United States Office of Solid Waste EPA-F-00-005
Environmental Protection and Emergency Response March 2000
Agency (5104) www.epa.gov/ceppo/
Anhydrous Ammonia Theft
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this Alert as part of its ongoing effort to
protect human health and the environment by preventing chemical accidents. EPA is striving to
learn the causes and contributing factors associated with chemical accidents and to prevent their
recurrence. Major chemical accidents cannot be prevented solely through regulatory requirements.
Rather, understanding the fundamental root causes, widely disseminating the lessons learned, and
integrating these lessons learned into safe operations are also required. EPA publishes Alerts to
increase awareness of possible hazards. It is important that facilities, SERCs, LEPCs, emergency
responders, and others review this information and take appropriate steps to minimize risk. This
document does not substitute for EPA's regulations, nor is it a regulation itself. It cannot and does
not impose legally binding requirements on EPA, states, or the regulated community, and the
measures it describes may not apply to a particular situation based upon circumstances. This guid-
ance does not represent final agency action and may change in the future, as appropriate.
Who should read this Alert? This Alert discusses the potential hazards of anhydrous
ammonia releases caused by theft, steps facilities can take to prevent theft and how
to minimize health and safety risks associated with accidental releases. This Alert
should be read by individuals who operate and maintain agricultural retail operations,
facilities with ammonia refrigeration systems and farmers who apply anhydrous
ammonia as a fertilizer. Furthermore, this Alert should be reviewed by law enforce-
ment personnel, emergency responders and members of Local Emergency Planning
Committees (LEPCs).
PROBLEM ACCIDENTS
Anhydrous ammonia is used as an agri- A number of anhydrous ammonia thefts
cultural fertilizer and industrial refrig- have resulted in accidental chemical
erant. The substance is stored and used releases from agricultural retailers and
at agricultural retailers and facilities facilities with ammonia refrigeration sys-
with ammonia refrigeration systems. tems. The accidents have occurred when
Anhydrous ammonia also is a key valves were left open as anhydrous
ingredient in the illegal production of ammonia was siphoned off; locks were
methamphetamines. Illegal drug mak- sawed or broken; anhydrous ammonia
ers often steal anhydrous ammonia was transferred inappropriately into
ALERT
from areas where it is stored and used. makeshift containers such as propane
Anhydrous ammonia is stored as a liq- tanks used on barbeque grills; plugs were
uid under pressure, however, it removed from anhydrous ammonia lines
becomes a toxic gas when released to at refrigeration facilities; or the wrong
CHEMICAL SAFETY
the environment. Anhydrous ammonia hoses and/or fittings were attached to stor-
can be harmful to individuals who age containers, causing leaks and spills
come into contact with it or inhale air- that would otherwise not have occurred.
borne concentrations of the gas. When
stolen, the toxic gas can be uninten- The following section describes several
tionally released, causing injuries to recent examples in more detail.
emergency responders, law enforce-
眉 April 1997 - More than 2,000 pounds
ment personnel, the public, and the
criminals themselves. of anhydrous ammonia were released
from a refrigerated warehouse. A
Page 2 Chemical Accident Prevention: Anhydrous Ammonia Theft March 2000
drag the passenger and driver from the car,
fence was cut to gain entry into the facility
were also injured as a result of the ammonia
and the anhydrous ammonia was removed
release.
through a valve on an oil separator. The
valve was left open. Fortunately, the release
眉 February 2000 - Approximately 1000 pounds
was mitigated by a rain storm that knocked
down the anhydrous ammonia vapor as it of anhydrous ammonia were released when
was being released to the outside air. The someone intentionally opened a valve in the
warehouse owner replaced the fence, middle of the night at a fertilizer dealer in
installed a valve lock on the oil separator Missouri. The ammonia release caused 300
valve, and requested enhanced police surveil- residents to be evacuated from their homes
lance following the incident. and two persons reported respiratory irrita-
tion problems. Ammonia theft has been
眉 April 1998 - An individual attempted to steal almost a weekly occurrence at this facility.
A local law enforcement investigation is cur-
anhydrous ammonia from a nurse tank at a
rently underway.
retail agricultural dealer in Iowa. The liquid
withdrawal valve was left open on the nurse
HAZARD AWARENESS
tank and caused an ammonia release that
quickly vaporized to the air. One passerby
Anhydrous ammonia is used widely and in large
was overcome by the anhydrous ammonia
quantities for a variety of purposes. More than
fumes and collapsed. Another nearby resi-
80% of the ammonia produced in the United
dent was overcome by ammonia fumes after
States is used for agricultural purposes; less
leaving her home. Both individuals were
than 2% is used for refrigeration. Ammonia is
hospitalized. Several other area residents
generally safe provided handling, operating, and
were evacuated as a precaution. The agricul-
maintenance procedures are followed.
tural dealer installed security lights following
Anhydrous ammonia is toxic, however, and can
the incident.
be a health hazard. Effects of inhalation of
眉 April 1999 - A hose on a 30,000-gallon bulk anhydrous ammonia range from lung irritation
to severe respiratory injuries, with possible
storage tank of anhydrous ammonia was cut
fatality at higher concentrations. Anhydrous
intentionally by thieves which resulted in an
ammonia also is corrosive and can burn the skin
accidental release at an Illinois fertilizer
and eyes. Liquefied anhydrous ammonia is
dealer. One police officer was hospitalized
stored as a liquid and has a boiling point of
and a highway was shut down for a half
minus 28 degrees Fahrenheit. At this tempera-
hour.
ture it can cause freezing burns.
眉 May 1999 - One person was killed when a
When stored for agricultural purposes and for
makeshift container of anhydrous ammonia
use in refrigeration systems, anhydrous ammo-
he was holding exploded. The death
nia is liquefied under pressure. Liquid anhy-
occurred when two individuals were driving
drous ammonia expands 850 times when
on an interstate highway in Missouri. The
released to ambient air and can form large
driver was severely injured. The ammonia
vapor clouds. Also, liquid anhydrous ammonia,
was to be used for methamphetamine pro-
if accidentally released, may aerosolize (i.e.,
duction. Since the cause of the smoke ema-
small liquid droplets may be released along
nating from the car was not immediately
with ammonia gas) and behave as a dense gas,
known, one fire-fighter, one emergency med-
even though it is normally lighter than air.
ical technician, and one member of the gen-
eral public, all of whom stopped to help and
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Page 3 Chemical Accident Prevention: Anhydrous Ammonia Theft March 2000
Anhydrous ammonia may also cause water enough "residual" ammonia is left in a typical
vapor to condense in the air forming a visible transfer hose for a criminal to use for metham-
white cloud. Therefore, when anhydrous phetamine production.
ammonia is released to the air, it may travel
along the ground in a cloud instead of immedi- Anhydrous ammonia theft appears to occur in
ately rising into the air and dispersing. This waves with thieves stealing the chemical multi-
dense gas behavior may increase the potential ple times at one location. Criminals prefer to
for exposure of workers and the public. use anhydrous ammonia to manufacture
methamphetamine because many of the other
Anhydrous ammonia containers have particular ingredients needed to make the drug are avail-
specifications as required by the Department of able commercially. Additionally, the fact that
Transportation (DOT). Storage tank specifica- anhydrous ammonia speeds up the manufactur-
tions for anhydrous ammonia ensure that it is ing process to just a few hours makes it attrac-
stored properly as a pressurized liquid and a tive to drug makers.
corrosive chemical. For example, some storage
containers for anhydrous ammonia must have Attempted thefts have occurred at such unlikely
rated pressure relief devices to reduce the likeli- places as refrigeration systems holding ammo-
hood of over pressurization of the container. nia, underground pipelines carrying ammonia,
Because anhydrous ammonia is corrosive, spe- and rail cars transporting anhydrous ammonia.
cific valves and hoses that do not readily cor- Often thefts are aborted when thieves are
rode have to be used. injured or overcome by the toxic gas. During
these aborted attempts, "tools" are often left
Pure anhydrous ammonia vapors can become an behind, such as duct tape, inner tubes, buckets,
explosion hazard when in a confined space at coolers, and/or propane barbeque bottles.
concentrations between 16 and 25 % by vol- Several states have passed legislation making it
ume. Mixtures involving anhydrous ammonia a felony to tamper with or steal anhydrous
contaminated with lubricating oil (e.g. in a ammonia, or hold the substance in a non-
refrigeration system), however, may lower the approved container.
explosive range.
Special note to first responders:
Anhydrous ammonia can be recognized by its Anhydrous ammonia can be found in the DOT
pungent odor. Odor threshold varies with the Emergency Response Guidebook under Number
individual but ammonia can usually be detected 125. The UN Number for anhydrous ammonia
at concentrations above 5 ppm. Concentrations is 1005 and is placarded Class 2.2,
above 100 ppm are uncomfortable to most peo- Nonflammable gas.
ple; concentrations in the range of 300 to 500
ppm will cause people to leave the area and are Anhydrous ammonia corrodes brass valving
immediately dangerous to life and health. turning the brass to a blue/green color. When
inside inappropriate pressure cylinders (e.g.
CLANDESTINE USE propane cylinders), anhydrous ammonia attacks
brass valving from the inside out. In this situa-
Anhydrous ammonia can be as inexpensive as tion, it is difficult to assess the integrity of valv-
$200 a ton for agricultural purposes, but can ing from outside physical appearances.
sell for as much as $300 per gallon on the black Extreme caution should be used when handling
market when obtained illegally. Very small inappropriate containers storing anhydrous
amounts of anhydrous ammonia are needed to ammonia. Brass valving that appeared to be
make a batch of methamphetamine. In fact, physically intact from outside appearance has
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Page 4 Chemical Accident Prevention: Anhydrous Ammonia Theft March 2000
眉 Consider installing other theft deterrent
been known to break off in the hands of respon-
ders creating an uncontrolled release from the measures such as motion detector lights,
container. Also, these containers should not be motion detector alarms, security patrols,
transported in the trunks of cars or other vehi- and/or video surveillance.
cles where the container and the occupant are in
the same compartment. * The ANSI Standard K61.1 states under section
6.7 "Protection of Container and
Furthermore, responders should take care in Appurtenances" that "main container shut-off
selecting the proper personal protective equip- valves shall be kept closed and locked when the
ment (PPE) level. Due to anhydrous ammonia's installation is unattended." Furthermore, it
low boiling point, affinity for water, and inhala- states that "if the facility is protected against
tion hazard, responders can be injured if not tampering by fencing, or other suitable means,
wearing proper PPE. Structural fire fighter pro- valve locks are not required." Many states have
tective clothing may not provide adequate pro- adopted the ANSI Standard K61.1 as law;
tection during an anhydrous ammonia release. please check your state regulations or contact
The use of self-contained positive-pressure your state agricultural department or fire mar-
breathing apparatus is appropriate during a shal for details. Also, OSHA's requirement for
response to an anhydrous ammonia release. In storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia
addition to other appropriate PPE, in some under 搂1910.111(c)(6) state that "valves, regu-
cases it may be necessary to wear cryogenic lating, gaging, and other appurtenances shall
gloves with a moisture barrier to protect against be protected against tampering and physical
freezing and/or chemical burns. damage."
HAZARD REDUCTION AND In addition to the general tips above, agricultur-
PREVENTION al dealers or retailers should consider removing
hoses during the off-season and storing them
Here are some tips to deter anhydrous ammonia separately from tanks. Also, farmers may con-
theft: sider removing nurse tanks from fields when
they are no longer needed and returning used
眉 Educate your employees about the theft tanks, applicators, or toolbars promptly to the
problem. dealer after use. Finally, refrigeration facilities
眉 Store tanks in well-lit areas. may want to evaluate the benefits of installing
眉 Know your inventory to quickly identify lockable, quarter-turn, spring-loaded, ball
valves in series with a manual valve in critical
missing chemicals.
眉 Visually inspect tanks each morning, espe- areas such as at the system fill point or oil dis-
charge pot.
cially following weekends or other periods
where the facility is not occupied.
眉 Consider auditing your facility and setting up Special note on purchases:
Agricultural retail establishments should be aware
a valve protection plan for critical valves that
that they may be approached by individuals want-
could cause significant releases if left open.
眉 Consider installing valve locks or fencing, ing to purchase ammonia for use in the illegal
production of methamphetamine. The following
especially for unattended tanks.*
眉 Report thefts, signs of tampering, leaks, or list was developed by the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) to help you identify indi-
any unusual activity to local law enforcement
viduals who may be seeking to purchase anhy-
officials.
drous ammonia for illegal purposes:
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Page 5 Chemical Accident Prevention: Anhydrous Ammonia Theft March 2000
t Customer cannot answer or is evasive about Hazardous Materials Training" - See Section 2,
agricultural use questions. Special Topics - Illicit Use of Hazardous
t Customer insists on taking possession rather Materials: First Responder Training Issues.
than having it delivered. www.fema.gov/emi/hmep
t Customer insists on using cash, money
order or cashiers check. STATUTES AND REGULATIONS
t Customer is a stranger and unfamiliar to
area or your business. The following is a list of federal statutes and
t Customer provides suspicious business or regulations related to process safety, accident
credit information. prevention, emergency planning, and release
t Customer is vague or resists providing per- reporting.
sonal information
t Customer intends to fill their own inappro- EPA
priate tank (e.g. a 20-pound propane cylin-
der). Note: It is unlawful in some states to Clean Air Act (CAA)
sell anhydrous ammonia unless it is in an 路 General Duty Clause [Section 112(r)(1) of
approved product container. the Act] - Facilities handling extremely haz-
ardous chemicals (including anhydrous
If a customer fits any of these criteria, wait until ammonia) have a general duty to assess haz-
the person has left your business, write down an ards, design and maintain a safe facility, and
accurate description of the person(s), vehicle, minimize the consequences of accidental
license number and contact the DEA or local releases.
law enforcement authorities immediately. 路 Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule [40
CFR 68] - Facilities that have anhydrous
INFORMATION RESOURCES ammonia in quantities greater than 10,000
pounds are required to develop a hazard
EPA has prepared a general advisory on ammo- assessment, a prevention program, an emer-
nia and a safety alert on the "Hazards of gency response program, and submit a risk
Ammonia Releases at Ammonia Refrigeration management plan to EPA.
Facilities." Both are available at:
www.epa.gov/ceppo Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-
Know Act (EPCRA)
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) 路 Emergency Planning [40 CFR Part 355] -
and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) have a Facilities that have 500 pounds or more of
brochure "Deter Theft of Anhydrous ammonia must report to their LEPC and
Ammonia." www.tfi.org or (202) 675-8250; SERC and comply with certain requirements
www.ara1.org or (202) 457-0825 for emergency planning.
路 Emergency Release Notification [40 CFR
The Agribusiness Association of Iowa has pre- Part 355] - Facilities that release 100 pounds
pared a fact sheet "Anhydrous Ammonia Theft, or more of ammonia (other than the normal
What You Need To Know," available at: application of a fertilizer) must immediately
www.exnet.iastate.edu/publications/ report the release to the LEPC and to the
pg99015.pdf SERC.
路 Hazardous Chemical Reporting [40 CFR Part
The Hazardous Materials Emergency
370] - Facilities that have ammonia at or
Preparedness Grant Program has a publication
above 500 pounds must submit an MSDS to
available "Guidelines for Public Sector
their LEPC, SERC, and local fire
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Page 6 Chemical Accident Prevention: Anhydrous Ammonia Theft March 2000
department and comply with the Tier I/Tier CODES AND STANDARDS
II inventory reporting requirements.
There are a number of state codes and industry
Comprehensive Environmental Response, standards that apply to safe handling, use, and
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) storage of anhydrous ammonia. A few exam-
路 Hazardous Substance Release Reporting [40 ples are given below.
CFR 302] - Facilities that release 100 pounds
American National Standards Institutes (ANSI)
or more of ammonia (other than the normal
K61.1, 1999 - Standards for the Storage and
application of a fertilizer) must immediately
Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia
report the release to the National Response
Available from ANSI
Center (NRC), (800) 424-8802.
11 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
DOT
(212) 642-4900
Web site: www.ansi.org
路 The Department of Transportation (DOT)
[49 CFR 100-180] - Research and Special
ANSI/IIAR 2-1992 - Equipment, Design, and
Projects Administration has requirements
Installation of Ammonia Mechanical
covering the transportation of anhydrous
Refrigeration Systems
ammonia containers.
Available from International Institute of
Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR)
OSHA
1200 19th Street, NW
Suite 300
路 Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard
Washington, DC 22036-2422
[29 CFR 1910.119] Anhydrous ammonia is
(202) 857-1110
listed as a highly hazardous substance.
Facilities that have ammonia in quantities at
or above the threshold quantity of 10,000
pounds are subject to a number of require-
ments for management of hazards, including
performing a process hazards analysis and
maintaining mechanical integrity of equip- For More Information:
ment. The PSM requirements do not apply Contact the EPCRA Hotline at:
to retail facilities per 1910.119(a)(2). (800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810
路 Hazard Communication [29 CFR 1920.120] - TDD (800) 553-7672
Requires that the potential hazards of toxic Monday -Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, EST
and hazardous chemicals be evaluated and
that employers transmit this information to For information on OSHA standards contact
their employees. OSHA Public Information at (202) 219- 8151
路 Storage and Handling of Anhydrous or visit the web site: www.osha.gov
Ammonia [29 CFR 1910.111] - Requires
Visit the CEPPO Home Page at:
standards for design, construction, location,
www.epa.gov/ceppo/
installation, and operation of anhydrous
ammonia systems.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office Printed on recycled paper
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