GRAIN ELEVATOR AND PROCESSOR NSPS INDUSTRY SURVEY 

INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 

This survey form is to be completed by a respondent for each of its wholly owned facilities as described in the 

following four paragraphs (A-D), using the definitions at the end of this introductory section. Respondents must 

meet the requirements of paragraphs A, B, and C. 

A. This survey is limited to the following facilities: any “grain elevator” that would constitute a “grain 

terminal elevator” or a “grain storage elevator” (as those terms are defined by Subpart DD (40 CFR 

60.301)) if only permanent storage or both permanent and temporary storage at the grain elevator are 

taken into account. A respondent need not provide data for any facility not possessing this type of 

grain elevator. 

B. EPA is interested in obtaining information about the following categories of grain elevators: 

(1) Country grain elevators with storage capacity^ ≥ 2,500,000 bushels 

(2) Other stand-alone elevators with storage capacity^ ≥ 2,500,000 bushels 

(3) Wheat flour mill elevators *

(4) Wet corn mill elevators*

(5) Dry corn mill (human consumption) elevators*

(6) Rice mill elevators*

(7) Soybean oil extraction elevators* 

^”Storage capacity” may include only permanent storage capacity, or it may include both permanent and temporary 

storage capacity. 

*Grain elevators in categories 3-7 above must have storage capacity of ≥ 1,000,000 bushels. 

For each of the above seven categories, a respondent must submit a response for at least five 

facilities under its control. If a respondent has less than five facilities in a particular category, the 

respondent must provide information for all of its facilities in that category. 
C. EPA is also interested in obtaining information about the following types of facilities: 

 Grain elevators located in each EPA Region. 

 Five storage combinations: 

- Grain elevator alone 

- Grain elevator w/emergency storage 

- Grain elevator w/temporary storage 

- Grain elevator w/emergency and temporary storage 

- Grain elevator w/barge unloading 

 Facilities handling multiple grains. 

 Facilities handling only one grain. 

A respondent must submit a response for each of the facilities listed below to the extent it has any such 

facility under its control for each of the 7 categories listed in paragraph B: 

 At least one facility in each Region; 

 At least one facility with each of the grain storage combinations; 

 At least one facility that handles multiple grains; and 

 At least one facility that handles only one grain. 

For example, if a respondent has 18 facilities in the country grain elevator category, and 10 are in EPA 

Region 5 and eight are in EPA Region 6, the respondent shall provide information for a minimum of five 

grain elevators. At least one elevator must be in Region 5 and one in Region 6. In addition, if 

applicable, the respondent shall provide information on at least one facility with each of the five grain 

storage combinations. The respondent must also provide information for at least one facility that 

handles multiple grains and one that handles only one grain. In this example, assuming the respondent 

owned each of the different types of grain elevators of interest to EPA, it is possible to meet the EPA 

requirements with five facilities responding if the five chosen facilities can meet multiple requirements 

(e.g., handling multiple grains in EPA Region 5 and using each of the 5 storage methods). However, it 

may be necessary to provided additional facility responses to meet the EPA requirements if facilities 

cannot meet multiple EPA requirements. 

D. The total number of facilities for a respondent may exceed 35 (five facilities in each of the seven 

categories) when including the regional, combination, and grain information. However, no respondent 

is required to submit information about more than 51 facilities. 

 

Since one of the goals of this survey is to gather data on temporary storage facilities, EPA encourages 

respondents to exercise any discretion afforded by paragraphs A-D above in favor of submitting data on such 

facilities. For the same reason, EPA encourages respondents to include along with their required responses to 

this survey any supplemental data on such facilities that may go beyond the bounds of this survey but 

nevertheless would be helpful to EPA in understanding temporary storage facilities fully from the standpoint of 

Subpart DD. 

This survey is provided in paper format and by first-class mail. However, you may opt to complete this survey 

either in paper format or in electronic format. To obtain an electronic file (in Microsoft Word) to compile your 

responses, please contact Bill Schrock at schrock.bill@epa.gov. Please submit complete responses to Bill 

Schrock within 60 days after receipt by first-class mail. Any request for an extension of that 60-day period 

must be submitted to Bill Schrock within 30 days after receipt by first-class mail. Extensions will not be granted 

except upon a showing of undue hardship and then only for the minimum time reasonably necessary. 

It is important to note that, throughout this document, we have used the terms “permanent storage,” “temporary 

storage” and “emergency storage” to differentiate between those structures typically constructed of concrete 

and topped with metal roofs and the pyramid shaped storage units typically with low concrete walls and a vinyl 

top. The use of the terms “permanent storage” and “temporary storage” is strictly to reflect the current 
receipt by first-class mail. Any request for an extension of that 60-day period must be submitted 

to Bill Schrock within 30 days after receipt by first-class mail. Extensions will not be granted 

except upon a showing of undue hardship and then only for the minimum time reasonably 

necessary. 

It is important to note that, throughout this document, we have used the terms “permanent 

storage,” “temporary storage” and “emergency storage” to differentiate between those structures 

typically constructed of concrete and topped with metal roofs and the pyramid shaped storage 

units typically with low concrete walls and a vinyl top. The use of the terms “permanent storage” 

and “temporary storage” is strictly to reflect the current terminologies used in industry as defined 

by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and in no way represents any EPA decision as to 

how these units will be treated in any subsequent action. See definitions section for a list of 

terms used in this survey. 

In addition to the items listed in the survey forms that follow this introduction, we are also 

requesting copies of the following information to the extent it relates to grain elevators or 

portions of processing plants that consist of grain elevators: 

1. Your current air quality operating permit, if you have one. 

2. Copies of the most recent results from PM/PM10 emissions testing conducted at your 

facility within the last 3 years, including but not limited to, opacity measurements and 

stack testing. No new testing is required for this survey. 

Following is a summary of the forms that comprise this survey: 

Form A General Form. One should be completed for each facility. 

Form B Storage Information. Please complete for storage units at each facility. 

Form C Receiving and Shipping. Complete for shipping/receiving units at each facility. 

Form D Temporary Storage. Please complete one form for each temporary storage area. 

Form E Emergency Storage. Complete one form for each emergency storage area. 

Form F Grain Dryers. Please complete one form for fuels used for grain dryers. 

Form G Permitted Sources. Please complete if any part of your facility is covered under 

an air quality operating permit. 

Form H Work Practices. Please complete if any part of your grain elevator or processing 

facility uses work practices for grain storage, shipping, and receiving operations. 

Form I Add-on Particulate Controls. Please complete for each add-on particulate 

control. 

 
Definitions (in addition to those in Subpart DD): 

Storage Unit – For the purposes of this survey, a storage unit is any building, bin, silo, or pile used to 

store corn, wheat, sorghum, rice, rye, oats, barley or soybeans. 

Permanent Storage – A storage unit with an immovable roof; a floor made of concrete, asphalt or 

similar material; and sidewalls made of steel, concrete or similar material. 

Temporary Storage – A storage unit that is comprised of: asphalt, concrete, or other comparable base 

material; rigid self-supporting sidewalls; a tarp, cover or the equivalent; and an aeration system. 

Emergency Storage – A form of storage other than permanent storage or temporary storage. 

Country Elevator – Any grain elevator where more than 50% of grain is received from farms. 

Other Stand-Alone Elevator – Any grain elevator where less than 50% of grain is received from farms 

AND grain processing is not the primary activity. 

Grain Processing – Equipment or processes used to alter the natural state of grain by fractioning, 

grinding, blending, conditioning, etc., in order to produce a product for human or animal consumption or 

the production of biofuels. 

Shipping Units – All equipment associated with loading grain from a storage unit. 

Receiving Units – All equipment associated with loading grain into a storage unit. 

Design or Work Practice – Any technique other than the installation of air pollution control equipment 

for the reduction of particulate matter emissions. 
FORM A Page 1 

Grain Elevator Survey

FORM A – General Information

A-1 Facility Name: 

A-2 (a) Facility Street Address: 

(b) Suite or P.O (specify): (c) City: 

(d) State: (e) Zip Code: (f) County: 

A-3 (a) Facility Manager: (b) Phone: 

A-4 (a) Technical contact (for information on this survey): 

(b) Title: (c) Telephone Number: 

(d) Email Address: 

A-5 Number of full-time employees at this location (total for all shifts): 

A-6 Number of seasonal employees at this location (total for all shifts): 

A-7 (a) Parent Company/ Co-Op: 

 (b) Is this a co-op? (check one) Yes No 

(c) Parent Company/ Co-Op Main Office Street Address: 

 

(d) Suite or P.O. (specify): (e) City: 

(f) State: (g) Zip Code: 

A-8 Number of full-time employees within all business units of the Parent Company: 

 (please check one): < 100 101- 249 250- 499 > 500 

A-9 Number of seasonal employees within all business units of the Parent Company 

 (please check one): < 100 101- 249 250- 499 > 500 

FACILITY ID: 

FACID:

(First 4 letters of company name plus first 

4 letters of city name. If not unique 

identifier, add number at end of ID) 

CARGBLAI Cargill Incorporated 650 Industrial Park Drive P.O. Box 300 Blair NE 68008 Washington Gavin Atkinson 402-533-1661 Michelle Bucklin Environmental Manager 402-306-3489 michelle_bucklin@cargill.com 4835

Cargill Incorporated ■

15407 McGinty Rd West

N/A Wayzata MN 55391-2398 ■

■
FORM B - Storage Information 

(B-1) FACID: 

FORM B Page 1 

B-2 In what year was this facility first constructed? 

B-3 Total number of storage units: (a) "permanent" storage 

 (b) "temporary" storage 

 (c) "emergency" storage 

[Note: In completing the remainder of the survey, you will be able to group information for similar 

storage units. See B-4 for example.]

B-4 Please provide an overview flow diagram (or block flow diagram) of the grain elevator(s) at 

your facility. Please include permanent (P), temporary (T), and emergency (E) storage units, 

associated receiving (R) and shipping (S) units, and grain dryers (D). 

o Permanent Storage ID: use your current designation or assign a numerical value. If assigning 

an ID, please use “P-1, P-2, etc” format. You may group multiple storage units into one 

permanent storage ID; if not readily apparent, please provide explanations on the back of this 

sheet or indicate in your elevator diagram. 

o Temporary Storage ID: use your current designation or assign a numerical value. If assigning 

a new ID, please use “T-1, T-2” format. 

o Emergency Storage ID: use your current designation or assign a numerical value. If assigning 

a new ID, please use “E-1, E-2” format. 

o Receiving Units ID: use your current designation or assign a numerical value. If assigning an 

ID, please use “R-1, R-2” format. 

o Shipping Units ID: use your current designation or assign a numerical value. If assigning an 

ID, please use “S-1, S-2” format. 

o Grain Dryer ID: use your current designation or assign a numerical value. If assigning an ID, 

please use “D-1, D-2” format. 

o Capacity: please provide capacity in bushels. Do not use a pack factor. 

CARGBLAI 1994 5

0

0
FORM B 

Please check one: This page includes CBI □ This page does NOT include CBI [If no box is checked, EPA will assume that the page does NOT contain CBI]

FORM B – Storage Information 

(B-1) FACID: B-5. Please complete the following table for storage information. An example is provided. 

2005 2006 

Storage Type 

(P, T, E) 

Storage 

ID 

Year First 

Used 

Storage 

Capacity 

(Bushels)2

Grain 

Stored1 Through-put (actual bushels)2 Weeks per year utilized Through-put (actual bushels)2 Weeks per year utilized T

(ac

Corn 100,000 2 P - example P-1 1970 300,000 

Wheat 400,000 

50 

300,000 50 

P - example P-2 1985 400,000 Corn 400,000 52 400,000 50 

T - example T-1 2004 450,000 Corn 200,000 22 250,000 20 

1 Use grain designations: corn, wheat, sorghum, rice, rye, oats, barley, soybeans, or specify a different grain. 2 Storage capacity and throughput refer to the aggregated storage capacity and throughput of the units included in th

temporary and emergency storage units, storage capacity and throughput may be estimated based on operator’s knavailable. For permanent storage units, throughput may be estimated based on operator’s knowledge if actual data 

CARGBLAI
FORM C 

Please check one: This page includes CBI □ This page does NOT include CBI [If no box is checked, EPA will assume that the page does NOT contain CBI]

FORM C – Receiving and Shipping Information 

(C-1) FACID: C-2 Please complete the following table for receiving and shipping operations at each storage unit (or grou

Storage, Shipping, and Receiving ID’s provided in B-4. An example is provided. 

What is the Maximum Loading Receiving/ Rate? 

Shipping 

ID 

Storage ID 

associated with 

receiving/ 

shipping unit 

How is Grain Received Into or 

Shipped (Loaded) Out of 

Storage?a Value Units 

Are there any add

on controls for th

receiving/ 

shipping unit (Y/N

R-1 P1 Fixed Conveyor Belt 

S-1 P1 Fixed Conveyor Belt 

R-1 T1 Portable Auger 

aLoading and unloading methods include: 

 portable auger  fixed receiving pit with leg to aeration tower  enmass drag conve

 portable inclined belt  fixed conveyor off main complex  pneumatic unloader  gravity fill spout  portable conveyor with trucks  or specify a differen front-end loader  marine leg  fixed drag conveyor  track hoe/clamshell unloader  fixed conveyor belt  continuous barge unloader bQualitative methods include opacity measurements as well as monitoring instruments (e.g. CEMS), and mon

indicate whether the air pollution control device is operating properly. 

CARGBLAI R-1 P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5 Truck Gravity Unload/ Receiving Pit with fixed drag 30,000 conveyor to Storage Bu/Hr Silos/Gins Y 

R-2 P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5 Truck Gravity Unload/ Receiving Pit with fixed drag 30,000 conveyor to Storage Bu/Hr Silos/Gins Y R-3 P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-5 Rail or Truck Gravity Unload/ Receiving Pit with fixed 30,000 drag conveyor to Storage Bu/Hr Silos/Gins Y 
FORM D – “Temporary” Storage 

(D-1) FACID: (D-2) Temporary Storage ID: 

FORM D Page 1 

 (Please copy this sheet and complete a separate sheet for each 

temporary storage at your facility) 

D-3 Please provide a diagram of each storage unit and indicate which pieces of equipment (e.g., 

walls, cover, floor, conveyance system, generator, housing for electrical, etc) remain in place 

year round and which are removed during specific times of the year. If this system is identical 

(or nearly identical) to another temporary system at the same facility, only one diagram is 

needed. Please include all applicable ID numbers on the diagram and explain any differences 

below. 

D-4 What are the materials of construction for this storage unit? 

(a) Walls: 

 (b) Cover/tarp: 

 (c) Floor: 

D-5 (a) Has the cover/tarp ever been replaced? (check one) Y N 

 (b) If yes, month(s)/year(s) cover/tarp was used before being replaced: 

CARGBLAI NONE
FORM D – “Temporary” Storage 

(D-1) FACID: (D-2) Temporary Storage ID: 

FORM D Page 2 

D-6 Describe the routine maintenance (including repair and replacement) that is conducted on the 

temporary storage units, including frequency of these activities. If you typically replace a 

component of a unit (e.g., replacement of a tarp/cover in sections, as opposed to entire 

replacement), indicate frequency and typical percent of the entire unit that is replaced. 

Walls: 

 Floors: 

Cover/Tarp: 

Aeration: 

Other equipment associated with storage (e.g., conveying equipment) 

D-7 Describe methods used to reduce particulate emissions during receiving and shipping, 

aeration (or other similar processes), and general storage. Indicate frequencies of any actions. 

(Please complete Form I for any add-on pollution control device).

CARGBLAI NONE
FORM E – “Emergency” Storage 

(E-1) FACID: (E-2) Emergency Storage ID: 

FORM E Page 1

E- 3 Explain any approaches taken to minimize particulate emissions from the emergency storage 

pile. Indicate frequencies of any actions. 

CARGBLAI NONE
FORM F – Grain Dryers 

(F-1) FACID: 

 

FORM F Page 1 

F- Please complete the following table for grain dryers used at your facility. Use the Dryer, 

Storage, Shipping, and Receiving ID’s provided in B-3. An example is provided. 

How much fuel was used 

Grain Dryer ID 

Storage/Receiving/Ship

ping units associated 

with Dryer Fuel Used1

2005 2006 2007 

D-1 P-1, P-2, R-1, S-1 FO2 10,000 10,000 8,000 

D-2 T-1 FO2 1,000 1,000 1,000 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 Select fuel from list below. If other, please specify. 

FO2 - #2 Fuel Oil (gallons) 

FO6 - #6 Fuel Oil (gallons) 

NG – Natural Gas (MM cubic feet) 

Bio – Biofuel (gallons) 

O – Other, please specify type of fuel and unit of measure 

F- For each column dryer at your facility that does not include a perforated column plate in its 

design, please: (1) describe the design of that dryer, including whether it uses woven wire 

screening; (2) indicate the grain(s) for which the dryer is used; and (3) provide the year of 

original installation. 

CARGBLAI No grain dryers exist at this facility
FORM G –Permitted Sources 

(G-1) FACID: 

FORM G Page 1 

G-2 Please indicate the total number of each component listed below that you have at this facility 

and the number for which your operating permit specifies an applicable control requirement. 

Component Total Number at Site 

Number for which your permit 

specifies a control requirement? 

Truck receiving station 

Truck shipping station 

Barge and ship receiving station 

Barge and ship shipping station 

Railcar receiving station 

Railcar shipping station 

Grain dryer 

 

 

G-3 Is any grain handling equipment subjected to a control requirement in your permit? 

 (check one) Y N 

As defined in NSPS, Subpart DD, grain handling operations include, as an assemblage of equipment, bucket elevators or 

legs (excluding legs used to unload barges or ships), scale hoppers and surge bins (garners), turn heads, scalpers, 

cleaners, trippers, and the headhouse and other such structures. 

For purposes of Form G, the term “control requirement” refers only to particulate matter (PM) 

emission limits specified for the particular “component” in question and expressed in terms of 

emissions per unit of time or production (e.g., lb of PM/hr; grains/dscf), opacity (e.g., 20%), or a 

design or work practice (e.g., use of enclosure), and not to restrictions on operational parameters 

such as hours, feedstock or throughput. 

CARGBLAI 3 3

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

■
FORM H – Work Practices 

(H-1) FACID: 

FORM H Page 1 

H-2 Describe the design or work practices you follow to reduce emissions (e.g, choke flow, louvered grates, 

mineral oil, etc.). Please describe the frequency the activity is used (e.g, during each loading operation, 

all the time, etc) and the estimated time spent on the activity per usage (e.g, 20 minutes per loading 

event). For “barge and ship receiving station,” please provide copies of any equivalency determinations 

under 40 CFR 60.302(d) and any permit conditions resulting from such determinations. 

Truck receiving station 

Truck shipping station 

Barge and ship receiving station 

Barge and ship shipping station 

Railcar receiving station 

Railcar shipping station 

Grain dryer 

Grain handling operationsa 

a

As defined in NSPS, Subpart DD, grain handling operations include, as an assemblage of equipment, bucket elevators or 

legs (excluding legs used to unload barges or ships), scale hoppers and surge bins (garners), turn heads, scalpers, 

cleaners, trippers, and the headhouse and other such structures. 

CARGBLAI

Louvered Grates - continuous, partially enclosed building N/A N/A N/A Louvered Grates - continuous, partially enclosed building N/A N/A N/A
FORM I – Add-on Pollution Control Device 

(I-1) FACID: FORM I If data are not available or unknown, please enter ND I-2 Please complete the following table for any air pollution control devices at your facility. Please provide I

diagram. For each unit, please provide the most recent performance data you have. An example is pro

Air Pollution Control 

Device ID 

Type of Control [e.g., fabric 

filter/baghouse; cyclone; 

other (specify)] 

Points controlled 

by this control 

(Use ID’s from 

Forms B, C, and 

D) 

Type of Data Available [e.g., 

performance test, manufacturer’s 

specs or guarantee, engineering 

calculations, other (specify)] 

Desig

Efficien

APCD-1 example Cyclone R-1, R-2 Manufacturer’s specifications 40% APCD-2 example Fabric Filter S-1 Manufacturer’s specifications 90% Make additional copies, as necessary 

CARGBLAI EP1 (F-01001) Fabric Filter R-1, R-2 Manufacturer's specs, Performance 

test

99.9% 

EP2 (F-01002) Fabric Filter R-3 Manufacturer's specs 99.9% EP6 (F-01003) Fabric Filter Grain Handling Manufacturer's specs 99.9% 

EP6A (F-01503) Fabric Filter Grain Handling Manufacturer's specs, Performance 

test

99.9% 
FORM I – Add-on Pollution Control Device 

(I-1) FACID: 

FORM I  Page 2 

I-3. Provide a copy of the most recent performance test for each air pollution control device 

 If no performance tests are available, complete questions I-4 through I-7. 

I-4. Please complete for each control device listed in I-2. 

Inlet Flow Pressure Drop Inlet Temperature 

APCD ID Max Units Min Max Units Min Max o

C/oF 

 

I-5 For each cyclone, please complete the following table 

APCD ID Particle Density Units 

 

CARGBLAI EP2 32,000 acfm 0 8 in wc Ambient Ambient Ambient EP6 3,000 acfm 0 8 in wc Ambient Ambient Ambient N/A
FORM I – Add-on Pollution Control Device 

(I-1) FACID: 

FORM I  Page 3 

I-6. For each fabric filter/baghouse, please provide the following information. 

 

APCD ID Number of bags Total Surface Area Units 

 

I-7 For each control not listed in I-5 and I-6, please describe the technology and the parameters that 

are relevant for operation of the control 

CARGBLAI EP2 296 3,582 square feet EP6 44 532 square feet

N/A
ENCLOSURE 2 

EPA's Information Gathering Authority 

Under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act 

 Under Section 114 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 7414), Congress has given the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency broad authority to secure information needed for the purpose of (i) developing or assisting in the 

development of any implementation plan under Section 110 or 111(d), any standard of performance under 

Section 111, or any emission standard under Section 112; (ii) determining whether any person is in violation of 

any such standard of any requirement of such a plan; or (iii) carrying out any provision of this Act. Among 

other things, Section 114 authorizes EPA to make inspections, conduct tests, examine records, and require 

owners or operators of emission sources to submit information reasonably required for the purpose of 

developing such standards. In addition, the EPA Office of General Counsel has interpreted Section 114 to 

include authority to photograph or require submission of photographs of pertinent equipment, emissions, or 

both. 

 Under Section 114, EPA is empowered to obtain information described by that section even if you 

consider it to be confidential. You may, however, request that EPA treat such information as confidential. 

Information obtained under Section 114 and covered by such a request will ordinarily be released to the public 

only if EPA determines that the information is not entitled to confidential treatment.1

 Procedures to be used for 

making confidentiality determinations, substantive criteria to be used in such determinations, and special rules 

governing information obtained under Section 114 are set forth in 40 CFR Part 2 published in the Federal 

Register on September 1, 1976 (40 FR 36902). 

 Pursuant to § 2.204(a) of EPA's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulation, in the event a request is 

received, or it is determined that a request is likely to be received, or EPA desires to determine whether 

business information in its possession is entitled to confidential treatment even though no request for release 

of the information has been received, please be advised that EPA will seek, at that time, the following 

information to support your claim as required by § 2.204(e)(4) of EPA's FOIA regulations: 

1. Measures taken by your company to guard against undesired disclosure of the information to others; 

2. The extent to which the information has been disclosed to others, and the precautions taken in 

connection therewith; 

3. Pertinent confidentiality determinations, if any, by EPA or other Federal agencies, and a copy of any 

such determinations, or reference to it, if available; and 

4. Whether your company asserts that disclosure of the information would be likely to result in substantial 

harmful effects on the business' competitive position, and if so, what those harmful effects would be, 

why they should be viewed as substantial, and an explanation of the causal relationship between 

disclosure and such harmful effects. 

 

 1Section 114 requires public availability of all emission data and authorizes disclosure of confidential information in 

certain circumstances. See 40 FR 36902 - 36912 (September 1, 1976).