Natural Resources Conservation Service

Conservation Practice Standard

AGRICHEMICAL HANDLING FACILITY

(No.)

Code 309

# Definition

A facility with an impervious surface to provide an environmentally safe
area for the handling of on-farm agrichemicals.

# PURPOSE

To provide a safe environment on farm and ranch operations for the
storage, mixing, loading, and cleanup of agrichemicals, retain
incidental spillage, retain leakage, and to reduce pollution to surface
water, groundwater, air, and/or soil.

# CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies where:

-   The handling of agrichemicals creates significant potential for
    pollution of surface water, groundwater, air, or soil and a facility
    is needed to properly manage and handle the chemical operation

-   An adequate water supply is available for filling application
    equipment tanks, rinsing application equipment, and chemical
    containers as needed for the operation

-   Soils and topography are suitable for construction

    This standard does not apply to the handling or storage of fuels.
    This standard does not apply to commercial or multi-landowner
    agrichemical handling operations.

# CRITERIA

General Criteria Applies to All Purposes

Plan, design, and construct agrichemical handling facilities to meet all
federal, state, local, and tribal laws, rules, and regulations.

The size of the agrichemical storage will be based on the agrichemical
use of the farm needed for a single growing season averaged over the
last 5 years.

The pad, hoses, pipes, valves, seals, connectors, filters, tanks, and
related plumbing material must be compatible with the chemicals being
handled and capable of withstanding the intended use.

Outlet drains are not permitted in the agrichemical collection, storage,
or handling areas.

Posts, pipes, hoses, discharge valves, or other devices may not pass
through the floor, containment storage walls, or the sump.

When more than 60 gallons of Class I, II, or III flammable or
combustible liquids or a single storage container larger than 5 gallons
of\
Class I, II, or III flammable or combustible liquids are stored in an
agrichemical handling facility, National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, Chapter 4, shall be
followed. Storage cabinets or other remedies must be installed.

When the agrichemical handling facility is also used for agrichemical
storage, provide sufficient space and designate a separate room or area.

Criteria for Permanent Facilities

**Location.** Locate the agrichemical handling facility as follows:

-   Adjacent to or as near the chemical storage building as practical
    when chemical storage is not incorporated into the facility

-   As far as practical from streams, ponds, lakes, wetlands, sinkholes,
    and water wells, with a minimum setback distance of 100 feet

-   Isolated and located downwind from residences and other buildings
    used to store feed, seed, petroleum products, or livestock with a
    minimum distance as required by local regulations

-   At sites that have not been used as stationary mixing/loading sites
    in the past

Locate the bottom of the facility a minimum of\
2 feet above the seasonal high water table.

Locate above the 100-year floodplain elevation. However, if site
restrictions require location within a floodplain, protect from
inundation and damage from the 25-year flood event, or larger if
required by laws, rules, and regulations.

**Storage Capacity.** Provide a minimum storage volume on the
chemical-handling pad of\
250 gallons or 1.25 times the volume of the largest storage or spray
tank on the pad, whichever is greater.

For unroofed facilities provide storage on the pad as stated above or
the volume of the\
25-year, 24-hour storm, whichever is greater. Provide a means of storing
or field applying, according to chemical label directions, the full
storage volume within the 72-hour period following the storm.

Prevent outside runoff water from entering the facility.

**Rinsate Tanks.** Provide rinsate tanks of adequate number and size as
needed for the type of operation, allowing for separation of
non-compatible chemicals. The material type shall be suitable for the
type of chemical to be contained in the tank.

**Manufactured Components**. Manufactured tanks and components shall be
structurally sound, capable of withstanding all anticipated loads, and
constructed of suitable materials for their intended use. Tanks will be
sized based on a single farm owner or operator's agrichemical need.

**Chemical Handling Pad.** Size the pad to accommodate the largest
spraying equipment. Equipment access is allowed from more than one
direction.

Provide adequate space for maneuvering around equipment, a minimum of 2
feet for open facilities and 4 feet for enclosed facilities. When
practical, base the minimum width of the mixing pad on the width of the
spray equipment with the booms retracted.

Slope the pad to allow for drainage to a collection area or sump.

**Flexible Membrane Liners**. All flexible membranes shall be certified
by the manufacturer to be suitable for the intended use.

Design of the flexible membrane shall be in accordance with
manufacturer's recommendations. All flexible membrane installations
shall meet the material and installation requirements of the plans and
specifications provided for each installation and shall be certified by
the installer.

  ------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
  **Minimum Thickness for   
  Membranes**               

  **Type**                  **Minimum Thickness**

  HDPE                      40 mil thickness

  LLDPE                     40 mil thickness

  PVC                       30 mil thickness

  RPR                       45 mil thickness

  EPDM                      45 mil thickness
  ------------------------- ---------------------------------------------

**Concrete Surfaces.** To protect the surfaces of concrete that are
exposed to agrichemicals from penetration and contamination, all
concrete must have an admixture for concrete meeting the requirements of
the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) C 1240 (micro silica),\
ASTM C 618 (fly ash), or ASTM C 989 (ground blast furnace slag), be
sealed with a chemically resistant non-vapor barrier forming coating, or
take measures to prevent vapor formation under the concrete sealed with
a chemically resistant coating. Coatings must be compatible with the
agrichemicals used at the facility and installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.

**Agrichemical Collection**. Provide a collection area or sump with
adequate dimensions for sediment removal and pump operation.

**Structural Design**. For the structural design, address all items that
will influence the performance of the structure including loading
assumptions, storage tanks, material properties, and construction
quality. Indicate design assumptions and construction requirements on
the plans.

When using a roof/building to cover the facility, use minimum snow and
wind loads as specified in ASCE 7, *Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures*.

Locate footings below the anticipated frost depth unless measures are
designed to accommodate frost/freeze conditions.

Fabricated structures shall be designed according to the criteria in the
following references as appropriate:

-   [Timber]{.underline} - *National Design Specifications for Wood
    Construction*, American Forest and Paper Association

-   [Steel]{.underline} -- *Manual of Steel Construction*, AISC,
    American Institute of Steel Construction

-   [Concrete]{.underline} - *Building Code Requirements for Reinforced
    Concrete, ACI 318*, American Concrete Institute

-   [Masonry]{.underline} - *Building Code Requirements for Masonry
    Structures, ACI 530*, American Concrete Institute

-   [Slabs]{.underline} -- Use a 5-inch minimum concrete slab thickness.
    Base the required area of reinforcing steel on the subgrade drag
    theory in accordance with American Concrete Institute, ACI 360,
    *Design of Slabs-on-Grade.* When heavy loads are to be resisted
    and/or where a non-uniform foundation cannot be avoided, use an
    appropriate design such as *ASAE EP514 "Design of Concrete
    Structures for Secondary Containment of Liquid Pesticides and
    Fertilizers*", and procedure incorporating a subgrade resistance
    parameter(s) such as ACI 360.

**Water Supply.** Provide an adequate water supply for mixing
agrichemicals, rinsing tanks and containers, and for emergency health
and safety needs as appropriate for the facility. Provide all pipelines,
hoses, backflow prevention, and other hardware as needed.

**Safety.** Design shall include appropriate safety features to minimize
the hazards of the facility. Provide warning signs, emergency eyewash
station, and other devices as appropriate to ensure the safety of
humans. Provide adequate ventilation at all times for enclosed buildings
using natural or mechanical means.

**Vegetation**. Stabilize disturbed areas, as necessary, to prevent
erosion, in accordance with Critical Area Planting (342).

Criteria for Portable Facilities

The portable agrichemical handling facility is a manufactured portable
device that can be easily moved from field to field and will meet the
needs of the user.

**Pad**. The pad shall be constructed of durable material that is
chemically resistant for the intended agrichemicals. The minimum
containment capacity of the pad is 1.25 times the volume of the largest
individual agrichemical container or tank that will be located on the
pad. Include a sump or other provisions for easy recovery of spilled
liquid.

**Rinsing Devices**. Design rinse devices so that residual contents of
agrichemical containers can be adequately rinsed directly from the
container to the spray tank. Design the rinse system to operate from the
nurse tank discharge pump or a separate pump that provides adequate
pressure. Verify with the manufacturer of the facility that any pump to
be used in pressure rising is compatible with the rinse device.

# CONSIDERATIONS

For permanent facilities, the agrichemical handling facility may cause
an increase in water use at the site from the mixing of agrichemicals
and rinsing of agrichemical sprayers, containers, and
agrichemical-handling pad.

Consider providing a roof over permanent facilities.

Consider installing an apron at the facility entrance to minimize
sediment transport onto the pad.

Consider providing a mixing platform for filling agrichemical sprayers.

For portable handling facilities consider using a top/bottom-loading
valve with built-in check valve in the hose from the nurse tank to the
spray tank. This will enable the operator to remain on the ground while
filling the sprayer.

# PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Plans and specifications shall be prepared in accordance with the
criteria of this standard and good engineering practice. The plans and
specifications shall include all details necessary for construction and
completion of the agrichemical mixing facilities.

The following list of Construction Specifications is intended as a guide
to selecting the appropriate specifications for a specific project. The
list includes most, but may not contain all, of the specifications
needed for a specific project:

IA-1 Site Preparation

IA-3 Structural Removal

IA-5 Pollution Control

IA-6 Seeding and Mulching for Protective Cover

IA-11 Removal of Water

IA-21 Excavation

IA-23 Earthfill

IA-24 Drainfill

IA-26 Salvaging and Spreading Topsoil

IA-27 Diversions

IA-31 Concrete

IA-32 Concrete for Nonstructural Slabs

IA-45 Plastic (PVC, PE) Pipe

IA-81 Metal Fabrication and Installation

IA-83 Timber Fabrication and Installation

IA-92 Fences

Portable agrichemical handling facilities are manufactured items. Review
plans and specifications submitted by the manufacturer to ensure that
the proposed facility meets the requirements of this standard.

# OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

An operation and maintenance (O&M) plan shall be developed that is
consistent with the purpose of the practice, the intended design life,
safety requirements, design criteria, and all federal, state, and local
laws, rules, and regulations.

The O&M Plan is to address the following:

-   Brief description of the facility. Define parameters used to size
    and design the facility such as storage tank and equipment sizes.

-   The facility shall not be used for purposes other than the storing,
    mixing, loading, cleaning, and maintenance of materials and
    equipment used for agrichemical application.

-   An inventory of agrichemicals to be stored or handled at the
    facility. Material Safety Data Sheets may be included in the plan.

-   The proposed method of handling and disposing of rinsate, washwater,
    and spills.

-   A process for handling accumulated rainfall.

-   A process for handling accumulated sediment.

-   A strategy for cleaning surfaces between different agrichemical
    mixing operations.

-   An inspection plan of structural components such as the condition of
    concrete, curbing, sump, access roads, building structure, etc. Note
    the timing of inspections, conditions that would cause concern, and
    required actions as appropriate.

-   Any weekly, monthly, or annual maintenance that may be necessary for
    the proper functioning of the system components including, but not
    limited to, concrete surfaces, sumps, pumps, hoses, pipelines,
    building materials, electrical equipment, and other materials and
    equipment.

-   A schedule of any required written inspection and maintenance
    reports.

-   Proper winterization of the facility.

-   Required safety signage.

-   An Emergency Response Plan with safety procedures in the event of an
    accidental spill, exposure, fire, or other hazardous incident.
    Provide a list of safety equipment, contact names, and phone
    numbers.

# REFERENCES

[ACI Codes]{.underline}, American Concrete Institute

[National Design Specifications for Wood Construction]{.underline},
American Forest and Paper Association, Washington, DC.

[Manual of Steel Construction]{.underline}, American Institute of Steel
Construction, AISC, Chicago, IL.

[Design of Concrete Structures for Secondary Containment of Liquid
Pesticides and Fertilizers]{.underline}, ASAE EP514

[Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures]{.underline},
ASCE 7

[Pesticide Storage Building]{.underline}, Pennsylvania State University,
Agricultural Engineering Department

[Chemical Containment Facilities]{.underline}, Doane\'s Agricultural
Report, Vol. 53, No 36-5

[Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook,]{.underline}\
(MWPS-18), Midwest Plan Service

[Designing Facilities for Pesticide and Fertilizer
Containment]{.underline}, (MWPS-37), Midwest Plan Service

[Protective Treatment for Concrete]{.underline}, University of
Wisconsin, Agricultural Engineering Department

[Modular Farm Sized Concrete Agricultural Chemical Handling
Pads]{.underline}, Oklahoma State University, Agricultural Engineering
Department

[A Modular Containment, Mixing/Loading Pad]{.underline}, ASAE Paper No
891613