20 May USDOT and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Identify Noncompliance, Require Special Permit on Dispensing Truck Systems
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) has been working with USDOT and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on an issue of regulatory non-compliance that has been identified in the agribusiness industry in Kansas and throughout the Midwest.
KARA recently had a productive meeting with PHMSA and is working to inform its members of information on the SP waiver. Please contact the association office by phone (785-234-0463) or email Randy Stookey (randy@kansasag.org) for any questions or concerns on how to apply for the Special Permit waiver SP12412 (dot.gov).
PHMSA has determined that a USDOT special permit is required when a retailer transports intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) on a truck to a field site and then dispenses liquid hazardous materials (certain labeled pesticides) from those containers without removing the containers from the truck. Often this occurs when multiple pesticide shuttles are piped together to allow for a “quick draw” mixing system for transfer into application equipment.
While use of these dispensing truck systems is a common practice in Kansas, and other states, it requires a special permit from USDOT (SP-12412). The permit would authorize the permittee a waiver from the regulation if the applicant is able to show a configuration that complies with USDOT regulations and appropriate employee training. USDOT records indicate that only one Kansas ag retailer currently holds such a permit.
PHMSA believes there is likely widespread non-compliance with the USDOT regulation, and they have asked KARA to assist them with bringing our industry into compliance before they begin stepped-up state-wide inspections.
KARA recently had a productive meeting with PHMSA and is working to inform its members of information on the SP waiver. Please contact the association office by phone (785-234-0463) or email Randy Stookey (randy@kansasag.org) for any questions or concerns on how to apply for the Special Permit waiver SP12412 (dot.gov).