Storage Containers and Appurtenances

Section 255 Section 255.100  Storage Containers and Appurtenances a)         General:  Storage containers and appurtenances shall be constructed, installed, and maintained so as to prevent the discharge of liquid agrichemicals and shall meet each of the following criteria: 1)         The materials used in construction shall be resistant to corrosion, puncture, or cracking and shall be compatible with the agrichemical being stored. 2)         The materials used in construction and repair may not be of a type that reacts chemically or electrolytically with stored agrichemicals in a way that may weaken the storage container or appurtenances. 3)         The metals used for valves, fittings, and storage container repair on metal containers shall be compatible with the metals used in the construction of the container so that the combination of metals does not cause or increase corrosion that may weaken the container or its appurtenances. 4)         Containers and appurtenances shall be designed to handle operating stresses, taking into account hydrostatic head, pressure buildup from pumps and compressors, and any other foreseeable mechanical stresses to which the containers and appurtenances may be subject. b)         Non-mobile agrichemical storage containers shall be anchored or placed on a raised area if necessary to prevent flotation or instability in the event of agrichemical discharge into the secondary containment structure. c)         A liquid level gauging device or other provision for establishing and measuring liquid levels (e.g., tape measure) and tank outage tables shall be maintained for all non-mobile agrichemical storage containers. 1)         External sight gauges shall not be used with bulk pesticide storage containers. 2)         External sight gauges may be used for liquid fertilizers and when used shall have a lockable bottom valve. d)         Each non-mobile agrichemical storage container shall be equipped with a vent or inverted opening.  Where the loss of vapor affects the product quality, conservation vents shall be used on storage containers. e)         Containers, pipes and valves shall be protected (e.g., guard rails, pipes and fittings supported to prevent sagging and breakage, and cages) against breakage or damage from operating personnel and moving vehicles. f)         Security:  When persons responsible for agrichemical facility  or non-commercial agrichemical facility security are not present at the facility, the following conditions shall be met to protect against vandalism or unauthorized access: 1)         Valves on non-mobile agrichemical storage containers including sight gauge valves shall be locked in the closed position or otherwise secured to prevent discharge. 2)         Valves subject to discharge of agrichemicals on rail cars, mobile agrichemical containers, and mini-bulk tanks shall be locked in a closed position or otherwise secured to prevent discharge. 3)         Buildings or structures housing agrichemical storage containers shall be locked.