Proposed Ammonium Nitrate Security Program announced

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has announced the publication of the Department of Homeland Security’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Federal Register for the creation of the Ammonium Nitrate Security Program. The proposed program is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to secure potentially dangerous chemicals and ensure those chemicals do not fall into the hands of those who could cause harm.

The program will increase security by working with domestic purchasers to validate legitimate use. It would also require those selling ammonium nitrate to retain records and report theft or loss of ammonium nitrate to federal authorities within 24 hours of discovery. DHS will be responsible for ensuring compliance with these proposed standards to ensure public safety and support legitimate commerce.

In order to address the complexity of the potential regulated community under the law, DHS said it conducted a thorough examination of the impacts on various communities, including farmers, agricultural retailers and distributors, landscaping services, construction and mining companies and others, prior to the department’s promulgation of a final rule.