November 9, 2007

US poultry growers relieved of propane reporting rule

The US Federal Homeland Security has exempted small rural farmers from propane storage reporting rule, contrary to what it previously required in early 2007.

The US agency had earlier proposed storage reporting by anyone who exceeds the use of 7,500 pounds of propane fuel. This stirred oppositions from thousands of poultry operators as propane is used in many heating facilities.

The reporting amount was therefore raised to 60,000 pounds and officials agreed to exclude tanks smaller than 10,000 pounds. The agency was urged to look into dangerous chemical facilities, not chicken houses in rural communities.