TDEC Waives Permits for Mega-Tanks

By Walter F. Roche Jr.

Acting in less than a week Tennessee environmental officials have agreed that US Nitrogen can use two mega-tanks to hold ammonium nitrate without going through a permitting process.
In a letter dated today a deputy director of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation told US Nitrogen Plant Manager Andrew Velo that a department review had determined that use of the tanks would be classified as an insignificant activity under state laws and regulations. Therefore they will not require new permits.
According to US Nitrogen's application, which was received by TDEC on March 22, the two tanks will have a combined capacity of nearly 60,000 gallons. One tank holds 22,842 gallons, while the other has a 36,687 gallon capacity.
"It has been determined that the source described in your letter would constitute insignificant activity," John P. Johnson, a
TDEC deputy director wrote in a letter to Velo.
The delivery of the mega tanks earlier this year to US Nitrogen's Mosheim facility created a mini-spectacle as trucks manuevered over local roads.
"Specifically," Johnson continued, "this operation would result in potential emissions from this source of less than five tons per year of each air contaminant and each regulated air pollutant that is not a hazardous air pollutant and less than 1,000 pounds per year of each hazardous air pollutant."
He concluded by stating that US Nitrogen still must meet all other air pollution regulations that apply to its operation.
Contact: wfrochejr999@gmail.com