This document provides information on bulk storage requirements for pesticides and fertilizers in Indiana. Farm operations that store over 2,500 gallons of liquid fertilizer or 7,500 total gallons of liquid fertilizer are considered bulk storage. Dry fertilizer stored in piles over 12 tons or dry pesticide stored undivided over 100 pounds is also considered bulk. Facilities storing materials in bulk must register annually with the Indiana State Chemist office and meet containment standards. Primary containment includes labeled storage tanks within secondary containment dikes able to hold the volume of the largest tank. A load pad is also required for mixing, loading and equipment washing activities.

1. Pesticide and Fertilizer
Bulk Storage

2. Buying in bulk

3. Bulk Fertilizer
 A tank that can hold more than 2,500
gallons of liquid fertilizer.
 A farm that stores more than 7,500 total
gallons of liquid fertilizer.
Liquid

4. Dry fertilizer stored in undivided
quantities (piles not bags) exceeding 12
tons.
Dry Fertilizer

5. Bulk Pesticides
 Any container that has the potential to
hold more than 55 gallons of liquid
pesticide.
 Dry pesticide stored undivided in excess of
100 pounds.
Liquid
Dry

7. Minibulks
 Minibulk tanks
(55 to 400
gallons) kept
more than 30
days are
considered bulk
storage.

8. Registration
 Register with OISC
Phone 765/494-1492 and
www.isco.purdue.edu/index_fert.htm
 Same form for both Pesticide and Fertilizer
 No cost for registration
 Renewed annually

10. Bulk Storage and Containment Requirements
Tank – primary containment
 Labeled
– fertilizer grade
– pesticide label
 External sight gauge
– locked on fertilizer
– not allowed on pesticides
 All tanks locked when not in use.

11. Primary containment (tanks)

14.  Holds volume largest tank + displacement
of other tanks in dike.
 Add 6” if dike not under a roof.
 Sloped floor and sump pump.
 No drains for pumping over, in, or under
the wall.
Bulk Storage and Containment Requirements
Dikes – secondary containment

15. Primary containment (tanks)
Secondary containment (dike)

18.  Minimum: 10 x 20 ft and holds 750
gallons.
 Sloped and sump pump.
 All mixing, loading, equipment washing,
filling of minibulks done on load pad.
 Dry fertilizer mixing, loading, and
transferring done over impermeable
surface.
Bulk Storage and Containment Requirements
Load pad – operational containment

19. Primary containment (tanks)
Secondary containment (dike) Mix load pad

21.  Clean up immediately.
 Keep dike and pad free of debris.
 Test before pumping liquids over dike.
Bulk Storage and Containment Requirements
Spills

25. Bulk Storage and Containment Requirements
Maintenance
 Inspect
regularly
 Maintain all
components
 Post “No
Trespassing”
“Keep Out”
signs

27. Compliance Benefits
 Tax credit
– contact OISC
 Safeguards investment
 Protects the environment
 Saves money buying in bulk quantities
 Lower insurance rates possible

29. Look before you build
 Visit other facilities
 Choose site carefully
 Keep under roof
 Cost share funds available from NRCS
 Hire a concrete contractor

38. Primary containment (tanks)
Secondary containment (dike) Mix load pad