Agrichemical Containment Regulations

Click the document below for the Part 255 Illinois Department of Agriculture containment regulations for the bulk storage and handling of fertilizers and pesticides for commercial, non-commercial and on-farm facilities.  

• Part 255 Rules.pdf

Air Injection Not Legal in Illinois in Ammonia Application Systems

The Illinois Department of Agriculture regulations specifically prohibit the addition of any additive, including air, due to incompatibility with ammonia system components.  This applies to systems used in custom application and by farmers, so please keep an eye out and help us spread the word that any compressed air system utilized in anhydrous ammonia application is not legal to use in Illinois.        

Amber Light Required When Hauling Ammonia Tanks At Night

If your employees or farmer customers will be hauling ammonia nurse tanks after dusk, the tanks must be fitted with an amber rotating/flashing light on the either the nurse tanks or towing vehicle.  It is a violation of the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code to transport NH3 nurse tanks on a public roadway after dark without a rotating or flashing amber light.  

Ammonia Nurse Tank Transportation Safety Reminders

IFCA has recently received questions regarding rules for transportation of nurse tanks on roadways. Click here to read a document IFCA produced that covers requirements when hauling nurse tanks to and from the field.

Ammonia Release? Person in Possession Must Make the Report

If a farmer customer is in possession of anhydrous ammonia and a reportable release of 18 gallons or 100 pounds occurs, it is the farmer's responsibility to immediately notify the proper emergency personnel.  Although your customers may not want to make the calls, it is also their responsibility per federal and state regulations to contact these agencies as well if the release occurs while they are in possession of the ammonia.  Both IEMA and USEPA have made this very clear.  A written follow-up report is also required and must be sent to IEMA and the LEPC as ...

Ammonia Storage On the Farm

Bulk Fertilizer & Stewardship Issues

We have received many calls in the past week at the office from our members expressing concern about bulk fertilizers being dumped in the fields.  While Illinois' on-farm containment regulations allow over 50,000 lbs of bulk dry fertilizer or 5,000 gallons or more of liquid to be stored for up to 45 days by farmers, certainly from a stewardship standpoint it is not recommended.  Even when under the 45 days, the product can only be stored at the farm (or in the field of application) by the farmer who owns it and not as a transfer point.  IFCA is working ...

CDL Hotline to Schedule Skills/Road Test

Beginning on April 29, 2020 the Illinois Secretary of State has established a CDL hotline to call in order to schedule a CDL Skills/Road test at any of the three offices now open to accommodate CDL needs:  West Chicago, Springfield and Marion.     The number to call is 217.785.3013.  There were nearly 600 CDL road test appointments that had to be cancelled due to the Stay at Home order, so the Sec of State will work to reschedule those drivers first, but then begin scheduling others to test.     You do not need an appointment to take the CDL ...

Comments Due Aug 13 to Secure Exemption for all Fertilizers

For the past year, IFCA has been working with our national organizations, with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and with our US Congressmen to restore the Hours of Service (HOS) exemption for the transportation of ag inputs between terminals or warehouses and retail sites.  Last year, the FMCSA instructed the industry that the exemption from HOS only applies for retail to farm and farm to farm delivery of ag supplies within a 100 mile radius.   In 2006, IFCA passed state legislation that enacted the ag HOS exemption for all distribution points (including terminals and warehouses) for ...

Conditions Signal Start of Fall Ammonia Season - UI Guidance

Dr. Emerson Nafziger, Professor Emeritus University of Illinois, released a Bulletin late in the afternoon on October 26, outlining the process of fall anhydrous ammonia application and considerations to follow for the beginning of this fall's nitrogen application season.  To see the Bulletin click on this link https://farmdoc.illinois.edu/field-crop-production/soil-temperatures-and-fall-ammonia-application-2.html or download a PDF of the Bulletin here.     In the Bulletin, Dr. Nafziger explains soil temperature trends in October, the importance of soils being below 50 degrees and trending colder, the role of nitrification inhibitors, and rate recommendations for ...

CT Inspection Facilities

Click on "CT Inspection Facilities" to view CT facilities that are certified to perform testing for the Nurse Tank Inspection Program.

CVI Training Required For Chemical Facilities

Chemical facilities that registered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must also complete Chemical-Terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI) training.  Any information or correspondence from DHS relating to the Chemical of Interest (COI) at your facility such as anhydrous ammonia or ammonium nitrate, which required facilities to register with DHS, must also be marked as CVI and be viewed by persons who also have completed CVI training.  The training is available online and takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete.  Once the training is complete, you can print off a certificate of completion that states you are ...

Emergency Response Reporting Instructions

• EmerNotFactsheet2-04.pdf

Enlist Herbicides: Hazmat Transportation Guidance

Corteva Agriscience has developed a DOT compliance guide that explains the regulations that govern the transportation of Enlist One and Enlist Duo herbicides.  These herbicides are DOT regulated as an "Environmentally Hazardous Substance" and in certain quantities there are marking, placarding, shipping paper and load securement requirements.     The DOT guidance document is here.  When transporting Enlist containers on your ag retail vehicles, or when offering the containers to farmers, many of the requirements outlined in the guidance document will apply.  IFCA thanks Corteva for their outreach and education to ...

EPA Updates SPCC Plan........Again

On June 11, 2009 USEPA again extended the compliance date for the Spill Prevention & Control Countermeasure (SPCC) rules for petroleum storage facilities to November 10, 2010.  Facilities must amend or prepare and implement SPCC plans by the compliance date in accordance with the revisions to the rule.  Farms must also amend or prepare their SPCC plans and implement them by that date.  A final rule is expected to be published prior to the previous compliance date of July 1, 2009. 

Face Coverings for Essential Workers Effective May 1

Yesterday Governor Pritzker announced new guidelines for the Illinois “Stay in Place” order, effective May 1, 2020.  One of the guidelines requires employers to provide face coverings to employees if the employees cannot maintain safe social distancing requirements.  It also requires all Illinoisans over the age of 2 to wear face coverings in public places if you cannot maintain social distancing.    This past Tuesday, IFCA submitted a list to FEMA of all ag retail and distributor members and their number of employees, to obtain face coverings from a FEMA sponsored program with the Hanes Company in order ...

Fall Nitrogen - BMPs and Water Quality

With temperatures falling to the 30's at night for much of central and northern Illinois, thoughts begin to turn to the yearly question "When Can I Start to Apply Ammonia?"   The following best management practices reflect what we've learned in 8 years of NREC funded research, performed on actual farmer fields over tile drainage.  These BMPs are also part of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (INLRS) recommendations and the University of Illinois recommendations.  The BMPs are as follows:   1.  Use the Right Nitrogen Rate and do not apply the full rate in the ...

Fall Nitrogen Guidelines

When stepping outside today, the first reaction is "brrr!"   As temperatures have plummeted from 80 degrees last week to highs of 50 degrees this week in much of Illinois, the next thing to think about is the 4Rs of fall fertilizer application--specifically fall ammonia applications.     Each morning, IFCA will post a map of the State Water Survey's WARM site, which has indicators of the maximum daily soil temperature in bare soil at the 4-inch depth.  With regard to applying anhydrous ammonia in the fall, we continue to urge patience until soil temperatures fall ...

Hours of Service Rules

Click below for the rules governing the Hours of Service exemption for the transportation of agricultural inputs.

• IVC Definitions HOS.pdf
• IL Regs on HOS.pdf
• Final IDOT Rule HOS.pdf

IDOA Pesticide Registration Tool

Need to check the registration status of a particular pesticide product?  Simply click the title heading to be redirected to the Illinois Department of Agriculture's website.  There you can type in the name of a product into the search feature to view results such as the registration number/status, active ingredients, expiration date, as well as other important information.  

IEMA Requests Most Recent MSDS

If a Farmer Owns A Minibulk

We've been getting calls asking how the new USEPA rules apply to farmers who own their own minibulks.  If this is the case, and the farmer asks you to refill their minibulk, the minibulk must meet all the requirements of the new rule including:  it must be a DOT approved package, the tank must be on the registrant's approved list of packages, it must have a unique identification number, contain one-way valves or tamper evident devices, and retesting is required every 2.5 years from date of manufacture. The tank must also be properly labeled for the product ...

IFCA Regulatory Alert: Guidance on Dicamba Use and Applicator Licensing

Yesterday USEPA announced that dicamba will be labeled for use on soybeans in 2019 and 2020, and indicated that all applicators needed to be "certified applicators" in order to apply the product.     The Illinois Pesticide Act outlines several categories of testing and licensing:  Certified Applicators (which include commercial applicators and private applicators) and licensed operators, who must also pass a competency exam to be licensed to work under the supervision of a certified commercial applicator.  States are unique in how they each license applicators and/or operators.     Illinois has approximately 5,000 licensed commercial operators, who ...

IL Dept of Ag Approves Dicamba Labels; IL-Specific Restrictions on the Horizon

Today, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) adopted the federal labels for Xtendimax, Engenia and Tavium for use on soybeans in Illinois.  If and when USEPA approves the FeXapan label, we are confident it will also receive approval for use in Illinois.     In addition to clearing the way for the use of these herbicides on soybean in 2021, the label approvals also mean that Xtendimax and Engenia remaining in inventory, but whose labels were cancelled by USEPA on July 31, 2020, can now be sold and distributed.  When the FeXapan label is approved the same will be true.&...

IL Driver Services Offices Closed; CDL Offices Remain Open

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced late on Friday that due to an increase in Covid, driver services offices statewide will be closed from November 17 through December 7, 2020.     Expiration dates for driver's licenses and ID cards will be extended through June 1, 2021.  However, you can renew expiring licenses and vehicle registrations on-line at https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/ and are encouraged to do so.     CDLs and related endorsements are governed by federal law, therefore CDL driver service facilities in Illinois remain open.     To see the full press release and ...

Illinois Pesticide Act

Click the heading to view the Illinois Pesticide Act.

Illinois Pesticide Act Penalties

This document outlines the penalty process and the various fines for violations of the Illinois Pesticide Act.  

• Illinois Pesticide Act - Penalties.pdf

Implements of Husbandry Crossing State Lines

Taking implements of husbandry, such as NH3 nurse tanks, across state lines has been a controversial topic over the last few years.  DOT has just recently clarified that implements of husbandry are not commercial motor vehicles (CMV) and therefore not subject to the CMV regulations.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) authority covers persons who operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce.  Therefore, when an implement of husbandry crosses state lines in interstate commerce it is not subject to CMV regulations since it is not a Commercial Motor Vehicle.

In-Person Pesticide Testing

IFCA worked with the IL Dept of Ag to add 12 more in-person pesticide testing opportunities in April at the Asmark Agricenter in Bloomington, IL (behind the IFCA office).  Please click here to be directed to the in-person pesticide testing registration page.  You must pre-register to take the pesticide test in person.  As spring gets closer, IDA expects hundreds of people in the lawn care industry to seek out these in-person events.  If you don't have your on-line or in-person testing done yet, don't put it off much longer!  

Is It Time To Update Your Emergency Sign?

IDA regulations require an emergency sign with letters of a minimum height of two inches including the name and phone number of the owner, manager or agent of the anhydrous ammonia storage location.  The sign must be located at the entrance to the site property or apart from the storage tanks.  The Asmark Institute emergency sign program goes above and beyond compliance with this regulation.  Signs are 39.5" long by 24" wide, are made of wind and weather resistant material and come printed with your company information for just $120 each.  Cick on the ...

June 30 Dicamba Cut-Off: IFCA Statement of Support

The weather delays this spring have been a huge challenge.  Our industry's commitment to stewardship is often tested when conditions make it difficult to conduct normal operations.  But it is our resolve to do the right thing, even when it is difficult, that makes the IFCA organization so successful in terms of managing pesticide and nutrient policy so that we have the trust of other organizations, and the legislature, to effectively police ourselves.     Today, IFCA issued a statement on dicamba stewardship and our Association's support of the June 30, 2019 cut-off date for application.&...

Land Application Program Rules (Part 258)

Licensed Operators Must be Certified Applicators to Apply Dicamba to Soybean

For the past few weeks, IFCA has been working to determine how the new dicamba labels impact the commercial application industry in Illinois.  We finally have answers for you and instructions on what to do next.  It is not welcome news but there is a path forward and time is short to assure compliance for retailers who wish to provide custom dicamba application to soybean.  Here is what you need to know and do to apply dicamba in 2019:     1.  Under federal law, only CERTIFIED APPLICATORS can apply dicamba to soybean in 2019.  ...

New Law Removes License Plate Requirement Jan 1, 2020

It's our pleasure today to share good news with our members.  It's news that will save you money and time.   Effective January 1, 2020 you will no longer be required to register and display the FT or FS license plates on any fertilizer trailers or self-propelled spreaders/sprayers.  This year IFCA initiated legislation (HB 2669) to remove the registration requirement that has been in effect for decades.   KJ Johnson, IFCA’s Director of Government & Industry Relations, successfully managed the legislation through the process, securing unanimous support in both the House and Senate, and Governor Pritzker ...

New Requirements for Dicamba Application in 2019 - Operators need Applicator Designation

On October 31, 2018 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that registration Engenia, Xtendimax and FeXapan will be extended to December 20, 2020.  The announcement indicated that EPA has reviewed substantial amounts of new information and concluded that the continued registration of the dicamba products meets FIFRA’s registration standards. The Agency has also determined that extending these registrations with the new safety measures will not affect endangered species. The Press Release may be found here.     The key changes include: Two-year registration (until December 20, 2020) Only certified applicators may apply dicamba over the top (those working under ...

New Special Local Needs Labels for Dicamba - July 15 Cut-Off & Guidance

The Illinois Department of Ag has accepted revised 24(c) Special Local Needs (SLN) labels from the four registrants of dicamba for the products Engenia, FeXapan, Xtendimax and Tavium.  To download the base labels and the new SLN labels click here.  This area on the IFCA website has many helpful resources on dicamba stewardship.     We want to make it crystal clear how the new July 15, 2019 cut-off date for application of these products to soybean works.    There are several cut-off parameters for dicamba application, July 15 being only one of them.  IF ANY ONE OF THE ...

NH3 Safety Checklist for Growers

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has an informative checklist for growers to serve as a reminder to keep safety in mind when handling anhydrous ammonia.

• NH3 Safety Checklist for Growers.pdf

No Classroom Fall NH3 Classes: On-Line Training for Competent Attendants

IFCA and the IL Dept of Ag were hopeful that we could have in-person classes for the fall anhydrous ammonia competent attendant training.  But because of the on-going concerns over the health of essential workers in our industry, IFCA and IDA have come to the conclusion that it is just too problematic to have in-person training at this time.  The last thing we want is to have someone potentially exposed to COVID as a result of attending a mandatory classroom event, and then everyone at the attendee's retail plant is potentially impacted as well.   ...

NTIP Markings for Anhydrous Ammonia Nurse Tanks

There may be some confusion on markings on nurse tanks that are enrolled into the NTIP program.  The DOT-SP 13554 is no longer required as a marking on the side of the nurse tanks.  Click below for examples of current markings that are acceptable and markings that would be considered a violation. 

• In Compliance.pdf

Nurse Tank Inspection Classes Available

Many IFCA members are interested in certifying their own employees to be able to perform nurse tank inspections to comply with the DOT regulations for pressure testing ammonia nurse tanks that have missing or illegible data plates, or for testing any nurse tanks to assure their integrity.  To respond to that interest, the Asmark Institute is offering classes at the Agricenter in Bloomington, IL to provide the necessary training to qualify your employees to perform these tests in accordance with USDOT regulations.  The classes will be offered the last week of July and first week of August.  ...

On-Farm Agrichemical Containment Information

Below is a brochure that describes the parameters for containment of bulk fertilizers and pesticides stored on the farm.  A sample of an on-farm containment permit is also posted.  

• Part 255.180 On Farm Storage Registration Form.pdf
• On-Farm Containment Brochure.pdf

On-Line Pesticide Training, Testing and Limited In-Person Testing

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has been working all summer to modify the pesticide training and testing program to offer on-line opportunities for applicators and operators throughout the State of Illinois.    If you were not able to take your operator or applicator exams last spring due to covid cancellations, and your license was extended until December 31, 2020 you must take the exams in order to be remain certified; those whose normal 3-year licenses expire on Dec 31 are also required to re-test.  Furthermore, some operators were able to work only under the supervision of an applicator due to covid ...

OSHA Conducting Audits at Illinois Grain Facilities

Due to some unfortunate accidents resulting in some deaths at some grain facilities in Illinois, OSHA is taking a proactive approach and conducting audits at some Illinois grain facilities. OSHA will be looking at proper employee training, PPE, confined space entry plans just to name a few. With fall harvest just beginning in some parts of Illinois, please take the time to make sure you are in compliance with OSHA regulations. Fines for non-compliance can reach tens of thousands of dollars. 

Pesticide Disposal Companies List

On several occasions IFCA receives phone calls from our members seeking companies that offer pesticide or hazardous waste disposal.  We have updated a list of those companies that offer fee-based pesticide disposal.  To access the list, please click here.

Pesticide Stewardship

Click the title heading above to be redirected to pesticidestewardship.org.  The website provides several resources that have been reviewed and posted by Pestcide Safety Education Program Coordinators and Specialists from the Cooperative Extension Service, and cover all things pertaining to sound pesticide application.

Pesticide Training & Testing Moves On-Line

The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety & Education Program has announced that all training for the pesticide license categories will be offered on-line only this year.  Click here to see the release and the details for accessing the training.     The Dept of Ag will also offer on-line testing for the general standards and pesticide category tests.  More details will be forthcoming from IDA on the procedures for signing up for the on-line testing.  IDA does plan to offer limited in-person training in accordance with CDC guidelines but is hopeful that most needing to take ...

Pollution Control Tax Credit Forms

Click here for the rules, application form and instructions to apply for an Illinois pollution control facility property tax credit for your agrichemical containment systems. 

• IDOR Rules for Tax Credit
• IEPA Application Form
• Instruction for Completing the Form

R Stamp Welders

Click on "R Stamp Welders"(above) to view repair organizations holding an R stamp for repair of anhydrous ammonia pressure vessels.              

Regulatory Alert: Large Scales Need NTEP Certificate of Compliance

Last week the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Weights and Measures sent letters to all companies with large scales.  IDA is asking all companies with large scales to submit a National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) Certificate of Conformance (COC) in order to be in compliance with the Illinois Weights and Measures Act.  The weights & measures statute and regulations have always stated that  "For a weighing or measuring device to be certified for use in the State of Illinois, it must have a Certificate of Conformance issued by the National Conference on Weights and Measures."  ...

Regulatory Alert: FMCSA to Announce Delay in Driver Training Rule, IFCA Office Closed on Friday

FMSCA to Announce Delay in Driver Training Rule   The following article may be of interest. FMCSA will soon announce a two-year delay of the entire ELDT rule. Because this is a timely matter, with the rule becoming effective on Feb. 7, IFCA wanted to share this information as soon as possible. Please note that we have not yet seen the official Federal Register notice, but all information indicates it is coming soon.     IFCA office will be closed Friday, November 29th.   At this time of Thanksgiving celebration, our thoughts turn gratefully to our members with warm appreciation. ...

Reminder About Custom Blending Regulations

IFCA wants to reminder our members that US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed out a Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Compliance Advisory regarding custom blending. This encompasses blending pesticides with other pesticides, pesticides with fertilizer, and pesticides with feed.   There are no new regulations, but it is meant to clarify the existing regulations for those who custom blend. The information is below:   Definition: A custom blender is any establishment which provides the service of mixing registered pesticides to a customer’s specifications, specifically, a pesticide-pesticide, pesticide-fertilizer, or pesticide-animal feed mixture. Custom blending means the ...

SPCC Compliance Deadline November 10, 2010

If a facility stores 1,320 US gallons or more of oil, oil products such as diesel fuel, gasoline, lube oil, hydraulic oil, adjuvant oil, crop oil, vegetable oil or animal fat in aboveground containers, the deadline to implement a Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan is November 10, 2010.  The SPCC regulation requires a covered facility to prepare and implement an SPCC Plan which is intended to prevent oil products from reaching navigable waters or shores of the United States.  This regulation will require farm operations to also implement the SPCC plan if they meet or exceed ...

Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure Plans (SPCC)

 If you store more than 1,320 gallons of fuel or oil at your facility in containers in excess of 55 gallons, you must complete a SPCC plan.  Click the heading to access the  Asmark Institute's mySPCC program.  The mySPCC program is endorsed by USEPA.  Note that if you have more than 10,000 gallons of storage at your facility you will need to have a Professional Engineer review and certify your SPCC. 

The Illinois Fertilizer Act

The Illinois Fertilizer Act

Click on the heading above for the Illinois Fertilizer Act.

Three Sec of State Offices to Open for CDL Business Only

The Illinois Secretary of State has announced they will open three offices next week to accommodate persons needing CDL services.  See the announcement here.  The offices will only be open for that purpose, and the three offices opening for this will be:   1.  Secretary of State Office in Springfield (2701 South Dirksen Parkway) 2.  Secretary of State Office in Marion (1905 Rendleman Street) 3.  Secretary of State Office in West Chicago (1280 Powis Road)   The ONLY services they will be offering are the CDL skills and written tests.  You can take any of the CDL and endorsement exams ...

Tier 2 reports due March 1

The deadline for submitting Tier II information to IEMA is March 1, 2008. You can begin to submit your Tier 2 information at anytime by going to http://www.state.il.us/iema/disaster/serc_tier2.htm then click on Tier 2 Manager On-Line Submission Program toward the bottom of the page. The username and password to log onto the submission program can be found on your Tier 2 report from last year or by sending and e-mail to ema.tier2mgr@illinois.gov and requesting the facility username and password. Please include your facility name and physical address in the request. If you have ...

Tier 2 Reports Due March 1

The deadline for submitting Tier 2 reports to Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is March 1, 2014.  Although anhydrous ammonia and ammonium nitrate have always been required to be listed on Tier 2 reports, US EPA is now requiring all fertilizer; such as DAP, MAP, UAN and Potash, to be reported on Tier 2 reports.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Kevin Runkle at the IFCA office. 

Towing NH3 Nurse Tanks At Night

Remember when hauling anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks or other implements of husbandry after sunset,  the towing vehicles or implements of husbandry must be equiped with an amber rotating or flashing light.  The lights can also be operated during daylight hours but they are required between sunset and sunrise. 

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) FAQ

Click on the heading to link to the Coast Guard's TWIC information website.  

Vaccine Rollout for 1B Essential Workers - Steps to Follow

IFCA has been in contact with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) regarding the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to ag essential workers.  Ag essential workers are in Phase 1B of the state's plan.  IEMA informed IFCA that Phase 1B for essential workers will begin on January 25th.    Based on our conversations with IEMA, IFCA recommends you take these steps:     1.   Companies should start putting a list together of all employees that wish to receive the vaccine.  Companies should prioritize their lists by risk level; 65+ or individuals that have ...

Worker Protection Standard - How to Comply

Click below for resources on how to comply with the WPS which was initially effective on January 2, 2017 but has been temporarily delayed.  This regulation applies to ag retailers who employ handlers of pesticides.  

• IFCA Overview of WPS Requirements
• USEPA How to Comply Manual
• Frequently Asked Questions