1. Mini-bulk tanks that contain pesticides must be stored in secondary containment.
2. The capacity of the secondary containment area must be a minimum of 110% (roofed storage) or 125% (unroofed storage) of the largest mini-bulk container in the containment area. Displacement of other tanks must also be calculated as well.
3. Elevating mini-bulk tanks on metal stands or pallets equal to the height of the containment wall will eliminate any displacement volume and will ease access to mini-bulks in the containment area.
4. All mini-bulk tanks must be placed a minimum of one foot from the secondary containment wall or curb.
5. The secondary containment may not contain a drain or other similar opening. If such an opening exists it must be permanently plugged to prevent an incident.
Secondary containment for mini-bulk tanks do not have to be permitted prior to construction but must meet all requirements of the rule. (See the MDA fact sheet Pesticide Storage - Bulk Requirements.) If you are constructing a mini-bulk tank containment area and have plans to permit containment for 500 gallons tanks or larger in the future, the MDA strongly recommends that you submit the plans for review to ensure permit compliance prior to construction.
The MDA will review your construction plans upon request, but this is not required. However, if the containment is found to be inadequate, you must reconstruct to meet the rule.
1. Anytime liquid bulk pesticides are transferred from a mini-bulk container for the purpose of impregnating fertilizer, filling application equipment for filling another bulk container a load area is required.
2. Load areas for liquid bulk pesticide transfers must have a minimum 3 inch high curb regardless of the size. It must be constructed of concrete, metal, or other materials that are deemed compatible to pesticides by MDA during permit review.
3. Facilities storing mini-bulk tanks of a rated capacity of 250 to 499 U.S. gallons must have a load area with a minimum capacity of 500 U.S. gallons.
4. Facilities storing mini-bulk tanks of a rated capacity of 56 to 249 U.S. gallons must have a load area with a minimum capacity of 250 U.S. gallons.
5. If a sump is constructed in the load area it must comply with Minnesota Rules 1505.3070.
6. Load areas must be properly maintained. Cracks must be repaired as needed and remain liquid tight.
7. Load areas for dry bulk pesticide transfers do not require a 3 inch high curb but do require a load area constructed of impervious materials and must be elevated above the ground level.
If mini-bulk pesticides are used to impregnate dry fertilizer, an elevated flat load pad is required. The pad must be constructed of reinforced concrete or other Commissioner-approved materials. The load pad must be adequate size to fully hold a release from the application equipment being loaded. Load pads must be managed in a manner that will prevent pesticide contaminated runoff from leaving the area.
When using mini-bulk pesticides to impregnate dry fertilizer, the mini-bulk tank and the inductor must be inside a secondary containment area. If you are using small packaged pesticides to impregnate, a load pad is not required, although it is recommended.
1. Mini-bulk tanks must be secured against access by unauthorized persons and provide protection against access by wildlife.
2. Mini-bulk tanks must be protected against damage caused by moving vehicles.
3. Mini-bulk tanks must bear a current and complete label including the EPA Establishment number and the net gallons.
4. During the use season, mini-bulk tank containment and load areas must be inspected on a weekly basis. Records of this inspection must be kept.
G. Phillips & Sons has a service to pick up and recycle intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).
For more information please contact:
Trevor Harding
tharding@gphillipsandsons.com
678-232-6047
https://www.gpsagrecycle.com/
September 13, 2023
Two invasive insects new to Minnesota were reported to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Report a Pest service in August. Both insects were reported by two separate vigilant homeowners and were later confirmed as invasive insects: The elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus) and Asiatic garden beetle (Maladera formosae).
Elm Seed Bug
The elm seed bug is an invasive insect that has piercing sucking mouth parts and primarily feeds on elm seeds but can also feed on linden and oak. The elm seed bug is mostly considered a nuisance pest like the box elder bug, as they can enter homes in large numbers. Box elder bugs are active in late summer and fall, but the elm seed bug is active in mid-June.
Native to Europe, elm seed bug was first confirmed in the United Stated in 2012. It is established in several western states, such as Oregon, Washington, and Utah.
Adult elm seed bugs are about 1/3 inch long; they’re a dark rusty-red and black color. The underside of the insect is red. On the back behind the head, there is an upside-down black triangle set inside two rusty-red triangles. Next to the edges of the wings where the abdomen is exposed are alternating white and rusty red-black patches.
Best management practices include sealing cracks and crevices on the exterior of buildings so the insects cannot enter and vacuuming up insects that make it inside. To limit entry into structures, there are certain insecticides that can be applied as a barrier treatment.
Asiatic Garden Beetle
The Asiatic garden beetle is an invasive insect that feeds on over 100 hosts, including fruit, vegetables, perennials, and annuals. Grubs prefer roots of ornamentals and garden plants. Preferred hosts include butterfly bush, rose, dahlia, aster, and chrysanthemum. Adults feed on the leaves and flowers of their host plants. Heavy infestations can lead to complete defoliation except for the leaf midribs.
Native to Japan and China, this beetle was first found in the United States in New Jersey in 1922. It is established in New England and a few Midwestern states, including Illinois and Indiana.
Asiatic garden beetles are about 3/8 inch long, are chestnut brown, and may have a slight iridescent sheen. The abdomen protrudes slightly from the wing covers. Adults emerge at night and fly actively when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are related to Japanese beetles but differ in that Japanese beetles fly and feed during the day and Asiatic garden beetles feed at night.
Since both elm seed bug and Asiatic garden beetle are newly discovered in Minnesota, the MDA would like to better understand where these insects may be in the state. Residents can report suspected sightings of both insects to the MDA’s Report a Pest line or call 1-888-545-6684. Please include clear photos when submitting a report online.
More information is available on elm seed bug and Asiatic garden beetle.
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Media Contact
Brittany Raveill, MDA Communications
651-201-6131
Brittany.Raveill@state.mn.us
