Reducing the Impact of Flooding –

Agricultural Chemicals – Bulk Liquid Fertilizer or Pesticides

When Flooding is Inevitable

Unlike other natural disasters that strike Missouri (e.g. tornadoes), severe flooding usually can be predicted, giving those in the effected areas the opportunity to prepare. One important form of preparation is to take steps to minimize the environmental effects agricultural chemicals would have if exposed to flood waters. The suggestions below are taken from Reducing the Impact of Flooding – Agricultural Chemicals, a fact sheet created by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Bulk Liquid Fertilizer or Pesticides

• Lock and protect valves.
• Close and lock site gauge valves on bulk fertilizer storage tanks.
• Inventory all stored products.
• Accelerate or postpone shipments.
• Prominently display firm manager’s name and telephone number.
• Road restrictions could limit the speed at which product can be removed.
• All agricultural chemical bulk tanks should be anchored in some manner if empty.

More information regarding reducing the impact of flooding regarding other agricultural chemicals is available in the department’s fact sheets:

Reducing the Impact of Flooding – Agricultural Chemicals

In addition to agricultural chemicals, those living in rural areas affected by flooding should take steps to secure propane and other fuel tanks. Additional information related to securing and preparing propane tanks is available in the department’s fact sheet,

Reducing the Impact of Flooding – Propane Tanks

To report an environmental emergency, including fuel spills, please contact the department’s spill line at 573-634-2436.

For more information, please visit the Environmental Services Program web site.