North Dakota Agricultural Association

C. No loading or unloading should be conducted outside of containment structures, unless completed in the field. The

EPA and SPRAY DRIFT ISSUE –
February 2006

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently launched the Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) Program, a new initiative designed to consolidate all drift reduction systems, mechanical and chemical, in order to review, rate and assign ranking. Upon completion of the evaluation process, the EPA will advise chemical manufacturers to voluntarily direct users to implement use of the newly tested systems.

Currently, the EPA is preparing a variety of initiatives to address the renewed spray drift issues. The Agricultural Retailers Association is working proactively in concert with the EPA, allied groups, and Congress to address ag retailers concerns. Your feedback directly or through the ND Agricultural Association is invited. This serious issue of consolidation warrants input from all equipment industry personnel.

Anhydrous Ammonia Theft

What You Need To Know

Sponsored by :
Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
1-800-472-2185

North Dakota Department of Agriculture
1-800-242-7535

North Dakota agriculture depends on anhydrous ammonia as one of the major sources of nitrogen fertilizer for production of corn and other crops. However, a new threat has emerged - the theft of anhydrous ammonia for use in making a powerful narcotic called methamphetamine. Naturally, we are concerned by the illegal and illicit use of this product. We want to play a role in preventing drug abuse in the future. By raising awareness about the potential for anhydrous theft, both farmers and fertilizer dealers can assist law enforcement in combating this illicit use of a product important to North Dakota agriculture.

What is anhydrous ammonia? Anhydrous ammonia is one of several nitrogen-based fertilizer products. It is a basic building block in the manufacture of other types of nitrogen fertilizer and also is applied to farmland as a fertilizer.

What is methamphetamine? Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Meth dealers produce it illegally and sell it in pill form, powder, and chunks. One simple recipe for making meth requires anhydrous ammonia as a precursor chemical. The drug can be made in a makeshift "lab", which is small enough to be stored in a suitcase. Moreover, only small amounts of ammonia are required.

How do I know if I have had anhydrous ammonia stolen?

Has the ground been disturbed around the tanks? Look for fresh tracks in mud or snow.
Are tank valves closed tightly? Sometimes a valve works loose, but sometimes it's the result of tampering.
Look for suspicious items left near the tanks such as duct tape, garden hose, bicycle inner tubes, buckets, and coolers. If frightened or surprised, thieves will leave these materials behind.
Check for broken or missing wire ties or seals that you have placed on valve wheels as a marker.

What should I do if I see signs of anhydrous theft? Do not disturb the crime scene and immediately contact your local law enforcement authorities.

As part of North Dakota's effort against the production and trafficking of methamphetamine, we are one of six states designated as the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area(HIDTA).; Information for this brochure is made available through the Statewide HIDTA Initiative. Should you have questions regarding theft of anhydrous ammonia, please contact your local law enforcement agency or nearest BCI field office.

Bismarck.........................701-328-5500
Devils Lake BCI..............701-662-0725
Dickinson........................701-227-7420
Fargo BCI........................701-239-7126
Grand Forks BCI............701-795-3820
Jamestown BCI..............701-251-2993
Minot BCI........................701-857-7613
Stanton BCI.....................701-745-3258
Wapheton BCI................701-642-7811
Williston BCI..................701-774-4310
Toll Free 1-800-472-2185

What should I do if I see suspicious individuals or activity near anhydrous tanks? DO NOT APPROACH OR CONFRONT these individuals...call local law enforcement authorities. Thieves may be under the influence of methamphetamines and may become dangerously violent.

What are some practical steps I can take to deter the theft of anhydrous ammonia at the fertilizer dealership?

Make your employees and customers aware of the theft problem.
Store nurse tanks in well-lit areas
Store tanks with flow valves facing towards the drive lane to speed fertilizer dealer's visual inspection of area.
Inspect tanks each morning. This includes weekends, when many anhydrous thefts occur.
Remove hoses and store them separately during the off-season. One hose contains enough anhydrous to make meth.
Block the fertilizer dealership to complicate the physical theft of a tank.
Place brightly colored plastic wire ties or seals between the valve wheel and the roll cage to ease visual checks.
Keep accurate records and perform frequent inventory checks. Track stored nurse tanks by identification number and estimate the amount of remaining product.
Work with local law enforcement personnel on security precautions and encourage frequent nighttime patrols.
Be suspicious of those attempting to buy anhydrous who you know do not have a legitimate need for this product. If strangers attempt to purchase anhydrous note their physical description and that of the vehicles they are using. Contact your local law enforcement agency.

What practical steps can I take to deter the theft of anhydrous ammonia at the farm?

Deliver tanks to farms as close to the time of actual application as possible. Anhydrous nurse tanks left unattended for extended periods are an invitation to would-be thieves.
Position delivered tanks in open area where they may be seen from the roadway. By placing tanks in open areas where they may be observed by passing motorists and law enforcement personnel, would-be thieves are at a disadvantage.
Encourage producers to return tanks immediately after use.
Discourage temporary storage of nurse tanks and tool bars inside buildings or near the farmhouse or livestock confinements.
Encourage producers to relieve pressure with the bleed valve and then remove hoses between tool bars and nurse tanks when left in the field overnight.
Inspect each nurse tank upon delivery and return for signs of tampering.
By raising awareness and taking some easy, common sense steps, we can deter the theft of anhydrous ammonia for illicit purposes. This will help protect its future safe, legal, and intended use

For additional brochures, contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 701-328-5500 or 1-800-472-2185 or the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 1-800-242-7532.