The larger dome is 120' in diameter and 60' high, while the smaller is 115' in diameter and 58' high. Loy Bakken, Terminal Superintendent and Manager for Farmland, described its operation which began in March 1995. When the barges arrive at the domes, it is dipped with a clam shell bucket and put into the dome. Computerization makes it possible for just a skeleton crew to run this entire operation. Great efforts are taken in handling the fertilizer.
Nothing is scattered.
Since moisture turns dry fertilizer into unusable mud that eventually dissolves, Loy Bakken favored constructing a dome rather than a wooden, shingled A-frame used in many places. We had constant repairs because shingles blew off and the fertilizer actually began eating into the wood. It was like having a monster consuming the structure that housed it. It's sealed so there are no seams and that makes the top and sides moisture-proof. Then too, Polyurethane helps tremendously.