Preventing Pollution at Agricultural Dealerships Missouri's Pollution Prevention Program for Pesticide and Fertilizer Dealers

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Pollution Prevention Unit

A pamphlet from Missouri's Department of Natural Resources about the state's pollution prevention program for pesticide and fertilizer dealers.

Preventing Pollution

A Good Idea for the Environment and the Economy

After years of trying to control, treat, or dispose of pollutants, many people are realizing that the best way to manage pollution is to prevent it.

Pollution prevention -- sometimes called source reduction -- means making changes in processes and behavior so that less pollution is generated. If waste is generated, a company can try to reuse or recycle that material.

Many companies are realizing the economic benefits of pollution prevention. They generate less pollution, so they spend less money managing pollution. Pollution prevention practices may result in decreased raw material costs, increased efficiency, and increased worker safety. In other words, preventing pollution makes good business sense.

Additionally, by reducing the amount of pollution generated, companies are taking an active role in protecting our environment.

A Good Idea for Agrichemical Dealers

Agrichemical dealers are recognizing the value of preventing pollution in their businesses. For example, finding ways to reuse rinse water can save the cost of treating or disposing of contaminated water. Installing containment structures around storage and mixing areas is another method of pollution prevention. This can help avoid costly cleanup operations after a spill, and can allow the dealer to capture and use the spilled product.

This brochure lists other ways agrichemical dealers can prevent pollution. Not only does the dealer benefit from these practices, but the environment and the community benefit as well.

How to Prevent Pollution at Agrichemical Dealerships

• Develop a pollution prevention plan.
  
• User refillable containers.
  
• Control inventory to reduce waste.
  
• Check and maintain all equipment routinely.
  
• Use drip trays or buckets to collect and reuse spilled material.
  
• Store product in a containment area.
  
• Mix and load material on a load-out pad with a containment area.
  
• Collect and use spilled materials.
  
• Make sure fuel and product storage tanks and piping are safe from vehicle collisions.
  
• Install back-flow protection devices on water supply lines.
  
• Prevent storm water from corning into contact with fertilizers, pesticides, fuels, or other contaminants.
  
• Collect and recycle waste oil.
  
• Collect and recycle pesticide containers.
  
• Collect and recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and other materials.

Sharing Good Ideas

For more information on preventing pollution at agrichemical dealerships, or elsewhere, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at the following address:

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Pollution Prevention Unit
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Or call
(800) 361-4827

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If anyone believes they have been subjected to discrimination for any of these reasons, they may file a complaint with either the Department of natural Resources or the appropriate federal agency.

This publication was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Rev. 3/95