Tip Sheet #1

WASTE ORIGIN: General Operations
WASTE TYPES: Petroleum Products and Farm Chemicals

WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING METHODS:

• Locate tanks and storage away from major traffic flow areas.
• Isolate farm chemical and petroleum storage tanks from feed, seed, shop, office, and other storage areas.
• Minimize distance between chemical mixing and loading areas.
• Use separate buildings for storing pesticides and fertilizers.
• Make a scale drawing of your site plan showing locations of storage tanks, utilities, and other important features. The drawing should include:
  • Underground and above-ground fuel tanks, other flammable liquid storage tanks, and associated pipelines;
  • Water wells, fire hydrants, and water lines;
  • Propane tanks, natural gas lines, and main gas shutoff valve;
  • Sewer lines, septic tank, and sewage lagoons;
  • Natural features like drainage pattern of site, ponds, creeks, rivers, lakes, or prevailing seasonal wind directions;
  • Electrical service lines, transformers, and service disconnect;
  • Containment or pad areas designated for storage, mixing, or loading;
  • Road, driveways, property lines, or easements.
• Train employees in safe handling of farm chemicals, equipment, and wastes; laminate and post procedures as easily-read, quick references.
• Develop an emergency response plan; train employees to handle spills and leaks; post emergency phone numbers for assistance.
• Reduce evaporation loss and chance of spills with tight-fitting bungs and lids.
• Use spigots and pumps for dispensing new materials for more precise dispensing and less waste.
• Use funnels for transferring wastes to storage containers.
• Use tanks and containers only according to manufacturer's instructions and only for their intended purpose.
• Periodically test overflow alarms on storage tanks; periodically test and monitor underground tanks for leaks (monitoring wells, vapor monitoring, and automatic tank gauging systems).
• Install an adequate leak-detection system if an existing tank is near a drinking water well.

Sources

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