California farmers and ranchers, as well as fertilizer manufactures and handlers, may be impacted by new federal regulations that will require registration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In August, DHS announced a proposed rule, via the Federal Register, which will create an Ammonium Nitrate Security Program. This program would require that persons engaged in the use, transfer or distribution of ammonium nitrate to register with DHS and uphold specific documentation standards depending on use and handling of the substance. While California has similar standards for ammonium nitrate in place, the new federal program could increase record keeping requirements and registration rules for California firms.
A DHS public meeting on the issue is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at:
DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento
2001 Point West Way – (Capitol Ballroom Salon B/C)
Sacramento, CA 95815
Click here for further information on the federal Ammonium Nitrate Security Program