Interpretation Response #98-0365 ([Western Farm Service] [Mr. Warren O. Purdy])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Western Farm Service
Individual Name: Mr. Warren O. Purdy
Location State: CA Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
DEC 1, 2000
Mr. Warren O. Purdy Reference No. 98-0365
Senior Division Agronomist
Western Farm Service
509 West Weber Avenue, Suite 201
Stockton, CA 95203
Dear Mr. Purdy:
This is in response to your letters and telephone conversations with me and Ms. Eileen Edmonson of my staff concerning whether the shipment of a fertilizer, identified as "Ammonium nitrate, 5.1, UN 1942, PO III," "Potassium nitrate, 5.1, UN 1486, PO III," or "Sodium nitrate, 5.1, UN 1498, PO III," in a rear-end loaded freight container is authorized under 49 CFR 173.240. We apologize for the delay in response and any misunderstanding or inconvenience this may have caused.
Specifically, you asked whether your 24 foot, rear-end loaded freight container would satisfy the requirement of a sift-proof container. You state that dunnage is placed across the rear end of the freight container, forming a rear wall. The freight container is then lined on the bottom and all sides, up to a height of 7 feet, with 4-ml thick clear polyethylene. The fertilizer is loaded in loose bulk form, using a troughing conveyor, into the enclosed area. After loading is completed, you stated the plastic liner is secured over the top of the fertilizer, and additional dunnage and liner is . secured over the upper portion of the rear wall to prevent the release of any contents. The package, weighing about 21.5 tons, is transported by vessel from California to Hawaii.
Based upon the information you provided, the answer is yes. Your packaging would satisfy the requirements of a sift-proof, non-DOT specification, closed bulk bin under § 173.240(c).
Sincerely,
Hattie L. Mitchell, Chief
Regulatory Review and Reinvention
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 173.240 | Bulk packaging for certain low hazard solid materials |