Dairy Producers of New Mexico

New Homeland Security Chemical Guidelines

The Department of Homeland Security recently released a list of chemicals that, if possessed by a facility in a specified quantity, would require them to complete a Chemical Security Anti-Terrorism Top-Screen assessment.

DHS has issued an indefinite extension of compliance - the "Stay" – with the rule for end-users, including production agriculture, farmers and ranchers, using and storing screening threshold quantities (STQs) chemicals for the purposes of treatment and application.

If a farmer or rancher does have to comply with the rule, registration can be accomplished at http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1169501486197.shtm

Compliance

  1. Facilities to which the rule currently applies are expected to have completed the Top Screen by January 22, 2008.
  2. Facilities to which the rule will apply in the future are expected to complete the Top Screen within sixty (60) days of receiving the STQ chemical on-site for use/storage.
  3. For facilities that may have difficulty completing the process, DHS indicates a willingness to assist operators with the Top Screen – especially small business and non-commercial operations such as farms and ranches.

DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Farm & Ranch Guide
Department of Homeland Security's Chemicals of Interest List