The IL Dept of Ag Weights & Measures regulations require all measuring and metering devices used for the sale of a product to a consumer be in conformance with the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP).  This has been a requirement of the regulations since the late 1980's.  In our industry, there are some older flow/paddle/vane type meters used to measure liquid fertilizer or pesticides, and they are often calibrated by dispensing product into a container and weighing it on a certified scale.  This practice, while sensible, does not strictly meet the regulatory requirement when larger quantities are dispensed into an applicator rig, unless the applicator can be taken over  a truck scale.  At many facilities, a truck scale is not present or the scale is not large enough to accomodate an applicator vehicle.  Under this circumstance the meters are not in compliance with the regulations.  Only mass flow meters meet the NTEP requirements and many of the older flow/paddle/vane meters do not.  IDA recently conducted investigations in Northern Illinois regarding the use of these meters at fertilizer facilities.  When we learned of this, IFCA met with IDA and we are working toward a reasonable solution to allow our industry to demonstrate compliance until we can arrive at a policy that phases in replacement of these older meters.  If you have older paddle/vane/flow meters, be aware that this is an issue and that IFCA is working cooperatively with IDA to resolve this in a manner for our members to achieve compliance while recognizing the suddeness of this development and the financial implications of meter replacement.  We will keep you posted as we work through this issue.  If you have questions please contact Jean Payne or Kevin Runkle.