Is the state of IL moving fast enough to improve process safety @ NH3 Ag retail facilities?

The state of IL has passed some Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) regulations that will require retail Ag fertilizer businesses to:

• If a storage tank is currently in use and does not have a U1-A form or a build sheet or a legible data plate, it must be taken out of service by January 1, 2030. (215.25(a)
• Repair or alteration to a storage tank, nurse tank, piping and associated appurtenances shall be performed by an R stamp holder. (215.25 (d)
• Railroad car tanks permanently mounted and used for storage shall be removed from service no later than December 1, 2025. (215.25(f)

• Each facility shall provide the minimum protection at each non-refrigerated storage tank opening on or before December 31, 2020 by (215.40(g)(1):

  1. The installation of an internal valve with a manual shutoff valve 
     or

  2. An approved excess flow valve or back check valve, a manual shutoff valve, and an approved Emergency Shutoff Valve (ESV) located within 3 feet of the opening of the manual shutoff valve.  

NOTE:  ESVs & internal valves shall be tested annually for the functions required. A record of each test result shall be kept at the facility for a minimum of 5 years.

• The minimum protection for all bypass lines shall consist of an excess flow valve and a manual shutoff valve provided the bypass is located at the highest elevation of the storage tank. 215.65(i)(3) 

NOTE:  Any bypass line on the underside of the tank shall have the same type of protection as all other outlets on the underside of the tank.

•  Approved emergency shutoff valve(s) or internal valves shall incorporate a reliable actuation system that will close all of the emergency shutoff valve(s) or internal valves(s) of the piping system on the first attempt in the event of emergency or testing from a remote location. A minimum of 2 remote actuation devices shall be located no less than 25 feet reasonably opposed to each other. 215.40(g)(2) 
  • Compliance no later than December 31, 2020.

• Container pressure relief valves shall not be used over 5 years past the manufactured date. 215.55(p)

  • Compliance no later than December 31, 2020.

• Bulkheads shall provide protection during transport unloading. 215.65(v) & 215.65(i)(2)

NOTE:  BULKHEAD PROTECTION CANNOT BE ATTACHED TO THE CONTAINER PIERS.

• Caution signs at Bulkheads. 215.65(v)(6)

• Installation of an in-line strainer or a strainer screen on the liquid unloading line at the Bulkhead. 215.65(i)(4)

  • Compliance no later than December 31, 2017 for existing locations.

CLICK HERE for all the revisions.