December 5, 2007

LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Don Koivisto reminds food and agriculture facilities to review the recently issued Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chemical list. Any facilities with chemical products above the threshold quantities on this list, Appendix A: Chemicals of Interest, are required under federal law to complete the registration process.

Earlier this year, DHS issued Chemical Facility and Anti-Terrorism Standards for any facility using or storing certain chemicals above a specified threshold. Production agriculture, the agri-business sector, food processing, laboratories, warehousing and distribution, and even some retail entities are among the groups that may be impacted. Some of the many chemicals on the DHS list include anhydrous ammonia, chlorine, and propane.

“The agriculture industry and government share a responsibility to work together to strengthen our nation’s security,” explains Koivisto. “Although this is a federal regulation, we do not want any Michigan companies to risk penalties from missing the deadline.”

Owners of facilities with chemicals above the threshold quantities should complete a preliminary online assessment to determine the level of risk associated with their facility by January 19, 2008. After this step, DHS will determine whether the facility presents a security risk and is subject to the Chemical Facility and Anti-Terrorism Standards.

For more information, visit the DHS chemical security website at www.dhs.gov/chemicalsecurity.