DHS working with farm groups to improve security of high-risk chemicals
|
The Department of Homeland Security announced a delay that exempts farmers and other agricultural facilities, from having to complete a vulnerability screening and DHS is working to make the screening more appropriate for farmers.
The screening will help DHS determine if they need to follow up with individuals to do further vulnerability assessments.
"The system that is in place for chemical manufacturing, refining and distribution plants is not ideal for farm operations," said Steve Cain, Extension Disaster Education Network communication specialist and field staff liaison at Purdue University. "The United States Department of Agriculture, the Extension Disaster Education Network and farm organizations will work with DHS to help develop a system more appropriate for agriculture.
"It's important to note agriculture fertilizer dealers and pesticide dealers are not exempt and must complete the vulnerability assessment by the Jan. 22 deadline."
This extension applies to crop, fruit, nut and vegetable farms; ranches and rangeland; poultry, dairy and equine facilities; turfgrass growers; golf courses; nurseries; floriculture operations; and public and private parks. For questions about which category an operation or facility may be in, call DHS directly at (866) 323-2957.
Despite the delay, Congress and DHS are serious about improving the security of high-risk chemicals. Congress gave DHS authority to develop and implement regulations involving security of high-risk chemical facilities.
"It takes approximately 30 hours for an operation to complete the initial screening," Cain said. "Even after going through that process, DHS may not have the information they need to help farmers assess vulnerability."
The chemical and the threshold limits that will most likely trigger a screening for farmers are:
* 10,000 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia (four typical pull behind tanks, completely loaded)
* 2,000 lbs. of ammonium nitrate (bagged, on a trailer or in some other transportation package)
* 400 lbs. of potassium nitrate (bagged, on a trailer or in some other transportation package)
* 400 lbs. of sodium nitrate (bagged, on a trailer or in some other transportation package)
"Another thing that has to be taken into consideration is other federal agencies making regulations involving high-risk chemicals too, like the Department of Transportation," Cain added. "We need to try and bridge these regulations, so farmers are not overloaded with regulations.
"All this needs to be considered and there is no telling what the time frame for the delay will be, but EDEN will monitor it and keep updates on the Web site, http://www.Eden.lsu.edu/Agrosecurity/DHSChemical ."
Improving security is really what all this is about, explained Cain. He recommends farmers take a few basic steps to help improve security regardless of regulations.
* Meet with local law enforcement to find out what the risks really are and listen to their suggestions.
* Improve lighting in certain areas.
* Lock hazardous chemicals where appropriate.
* Don't leave keys in vehicles, especially vehicles that will help transport high-risk chemicals.
* Look for ways to improve security of unattended vehicles such as anhydrous tanks by putting them in a place that's less visible or less accessible from the road.
* Know who is delivering chemicals to your farm, and prearrange for safe and secure delivery methods.
* Ask to see credentials of anyone that visits your farm.
* Change routines to not be predictable in case a thief or vandal is monitoring your patterns.
For additional information about how to improve farm security, visit the Rural Security Planning publication, available free online at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/eden/disastertopics/biosecurity/files/ruralsecurity.pdf or for $1 by calling 1-888-EXT-INFO.
For additional information and updates, visit the EDEN Web site at http://www.Eden.lsu.edu/Agrosecurity/DHSChemical .
More Options
Email this story to a friend
