The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today released an interim final rule that imposes for the first time comprehensive federal security regulations for high risk chemical facilities. The Agricultural Retailers Association said today it is reviewing the proposed rule "to determine its potential impact on agricultural retailers and distributors."
ARA noted that the proposed list of "chemicals of concern and threshold amounts include many pesticides and fertilizers commonly stored at agricultural retail and distribution facilities." Aimed at preventing terrorism, the rule will require owners of affected chemical facilities to complete a preliminary screening assessment that determines the level of risk associated with the facility, according to DHS release.
"If a chemical facility preliminarily qualifies as high risk, its owners will be required to prepare and submit a security vulnerability assessment and site security plan. Submissions will be validated through audits and site inspections." Non-compliance could result in civil penalties and fines up to $25,000 a day.
Source: Feedstuffs
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