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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/23/2024

Part V. Standards for Pesticide Containment Structures

2VAC5-690-160. General provisions.

A. The purpose of the containment regulations in Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter is to protect human health and the environment from exposure to agricultural pesticides that may spill or leak from stationary pesticide containers. This protection is achieved by the construction of secondary containment units or pads at certain facilities handling agricultural pesticides. These regulations will also reduce waste generation associated with:

1. Storage and handling of large quantities of pesticide products.

2. Pesticide dispensing and container-refilling operations.

B. Any owner or operator of one of the following businesses who also has a stationary pesticide container or a pesticide dispensing (including container refilling) area must comply with the regulations in Part V of this chapter.

1. Refilling establishments who repackage agricultural pesticides and whose principal business is retail sale (i.e., more than 50% of total annual revenue comes from retail operations).

2. Custom blenders of agricultural pesticides.

3. Businesses that apply an agricultural pesticide for compensation (other than trading of personal services between agricultural producers).

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-170. Scope of stationary pesticide containers included.

A. A stationary pesticide container is a refillable container (i) that is fixed at a single facility or establishment or, if not fixed, remains at the facility or establishment for at least 30 consecutive days and (ii) that holds pesticide during the entire time.

B. Stationary pesticide containers designed to hold undivided quantities of agricultural pesticides equal to or greater than 500 gallons (1,890 liters) of liquid pesticide or equal to or greater than 4,000 pounds (1,818 kilograms) of dry pesticide are subject to the regulations in Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter and must have a secondary containment unit that complies with the provisions of Part V of this chapter unless any of the following conditions exists:

1. The container is empty, that is, all pesticide that can be removed by methods such as draining, pumping, or aspirating has been removed (whether or not the container has been rinsed or washed).

2. The container holds only pesticide rinsates or washwater and is labeled accordingly.

3. The container holds only pesticides that would be gaseous when released at atmospheric temperature and pressure.

4. The container is dedicated to nonpesticide use and is labeled accordingly.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-180. Scope of pesticide dispensing areas included.

A. A pesticide dispensing area is subject to the containment regulations in Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter and must have a containment pad that complies with the requirements of Part V of this chapter if any of the following activities occur:

1. Refillable containers of agricultural pesticide are emptied, cleaned, or rinsed.

2. Agricultural pesticides are dispensed from a stationary pesticide container designed to hold undivided quantities of agricultural pesticides equal to or greater than 500 gallons (1,890 liters) of liquid pesticide or equal to or greater than 4,000 pounds (1,818 kilograms) of dry pesticide for any purpose, including refilling or emptying for cleaning. This applies when pesticide is dispensed from the container into any vessel, including but not limited to:

a. Refillable containers;

b. Service containers;

c. Transport vehicles; or

d. Application equipment.

3. Agricultural pesticides are dispensed from a transport vehicle for purposes of filling a refillable container.

4. Agricultural pesticides are dispensed from any other container for the purpose of refilling a refillable container for sale or distribution. Containment requirements do not apply if the agricultural pesticide is dispensed from such a container for use, application or purposes other than refilling for sale or distribution.

B. A pesticide dispensing area is exempt from the regulations in Part V of this chapter if any of the following conditions exist:

1. The only pesticides in the dispensing area would be gaseous when released at atmospheric temperature and pressure.

2. The only pesticide containers refilled or emptied within the dispensing area are stationary pesticide containers that are already protected by a secondary containment unit that complies with the provisions of Part V of this chapter.

3. The pesticide dispensing area is used solely for dispensing pesticide from a rail car that does not remain at a facility long enough to meet the definition of a stationary pesticide container, that is, 30 days.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-190. Definition of new and existing structures.

A. A new containment structure is one whose installation began after November 16, 2006. Installation is considered to have begun if:

1. The owner or operator has obtained all federal, state, and local approvals or permits necessary to begin physical construction of the containment structure; and

2. The owner or operator has either begun a continuous onsite physical construction or installation program or has entered into contractual obligations. The contract must be such that it cannot be canceled or modified without substantial loss and must be for the physical construction or installation of the containment structure within a specific and reasonable time frame.

B. An existing containment structure is defined as one whose installation began on or before November 16, 2006.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-200. Design and capacity requirements for new structures.

A. A new containment structure must comply with the following material specifications:

1. The containment structure must be constructed of steel, reinforced concrete, or other rigid material capable of withstanding the full hydrostatic head, load, and impact of any pesticides, precipitation, other substances, equipment, and appurtenances placed within the structure. The structure must be liquid-tight with cracks, seams, and joints appropriately sealed.

2. The structure must not be constructed of natural earthen material, unfired clay, or asphalt.

3. The containment structure must be made of materials compatible with the pesticides stored. Materials are deemed compatible if they are able to withstand anticipated exposure to stored or transferred substances and still provide containment of those same or other substances within the containment area.

B. A new containment structure must comply with the following general design requirements:

1. The owner or operator must ensure that appurtenances and pesticide containers are protected against damage from operating personnel and moving equipment. Means of protection include, but are not limited to, supports to prevent sagging, flexible connections, the use of guard rails, barriers, and protective cages.

2. Appurtenances, discharge outlets, or gravity drains must not be configured through the base or wall of the containment structure, except for direct interconnections between adjacent containment structures that meet the requirements of Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter. Appurtenances must be configured in such a way that spills or leaks are easy to see.

3. The containment structure must be constructed with sufficient freeboard to contain precipitation and prevent water and other liquids from seeping into or flowing onto it from adjacent land or structures.

4. Multiple stationary pesticide containers may be protected within a single secondary containment unit.

C. A new secondary containment unit for a stationary container of a liquid pesticide and a new containment pad in a pesticide dispensing area must comply with the following capacity requirements:

1. New secondary containment units for stationary containers of liquid pesticides, if protected from precipitation, must have a capacity of at least 100% of the volume of the largest stationary pesticide container plus the volume displaced by other containers and appurtenances within the unit.

2. New secondary containment units for stationary containers of liquid pesticides, if exposed to or unprotected from precipitation, must have a capacity of at least 110% of the volume of the largest stationary pesticide container plus the volume displaced by other containers and appurtenances within the unit.

3. New containment pads in pesticide dispensing areas that have a pesticide container or pesticide holding equipment with a volume of 750 gallons or greater must have a holding capacity of at least 750 gallons.

4. New containment pads in pesticide dispensing areas that do not have a pesticide container or pesticide holding equipment with a volume of at least 750 gallons must have a holding capacity of at least 100% of the volume of the largest pesticide container or pesticide-holding equipment used on the pad.

D. Each stationary container of liquid pesticides protected by a new secondary containment unit must be anchored or elevated to prevent flotation in the event that the secondary containment unit fills with liquid.

E. Each new containment pad in a pesticide dispensing area must:

1. Be designed and constructed to intercept leaks and spills of pesticides that may occur in the pesticide dispensing area;

2. Have enough surface area to extend completely beneath any container on it, with the exception of transport vehicles dispensing pesticide for sale or distribution to a stationary pesticide container. For such vehicles, the surface area of the containment pad must accommodate at least the portion of the vehicle where the delivery hose or device couples to the vehicle. This exception does not apply to transport vehicles that are used for prolonged storage or repeated onsite dispensing of pesticides;

3. Allow, in conjunction with its sump, for removal and recovery of spilled, leaked, or discharged material and rainfall, such as by a manually activated pump. Automatically activated pumps that lack automatic overflow cutoff switches for the receiving container are prohibited; and

4. Have its surface sloped toward an area where liquids can be collected for removal, such as a liquid-tight sump or a depression, in the case of a single-pour concrete pad.

F. A new secondary containment unit for a stationary container of a dry pesticide must comply with the following specific design requirements:

1. The stationary containers of dry pesticides within the containment unit must be protected from wind and precipitation.

2. Stationary containers of dry pesticides must be placed on pallets or a raised concrete platform to prevent the accumulation of water in or under the pesticide.

3. The storage area for stationary containers of dry pesticides must include a floor that extends completely beneath the pallets or raised concrete platforms on which the stationary containers of dry pesticides must be stored.

4. The storage area for stationary containers of dry pesticides must be enclosed by a curb a minimum of six inches high that extends at least two feet beyond the perimeter of the container.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-210. Design and capacity requirements for existing structures.

A. An existing containment structure must comply with the following material specifications:

1. The containment structure must be constructed of steel, reinforced concrete, or other rigid material capable of withstanding the full hydrostatic head, load, and impact of any pesticides, precipitation, other substances, equipment, and appurtenances placed within the structure. The structure must be liquid-tight with cracks, seams, and joints appropriately sealed.

2. The structure must not be constructed of natural earthen material, unfired clay, or asphalt.

3. The containment structure must be made of materials compatible with the pesticides stored. In this case, compatible means able to withstand anticipated exposure to stored or transferred substances and still provide containment of those same or other substances within the containment area.

B. An existing containment structure must comply with the following general design requirements:

1. The owner or operator must ensure that appurtenances and pesticide containers are protected against damage from operating personnel and moving equipment. Means of protection include, but are not limited to, supports to prevent sagging, flexible connections, the use of guard rails, barriers, and protective cages.

2. All appurtenances, discharge outlets, and gravity drains through the base or wall of the containment structure must be sealed, except for direct interconnections between adjacent containment structures that meet the requirements of Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter.

3. The containment structure must be constructed with sufficient freeboard to contain precipitation and prevent water and other liquids from seeping into or flowing onto it from adjacent land or structures.

4. Multiple stationary pesticide containers may be protected within a single secondary containment unit.

C. An existing secondary containment unit for a stationary container of liquid pesticides and an existing containment pad in a pesticide dispensing area must comply with the following capacity requirements:

1. Existing secondary containment units for stationary containers of liquid pesticides must have a capacity of at least 100% of the volume of the largest stationary pesticide container plus the volume displaced by other containers and appurtenances within the unit.

2. Existing containment pads in pesticide dispensing areas that have a pesticide container or pesticide-holding equipment with a volume of 750 gallons or greater must have a holding capacity of at least 750 gallons.

3. Existing containment pads in pesticide dispensing areas that do not have a pesticide container or pesticide-holding equipment with a volume of at least 750 gallons must have a holding capacity of at least 100% of the volume of the largest pesticide container or pesticide-holding equipment used on the pad.

D. Each stationary container of liquid pesticides protected by an existing secondary containment unit must be anchored or elevated to prevent flotation in the event that the secondary containment unit fills with liquid.

E. Each existing containment pad in a pesticide dispensing area must:

1. Be designed and constructed to intercept leaks and spills of pesticides that may occur in the pesticide dispensing area.

2. Have enough surface area to extend completely beneath any container on it, with the exception of transport vehicles dispensing pesticide for sale or distribution to a stationary pesticide container. For such vehicles, the surface area of the containment pad must accommodate at least the portion of the vehicle where the delivery hose or device couples to the vehicle. This exception does not apply to transport vehicles that are used for prolonged storage or repeated onsite dispensing of pesticides.

3. Allow, in conjunction with its sump, for removal and recovery of spilled, leaked, or discharged material and rainfall, such as by a manually activated pump. Automatically activated pumps that lack automatic overflow cutoff switches for the receiving container are prohibited.

F. An existing secondary containment unit for a stationary container of a dry pesticide must comply with the following specific design requirements:

1. The stationary containers of dry pesticides within the containment unit must be protected from wind and precipitation.

2. Stationary containers of dry pesticides must be placed on pallets or a raised concrete platform to prevent the accumulation of water in or under the pesticide.

3. The storage area for stationary containers of dry pesticides must include a floor that extends completely beneath the pallets or raised concrete platforms on which the stationary containers of dry pesticides must be stored.

4. The storage area for stationary containers of dry pesticides must be enclosed by a curb a minimum of six inches high that extends at least two feet beyond the perimeter of the container.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-220. Operational, inspection, and maintenance requirements for all new and existing containment structures.

A. The owner or operator of a new or existing pesticide containment structure must comply with the following operating procedures:

1. Manage the structure in a manner that prevents pesticides or materials containing pesticides from escaping from the containment structure (including, but not limited to, pesticide residues washed off the containment structure by rainfall or cleaning liquids used within the structure);

2. Ensure that pesticide spills and leaks on or in any containment structure are collected and recovered in a manner that ensures protection of human health and the environment (including surface water and groundwater) and maximum practicable recovery of the pesticide spilled or leaked. Cleanup must occur no later than the end of the day on which pesticides have been spilled or leaked except in circumstances where a reasonable delay would significantly reduce the likelihood or severity of adverse effects to human health or the environment;

3. Ensure that all materials resulting from spills and leaks and any materials containing pesticide residue are managed according to label instructions and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations;

4. Ensure that transfers of pesticides between containers or between containers and transport vehicles, are attended at all times; and

5. Ensure that each lockable valve on a stationary pesticide container, if it is required by 2VAC5-690-90 G, is closed and locked, or that the facility is locked, whenever the facility is unattended.

B. The owner or operator of a new or existing pesticide containment structure must comply with the following inspection and maintenance requirements:

1. Inspect each stationary pesticide container and its appurtenances and each containment structure at least monthly during periods when pesticides are being stored or dispensed on the containment structure. The inspection must include looking for visible signs of wetting, discoloration, blistering, bulging, corrosion, cracks or other signs of damage or leakage;

2. Initiate repair to any areas showing visible signs of damage and seal any cracks and gaps in the containment structure or appurtenances with material compatible with the pesticide being stored or dispensed no later than the end of the day on which damage is noticed and complete repairs within a time frame that is reasonable, taking into account factors such as the weather, and the availability of cleanup materials, trained staff, and equipment; and

3. Not store any additional pesticide on a containment structure if the structure fails to meet the requirements of Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter until suitable repairs have been made.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-230. Combining a containment pad and a secondary containment unit.

An owner or operator subject to the requirements of Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter may combine containment pads and secondary containment units as an integrated system provided the requirements set out in Part V of this chapter for containment pads and secondary containment units in 2VAC5-690-200 A and B, 2VAC5-690-210 A and B, and 2VAC5-690-220, and, as applicable, 2VAC5-690-200 C through F and 2VAC5-690-210 C through F are satisfied separately.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

2VAC5-690-240. Recordkeeping.

A. A facility owner or operator subject to the requirements of Part V (2VAC5-690-160 et seq.) of this chapter, must maintain the following records and must furnish these records for inspection and copying within 72 hours of request by an employee of VDACS:

B. Records of inspection and maintenance for each containment structure and for each stationary pesticide container and its appurtenances must be kept for three years and must include the following information:

1. Name of the person conducting the inspection or maintenance;

2. Date the inspection or maintenance was conducted;

3. Conditions noted; and

4. Specific maintenance performed.

C. Records for any nonstationary pesticide container designed to hold undivided quantities of agricultural pesticides equal to or greater than 500 gallons (1,890 liters) of liquid pesticide or equal to or greater than 4,000 pounds (1,818 kilograms) of dry pesticide that holds pesticide but is not protected by a secondary containment unit meeting these regulations must be kept for three years. Records on these nonstationary pesticide containers must include the time period that the container remains at the same location.

D. Records of the construction date of the containment structure must be kept for as long as the pesticide containment structure is in use, and for three years afterwards.

Statutory Authority

§ 3.2-3906 of the Code of Virginia; 40 CFR Part 165.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 6, eff. January 2, 2014.

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