Kansas City, Kan - Missouri's Clean Air Act's Risk Management Program just received a major financial boost.
The Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) a total of $75,000.
All fertilizer facilities that handle, process or store more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are subject to EPA’s chemical safety requirements.
"EPA is proud to award these funds, which will help to reduce accidental anhydrous ammonia releases," said William Rice, acting regional administrator. "The Risk Management Program was designed to prevent releases and protect the health and safety of area residents, employees at the facilities, emergency responders and the environment.”
The Dept of Agriculture will receive $30,000; the State Emergency Management Agency will receive $45,000.
Anhydrous ammonia is generally safe but it is toxic and can be a health hazard. Inhaling anhydrous ammonia can cause lung irritation and severe respiratory injuries.
EPA Region 7 receives more accidental release reports for ammonia than for any other chemical. Releases can be caused by transportation accidents, human error and equipment failure as well as during thefts.
It is a key ingredient in methamphetamine. When it is stolen, the toxic gas can be unintentionally released and cause injuries to emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, the public and the criminals themselves.
