Storing and Handling Fuel, Fertilizer, and Chemicals
Fuel, fertilizer, and chemicals can be hazardous to the environment if not stored and handled properly. The purpose of this program is to help landowners protect ground and surface water resources by properly containing and safely storing fuel, fertilizer, pesticides, and other chemicals on rural farm and non-farm properties greater than 0.8 hectares (two acres) in size.
Funding
Landowners within the Lake Simcoe watershed may qualify for grants of 50 per cent of the cost of an installed and approved fuel or pesticide / chemical storage or handling facility, to a maximum payment of $2,000.
Additional funds may be available from other environmental grant funding sources. LSRCA watershed coordinators will ensure that you are made aware of all the grant funding programs available to you.
What projects are eligible?
Fertilizer and Chemical Storage and Handling
- Chemical storage buildings, chemical mixing / sprayer washing structures, and fertilizer handling facilities
- Storage buildings must be able to contain any spills that may occur within the building. No floor drains are permitted, building must have minimum two inch (five centimetre) curb at entrance and be vented and screened to the outside atmosphere.
- Buildings must be used exclusively for chemical storage, have appropriate warning signs posted, and be lockable.
Fuel Storage and Handling
- Fuel storage spill containment, including cement pads, curbs, dikes, bollards, and double wall vacuum tanks.
- Fuel storages must meet or exceed legislative requirements. Tanks, pumps and hoses must be approved by the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada.
- Buildings must be used exclusively for fuel and other petroleum product storage and have appropriate warning signs posted and be lockable.
- Portable fuel systems must be double walled and emergency spill containment equipment and supplies must be available at all times on the portable unit.
What costs may be covered?
- Materials and contract labour.
- Engineering fees and permit fees and taxes.
- Projects that meet the intent of the program using new an innovative technologies, that are approved for use, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- One-time cost of a spill emergency kit for approved portable units.
What isn't covered?
- Purchase of fuel tanks and/or chemical storage facilities that are not approved as appropriate by legislation and code.
- Machinery or equipment owned and used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business.
- Labour of applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business.
Conditions
- Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary municipal, provincial and other permits and approvals that may be required for the completion of their projects.
- All buildings and handling practices must meet or exceed the legislative requirements of (but not limited to) the Ontario Pesticide Act, the Gasoline Handling Act, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Health & Safety Act, the Ontario Building Code, the Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Liquid Fuels Handling Code, and all Municipal Zoning Bylaws.
- Applicants must provide an emergency plan that addresses accidental exposure and spills, including a contingency for clean-up, disposal and the regulated agency and emergency contact names and numbers.