring, or other water control methods
should be used to direct stormwater flow away from material storage areas,
transfer areas and high traffic areas, to prevent settled dust or spilled materials
from contaminating stormwater. Runoff contaminated with such materials must
be collected in an impervious containment facility, and may be used as make-up
water or field applied at agronomic rates. If the contamination includes
7
pesticides, it should be segregated and the label instructions for handling and
disposal must be followed.
3. Sweep spilled materials as they occur so they do not get into stormwater.
Sweepings may be re-blended as filler or field applied. Where sweeping is not a
practical option, such as for liquid facilities and equipment washing areas, water
should be collected in an impervious containment facility and should be field
applied at an agronomic rate.
4. A routine sweeping regimen in high traffic areas should be maintained. High
traffic areas should be swept at least daily to keep dust under control and reduce
stormwater contamination should rain fall on unprotected areas. Care should be
taken to control dust during the sweeping process.
5. Regularly inspect and, when needed, maintain structural stormwater management
systems that may be on-site. This will help to assure that they continue to operate
properly and that the stormwater does not harm our water resources.
LOADING AND UNLOADING SITES
A covered, impervious surface should be constructed to accommodate the largest delivery
vehicles. This will eliminate potential contact with runoff water and will expedite sweeping. All
spills and areas where dust may settle from loading and unloading operations should be swept
frequently, before wind or rain has the opportunity to spread the material. Diking, curbing,
contouring, or other control methods should be implemented to direct stormwater flow away
from the area.
Figure 4. Truck unloading area.
8
Areas used for liquid fertilizer blending and storage should be covered where practicable, and
should be curbed and sloped to contain any potential spills. The spill containment areas should
be equipped with a means of removing the spilled product, such as a sump pump.
Special considerations such as engineering design, portable dust boots or shields, or other
innovative methods of dust control will be needed for railroad load/unload sites.
STORAGE SITES
The area where materials are stored is also a critical point. Never store materials in the open
where they may be transported by wind and rain. Store them in covered areas over an
impermeable surface. Where bins are used for bulk storage, train your loader operators to sweep
up spills to prevent tracking material out of the plant. Tracking the material out of the plant can
result in wind and rain carrying nutrients into the ground or surface waters.
Guidelines for material storage areas:
1. Dry fertilizer, bagged products, and raw material should be covered and placed
on impervious surface.
2. Liquid fertilizer -- covering is desirable where practical; floor areas should be
impervious and should include such measures as diking, curbing, sloping, etc. to
control spills. Refer to the next section for tank containment requirements.
3. Water discharges from any storage area must be contained. Refer to the rinsate
disposal section for the proper handling procedures for wastewater.
STORAGE TANKS
All above ground storage tanks, with storage capacities greater than 550 gallons, that contain
pollutants as described in Chapter 62-762 F.A.C., must meet Florida鈥檚 storage tank rules. Water
collected in secondary containment areas may be handled as described under rinsate disposal or
discharged as provided in 62-762 F.A.C.
Specific management plans are required for the storage of mineral acids. These include
hydrobromic acid (HBr), hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), phosphoric acid
(H3PO4), and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Requirements of Chapter 62-767 must be followed.
9
Figure 5. Liquid fertilizer storage tank in secondary containment.
WASHOUT FACILITIES
Rinsate from truck, trailer, and/or application equipment washing should be contained in an
impervious containment structure. The containment structure should have no outlets or drains,
and should be emptied by pump only. Reuse of rinsate waters should follow procedures outlined
below.
Washwater from the undercarriage or engine degreasing operations is industrial wastewater and
must be handled in accordance with industrial waste regulations.
DISPOSAL OF RINSATE / CONTAMINATED NON-PROCESS WASTEWATER
Fertilizer rinsate and stormwater which has contacted the processing area and become
contaminated with process materials are considered to be industrial wastewaters. To avoid the
need for an industrial wastewater permit, these waters need to be recycled and reused. Potential
methods are:
1. Reuse in the manufacturing process.
2. Reuse as fill or make-up water.
3. Applied as a fertilizer product (analysis guarantee requires registration
with FDACS).
10
4. Evaporation from an impervious container, with solids used as filler or
applied at agronomic rates.
PESTICIDE STORAGE and HANDLING
When pesticides are stored at a fertilizer plant for retail sale or fertilizer impregnation, it is
imperative to ensure that the pesticides are stored properly. This will reduce the risk of
contaminating other material and surface and/or ground water due to poor handling practices and
accidents. In addition, proper handling and storage specifications will help to prevent injury to
plant employees.
1. Storage areas for pesticides should be separate from fertilizer storage and blending
areas. Insecticides and herbicides should be stored apart from one another.
2. Pesticide handling areas should be separated from the main floor of the plant by a
concrete curb to prevent spillage from contaminating other areas of the plant.
Hoses and fittings under pressure should be contained to prevent widespread
contamination in the event of rupture. The facility should be designed such that
awkward lifting or manipulation of pesticide containers is unnecessary to reduce
the potential for accidental spills.
3. Proper ventilation should be provided to prevent vapor buildup and reduce
temperature extremes. The minimum ventilation rate for an occupied storage area
is an air removal rate of six (6) times the volume of the room per hour, or 150
cubic feet per minute, whichever is greater. In unoccupied spaces, one air change
per hour is sufficient. Ensure that ventilation exhaust is away from work areas,
offices or public areas.
4. The interior floor of the pesticide area should be constructed of a strong,
impervious material. Any cracks in the floor should be immediately filled and
sealed to prevent leaking.
5. The pesticide storage area should be clearly marked as such, and should have the
appropriate signs placed at the entrance to the area and throughout the storage
area (ex. -- 鈥淣o Smoking鈥?, 鈥淎uthorized Personnel Only鈥?, 鈥淧PE Storage鈥?, 鈥淓xit鈥?,
etc.).
6. Locate and label the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and
hazardous spill material equipment near pesticide storage area. Protective
clothing should be worn when operating pesticide equipment, and spill
containment and clean-up materials should be readily available. Train all
appropriate employees on the proper use and procedures of this equipment.
11
7. Fire extinguishers should be placed at acceptable intervals and at exits. For ease
of use, fire extinguishers should be ABC rated.
8. Any materials contaminated by pesticides must be disposed of in accordance with
label instructions.
For additional information and details regarding pollution prevention practices and stormwater
management, facility operators should consult the references listed below.
REFERENCES
Building Plans and Management Practices for a Permanently-Sited Pesticide Storage
Facility in Florida. 1996. Copies are available from: Pesticide Information Office,
Florida Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Gainesville FL 32611,
Phone: (352) 392-4721
Designing Facilities for Pesticide and Fertilizer Containment, D. Kammel, R. Noyes, G.
Riskowski, and V. Hofman, MWPS-37, First Edition, revised 1995, Mid West Plan
Service. Copies are available from: Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Department, 122 Davidson Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-3080 (515)
294-4337
Environmental Handbook for Fertilizer and Agrichemical Dealers, TVA/NFERC-91/10,
Bulletin Y-223. Copies are available from: Tennessee Valley Authority Technical
Library, Muscle Shoals, AL 35660-1010. (205) 386-2714
External Visual Inspection Guidelines for Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tanks. Copies are
available from: The Fertilizer Institute, 501 2nd St., NE. Washington, DC 20002 Phone:
202-675-8250 Fax: 202-544-8123
Florida Development Manual, Stormwater Management, Volumes, I and II. Copies are
available from: Nonpoint Source Management Section, Bureau of Water Resources
Protection, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. MS 3570, 2600 Blair Stone
Rd. Tallahassee FL 32399-2400 Phone: (850) 921-9472 Fax: (850) 921-5217
The How-To's of Agricultural Chemical Storage. Copies are available from: Mid-
American Crop Protection Association. St. Louis, MO. (314) 849-9446.
Stormwater Management, A Guide for Floridians. Copies are available from: Nonpoint
Source Management Section, Bureau of Water Resources Protection, Florida Department
of Environmental Protection. MS 3570, 2600 Blair Stone Rd. Tallahassee FL 32399-
2400 Phone: (850) 921-9472 Fax: (850) 921-5217
12
Storm Water Sampling Manual. Copies are available from: The Fertilizer Institute, 501
2nd St., NE. Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202-675-8250 Fax: 202-544-8123
13
APPENDIX
APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Discharges of wastewaters or stormwaters from blended fertilizer plants may be regulated by
federal or state water pollution laws and regulations. These include:
1. Section 402 of the federal Clean Water Act which establishes the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. NPDES permits are required for
any wastewater discharges to surface waters. Traditionally, these regulatory requirements have
applied to domestic or industrial wastewater discharges. However, in recent years, they have
been expanded to include certain stormwater discharges. The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection administers the domestic and industrial wastewater discharge part of
the NPDES program in Florida.
The rules applicable to industrial wastewaters include Chapters 62-620 and 62-660,
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Industrial wastewater is defined as process and
non-process waters from blended fertilizer plant operations, including the runoff and
leachate from areas that receive pollutants associated with industrial storage, handling, or
processing.
On November 16, 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted rules
applicable to "stormwater associated with industrial activity" (40 CFR Part 122.26).
Currently, these rules are administered in Florida by the EPA. Stormwater associated
with industrial activity is defined as the discharge to surface waters from any conveyance
which is used for collecting and conveying stormwater and which is directly related to
manufacturing, processing, or raw materials storage areas at an industrial plant. Blended
fertilizer plants which discharge stormwater to surface waters or to a municipal
stormwater system are required to get an NPDES stormwater permit.
2. In February 1982, the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation implemented a
statewide stormwater rule that requires all new stormwater dischargers to obtain a stormwater
permit and treat their runoff using Best Management Practices (BMPs). Today, these rules are
implemented by the DEP and by the water management districts as part of the Environmental
Resource Permitting (ERP) program. Any blended fertilizer plant which began operation after
1982, or which modifies their stormwater management system, should have obtained a
stormwater permit from either DEP or the appropriate WMD. These plants will also have a
stormwater management system on-site.
A-1
Current Regulatory Requirements
A major objective of this BMP Manual is to assure that blended fertilizer plants do not have to
get industrial waste permits. This will require that any wastewaters generated by processes at a
blended fertilizer plant be recycled and reused during the manufacturing process. By doing this,
a blended fertilizer plant will then only be subject to stormwater regulations.
Under the NPDES stormwater permitting program, blended fertilizer plants which have
stormwater associated with industrial activity must either seek an individual permit or obtain
coverage under one of the two general permits that EPA has implemented for industrial
stormwater discharges. The baseline general permit was published in the Federal Register on
September 8, 1992. The multi-sector general permit was published in the Federal Register on
September 29, 1995. This latter permit includes a section (XI.C) specific to blended fertilizer
plants. Most plants likely have obtained coverage under the baseline permit since it has fewer
requirements. However, the baseline permit expires in September 1997 and EPA will not be
renewing it so only the multi-sector permit will be available.
To be covered, plants should have submitted a Notice of Intent to EPA before October 1, 1992
(for the baseline general permit) or before March 29, 1996 (for the multi-sector general permit).
However, coverage can still be obtained by submitting a Notice of Intent to EPA.
What Does the Stormwater General Permit Require?
The major requirement is to develop and implement a "stormwater pollution prevention plan"
which is tailored to the individual plant, its site specific conditions, and is designed to minimize
the pollutants in stormwater discharges from the site. The stormwater pollution prevention plan
must include:
Pollution Prevention Team. Each plant needs to select a Pollution Prevention Team from its
staff. The team is responsible for developing and implementing the stormwater pollution
prevention plan.
Components of the Plan. The general permit requires that the Plan contain a description of
potential pollutant sources, and a description of the BMPs to prevent or minimize pollution of
stormwater. The description of the potential pollutant sources must include:
A map of the plant indicating areas which drain to each stormwater discharge
point
A description of the industrial activities which occur in each drainage area.
A prediction of the pollutants which are likely to be present in the stormwater.
A description of the likely sources of pollutants from the site.
An inventory of the materials which may be exposed to stormwater.
The history of spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials for the last 3 years.
The BMPs to prevent or minimize pollution of stormwater must include:
Good housekeeping or upkeep of industrial areas exposed to rain and stormwater.
A-2
Preventive maintenance of stormwater controls and other plant equipment.
Spill prevention and response procedures to minimize the potential for and the
impact of any spills.
Testing all stormwater outfalls to insure there are no cross connections to
wastewater systems (only stormwater is discharged).
Training employees on pollution prevention measures and controls, and record
keeping.
Plants also are required to:
Identify areas with a high potential for erosion and the BMPs to be used to limit
erosion in those areas.
Implement structural stormwater BMPs (i.e., retention, detention, filters, etc)
where they are appropriate for the site.
Inspection/Site Compliance Evaluation - Plant personnel are required to inspect the plant
equipment and industrial areas on a regular basis. At least once every year a more thorough site
compliance evaluation must be performed by plant personnel.
Look for evidence of pollutants entering the stormwater system.
Evaluate the performance of pollution prevention efforts.
Identify areas where the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan should be revised
to reduce the discharge of pollutants.
Document both the routine inspections and the annual site compliance evaluation
in a report.
Signature - The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan must be signed by a responsible corporate
official such as the president, vice president, or general partner.
A-3
SPILL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Public Law 96-510 and Public Law 92-5000 (CERCLA) requires immediate notification of the
appropriate agency of the United States Government of a discharge of oil or hazardous
substances. 鈥淎ny such person who fails to notify immediately such agency of such discharge
shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year,
or both.鈥?
Pursuant to Chapters 376 and 403, Florida Statutes:
-The pilot or the master of a vessel, or person in charge of any terminal facility must
notify the Florida Marine Patrol or the United States Coast Guard within one hour of the
pollutant discharge.
-Any owner or operator of a facility who has knowledge of any release of a hazardous
substance from a facility in a quantity equal to or exceeding the reportable quantity in a 24 hour
period shall notify the State Warning Point within one working day of the release.
-The owner or operator having a discharge of petroleum products exceeding 25 gallons
on a pervious surface must report such discharge to the Department of Environmental Protection
or the State Warning Point.
REPORT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
1. Name, address, and telephone number of person reporting
2. Name, address, and telephone number of person responsible for the discharge or release,
if known
3. Date and time of the discharge or release
4. Type or name of substance discharged or released
5. Estimated amount of the discharge or release
6. Location or address of discharge or release
7. Source and cause of the discharge or release
8. Size and characteristics of area affected by the discharge or release
9. Containment and cleanup actions taken to date
10. Other persons or agencies contacted
B-1
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Reporting
National Response Center 24hrs. Toll-Free 1-800-424-8802
(Federal law requires that anyone who releases into the environment a reportable quantity of a
hazardous substance [including oil when water is or may be affected] or a material identified as a
marine pollutant, must immediately notify the NRC)
State Warning Point, 24hrs. Toll-Free 1-800-320-0519
(Department of Community Affairs, or (850)-413-9911
Division of Emergency Management)
State Emergency Response Commission (NOT a 24hr #) 1-800-635-7179
( For state spill reporting requirements. This is for follow-up reporting. In an emergency, call the
State Warning Point listed above. If Federal reporting is required, also call the National
Response Center. )
DEP Emergency Response, 24 hrs. Toll-Free 1-800-342-5367
(Florida Marine Patrol)
Jacksonville (904)-448-4320
Orlando (407)-893-3337
Ft. Lauderdale (954)-467-5966
Ft. Myers (941)-332-6975
Tampa (813)-744-6462
Panama City (850)-872-7650
Pensacola (850)-444-8300
Help line numbers
(For chemical hazard information and regulatory questions)
CHEMTREC HOT LINE 24 hrs Toll-Free 1-800-424-9300
SARA Title III help line Toll-Free 1-800-535-0202
CERCLA / RCRA help line Toll-Free 1-800-424-9346
Note: Be sure to document all phone calls and keep your records.
C-1
Non-emergency Numbers
Florida Fertilizer
and Agrichemical Association (941)-293-4827
(Andy LaVigne, Exec. Dir.)
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Bureau of Compliance Monitoring (850)-488-3314
Bureau of Pesticides (850)-487-0532
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FDEP Nonpoint Source
Management Section (Tallahassee) (850)-921-9472
Industrial Wastewater Section (850)-488-4522
Storage Tank Regulation Section (850)-488-3935
Bureau of Air Regulation (850)-488-1344
District Offices
Northwest (Pensacola) (850)-444-8300
Northeast (Jacksonville) (904)-448-4300
Central (Orlando) (407)-894-7555
Southwest (Tampa) (813)-744-6100
South (Ft. Myers) (941)-332-6975
Southeast (W. Palm Beach) (561)-681-6800
C-2
FERTILIZER PLANT MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
Practice Yes Per No N/A
plan
Best Management Practices
1. Do you have a site-specific pollution prevention plan?
2. Are the individuals responsible for environmental
management, safety and training, and emergency
response clearly identified?
3. Do the design and construction of plant facilities
prevent contamination of stormwater and prevent
potential contaminants from leaving the plant area? The
facility should be carefully observed to ensure that no
contaminated discharges occur either to existing on-site
stormwater systems or to municipal storm sewer
systems, or off-site by any other means.
4. Are inspections and maintenance of environmental
installations, barriers, slopes, retention areas, tank
containment, etc. performed regularly?
5. Is there proper security throughout the facility (e.g.:
security fence/gates, lighting, surveillance, lockouts on
secondary containment, etc.)?
6. Is a list of emergency response agencies and contacts
displayed in visible areas throughout the facility?
7. Is the most current response plan on file with all the
appropriate agencies (fire department, local emergency
planning agencies, etc.)?
8. Have you provided a tour of your facility to the local
emergency response team?
9. Are regular emergency response drills scheduled with
employees?
10. Are detailed maps of the facility provided in heavily
traveled areas? Maps should include location of fire
extinguishers, showers, eye wash stations, and
evacuation routes.
11. Do you maintain a detailed product inventory?
12. Is the proper emergency spill equipment on hand?
13. Have you assigned a designated spokesperson for media
inquiries in the event of an emergency?
14. Are first aid and eye wash stations maintained in critical
areas in the facility?
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15. Are employees trained on the purpose and proper use of
personal protective gear to limit the potential of
exposure to skin and eyes?
16. Is the property properly secured to control access in and
out of the facility?
17. Are sight gauges on tanks placed out of reach of
trespassers? Lock or secure all potential areas of release
-- e.g. Secondary containment valves, tank valves etc.
18. Are fuel and product tanks protected from potential
damage caused from vehicle collisions if they are close
to heavy traffic areas?
19. Is a label and material safety data sheet (MSDS)
maintained for each chemical stored at the facility,
including ammonia, certain fertilizer products,
pesticides, solvents, and other hazardous materials?
20. Have you informed employees of materials classified as
hazardous?
21. Have you ensured proper training in the handling of
hazardous materials?
Dust Control in Critical Control/Transfer Points
1. Are all fertilizer/raw material unloading and loading points designed
to minimize accidental release, and allow for easy cleanup?
2. Where possible, is a movable shroud or sock used for the transfer of
dry materials to reduce dust emissions and spills?
3. If dry materials are loaded/unloaded by conveyor, is the conveyor
covered to keep out storm water and eliminate fugitive dust?
4. Are areas under conveyor systems paved to prevent contamination of
runoff and to make sweeping easier?
5. Have protective pads been constructed at railroad loading/unloading
sites?
6. Are dry fertilizer and raw materials covered from the elements?
7. Are unloading, loading and other critical control points swept after
use to further control dust and spills?
8. Are curtains, shields, boots, socks and other means of limiting dust
inspected often to ensure the effectiveness of equipment?
D-2
Stormwater
1. Is stormwater diverted away from areas where it may become
contaminated, such as the loading/unloading areas, storage area,
truck traffic areas, etc.?
2. Is all stormwater which has contacted process areas, including
parking lots and driveways which handle truck traffic, contained in
an impervious containment structure and used for irrigation of
pasture or similar uses?
3. Are equipment rinse pads curbed to prevent rinsate from being
washed off the pad?
4. Are all stormwater conveyances and holding facilities inspected
frequently for cracks or leakage, and repaired immediately?
Storage Tanks/Liquid Handling
1. Are all tanks registered if required to be under Chapter 62-762?
2. Do all tanks and hoses have shut-off valves?
3. Are spill buckets located at all liquid transfer points?
4. Are the correct line and couplers provided at each transfer point?
5. Are all tanks and secondary containment inspected monthly for
deterioration, defects, leaking etc. and the inspection documented?
6. Are all storage tanks properly labeled?
7. Does containment volume equal at least 110 percent of the largest
tank capacity?
8. Are gravity drains in tanks and secondary containment basins
secured with lockable valves?
9. Are valves locked during off hours to prevent tampering?
10. Are all secondary containment walls and floors covered with an
impervious coating?
11. Are seams and cracks in secondary containment walls and floors
sealed in a timely manner?
Storage Sites
1. Are visible safety reminders and warnings placed in storage areas?
2. Is portable fire equipment located throughout the facility?
3. Are storage areas kept clean and clear of dust and damaged
materials?
4. Is adequate ventilation provided to prevent vapor accumulation?
5. Is the storage area properly secured to prevent entry during times
when facility is closed?
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6. Has consideration been given to the installation of a security system?
7. Is bagged ammonium nitrate stored at least three (3) feet from any
building wall?
8. Is bulk ammonium nitrate stored away from sludge products or
organic materials?
Processing/Mixing Area
1. Is the processing and mixing area covered?
2. If processing area is not covered, is a method of impervious
containment for impounding stormwater runoff in place?
3. Where possible, are fertilizer rinsates recycled to fertilizer
processing?
4. Are valves in the processing and mixing area properly labeled?
5. If pesticides are used in the blending process, are all pesticide
containers stored in an impervious, curbed area?
6. If pesticides are used in the blending process, are all mixing tanks,
pumps, hoses and other impregnation equipment located in some
type of containment to prevent widespread contamination of the
plant in the event of a spill or rupture?
Facility Water Source
1. If the water supply is from a municipal source, is required protection
from back-siphoning installed?
2. For on-site wells, is the wellhead elevated or curbed to protect from
leaks and spills entering the well?
3. Is the wellhead protected from back-siphoning?
Shop Area
1. Are batteries properly stored and disposed?
2. Are drums containing used oil properly labeled and stored in
contained areas?
3. Are chemical materials, solvents, paints, lubricants, etc. clearly and
accurately labeled?
4. Are solvents and other flammable materials properly stored?
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