Best management practices for fertiliser handling and storage

Activity Best management practices
Fertiliser transport
  • All freight is correctly constrained
  • Hazardous substances are segregated and correctly labelled
  • All fertiliser products are covered during transport to prevent dust blow
  • All transport equipment is cleaned after use. Wastewater is prevented from entering any surface water or stormwater system
Fertiliser storage
  • Nitrogen, phosphorus and soluble fertilisers are contained within the storage area on an impervious floor and protected from rain
    Fact Sheet 6
  • Storage facilities are at least 50 metres from open waterways, avoiding areas subject to slope failure or significant flood risk
  • All storm water discharges are collected and diverted away from the storage area
  • The storage facility is designed to effectively contain stored fertiliser
    Fact Sheet 6
Fertiliser loading
  • Fertiliser loading sites are at least 50 metres from any open waterway on areas that are not susceptible to flooding
  • Wind shelters are used around the loading site to contain fertiliser
  • Fertiliser spillage is minimised when loading into or out of storage or into application equipment
    Fact Sheet 4, 6
  • Fertiliser spills on the loading area are collected and returned to the storage facility
Fertiliser disposal
  • Excess or unwanted fertiliser is spread onto suitable land or crops
  • Surplus containers are reused, recycled or delivered to a resource recovery site or suitable landfill
  • Contact supplier for possible return