Minnesota Crop Production Retailers - Anhydrous Ammonia Info

Anhydrous Ammonia Info

Safe Stat Scores
MCPR has received a few calls from members who's Safe State scores were greatly impacted by the spring nurse tank inspections. The document below provides information for changing your safety rating based upon corrective actions.
Change to Safety Rating base upon Corrective Actions info

Combined Anhydrous Ammonia Inspection Checklist & Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report
MCPR, along with other agricultural associations requested that the state agencies regulating anhydrous ammonia develop a single reference for the regulations. Staff from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota State Patrol have combined efforts to develop an NH3 equipment inspection checklist and Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Letter regarding Nurse Tanks
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has sent out a safety advisory that all anhydrous ammonia/nurse tank owners, fillers, transporters, users, repair stations, welders, inspectors and related associations should be aware of. The letter states that based on 8 recent enforcement investigations, PHMSA is greatly concerned with the lack of compliance and understanding of the minimum safety requirements for nurse tanks. In the advisory PHMSA lists the areas of non-compliance and safety problems they noticed frequently. If you deal with anhydrous ammonia please review the safety advisory letter from PHMSA.
Download the safety advisory letter from PHMSA.

Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tank Workshops
In July 2009 MCPR partnered with the MN Grain & Feed Association and the Cooperative Network to put together a workshop on Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tanks. These workshops provided an in-depth analysis of nurse tank safety regulations and provide an opportunity for hands-on tank system inspections in conjunction with folks who regulate the industry.

The workshops were a response to the findings of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and State Patrol inspections at agronomy facilities with nurse tank fleets this past spring. The results of these inspections had raised significant concerns with all agencies that have a role in regulating anhydrous ammonia, including the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. As an example, from the 930 tanks inspected, there were more than 1,000 violations noted. More than one-third of these violations were identified as serious safety concerns. More inspections are anticipated for this fall, with enforcement action likely.

Below are the handouts and PowerPoint presentations that were provided by the MN State Patrol, MnDOT and MN Dept. of Ag.
NON-Farmer / Interstate Nurse Tank & Trailer Inspection Guidelines
NON-Farmer / Intrastate Nurse Tank & Trailer Inspection Guidelines
Farmer / Intrastate Nurse Tank & Trailer Inspection Guidelines
Anhydrous Ammonia Equipment Inspection Checklist
Anhydrous Ammonia Equipment Inspection Specifications
MN Department of Agriculture's PowerPoint Presentation. (PDF)
Minnesota State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Division and Minnesota DOT Office of Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations PowerPoint presentation. (PDF)

Anydrous Ammonia Nurse Tanks - Major Messages from the Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tank Workshops
MCPR has collaborated with the Cooperative Network and the MN Grain & Feed Association to bring our members a document which compiles the important messages we want them to take away from the Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tank Workshops that were held in July 2009. Please feel free to contact Jessi at 952-253-6081 with any questions.
Q & A: Party Status and Inspection Appeal Process

DOT Special Permit SP13554

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - Cargo Tank Search
To use the search (link below) enter MN in the STATE BOX, check the EXEMPTIONS box at the bottom, and then click SEARCH FOR RECORDS. Once you have the results, click VIEW. Companies that have registered for DOT SP 13554 will list E-13554 in the EXEMPTION box.
Use this link to search for cargo tank inspection facilities.

"Minnesota Special" Nurse Tank Program
The US DOT has determined that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture "Minnesota Special" nurse tank registration program does not meet the federal requirements. All 1300 nurse tanks in Minneosta carrying the "Minnesota Special" registration will need to be tested. A program set up by TFI will assist you. Click here to learn more.
Click here for the MCPR/TFI/Asmark Institute nurse tank testing web site for more information on how you must proceed to insure your Minnesota Special nurse tanks are in compliance with the US DOT standards.
Click here to read the letter MDA sent to MCPR with the details of the USDOT decision, the MDA's response, and steps necesary in Minnesota to comply with the new USDOT position.