{"operation":"document","citation":"98-0365","title":"Western Farm Service — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2000-12-01","effective_on":null,"summary":"98-0365 response to Western Farm Service concerning 173.240.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0365.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0365.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-98-0365","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretation%20Files/1998/980365.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nU.S. Department\nof Transportation\nWashington, D.C. 20590\n400 Seventh St., S.W.\nSpecial Programs\nResearch and\nDEC 1 - 2000\n•\nAdministration\nMr. Warren G. Purdy\nSenior Division Agronomist\n•\nReference No. 98-0365\nWestern Farm Service\n509 West Weber Avenue, Suite 201\nStockton, CA 95203\nDear Mr. Purdy:\nThis is in response to your letters and telephone conversations with me and Ms. Eileen\nEdmonson of my staff concerning whether the shipment of a fertilizer, identified as \"Ammonium\nnitrate, 5.1, UN 1942, PG III,\" \"Potassium nitrate, 5.1, UN 1486, PG III,\" or \"Sodium nitrate,\n5.1, UN 1498, PG III,\" in a rear-end loaded freight container is authorized under 49 CFR\nthis may have caused.\n173.240. We apologize for the delay in response and any misunderstanding or inconvenience\nSpecifically, you asked whether your 24-foot, rear-end loaded freight container would satisfy the\nrequirement of a sift-proof container. You state that dunnage is placed across the rear end of the\nfreight container, forming a rear wall. The freight container is then lined on the bottom and all\nsides, up to a height of 7 feet, with 4-ml thick clear polyethylene. The fertilizer is loaded in loose\nbulk form, using a troughing conveyor, into the enclosed area. After loading is completed, you\nstated the plastic liner is secured over the top of the fertilizer, and additional dunnage and liner is\nsecured over the upper portion of the rear wall to prevent the release of any contents. The\npackage, weighing about 21.5 tons, is transported by vessel from California to Hawaii.\nBased upon the information you provided, the answer is yes. Your packaging would satisfy the\nrequirements of a sift-proof, non-DOT specification, closed bulk bin under § 173.240(c).\nSincerely,\nHotte 2 Mitchell\nHattie L. Mitchell, Chief\nRegulatory Review and Reinvention\nOffice of Hazardous Materials Standards\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\n•\n• •\n509 West Weber Avenuc\nWESTERN\nStockton. CA 95203\n• Suite 201\nThe Best People. The Best Products.\nFax: (209) 464-4652\n(209) 547-2650\nThe Best Service.\n:\nFARM SERVICE\n•\n.. CALIFORNIA VALLEY\n'DIVISION\nFACSIMILE TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET\n•\nDATE:\n10|23/00\nTO:\nFiles Elbossen\nCOMPANY:\nDOT/HAZMAT\nPHONE NUMBER: 20Z/366 4481 FAXNUMBER: 3663012\nFROM:\nW.G. \"SKIP\" PURDY III Division Agronomist\nCALL:\n(209)\n547-2635\n_ IF ILLEGIBLE OR INCOMPLETE\nPAGES:\n3\n_ (INCLUDING COVER SHEET)\nMESSAGE:\nWhile my old shop teacher, in Hong ras,\nmight give me a Dan the drawings I hope\nthey can get this off dead center. If there...\nProtocion\ners any questions plose calle Tools fur your\neffects do this.\nSERVICE\nTransagra Corporatton\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\n4441381-\n- TCLT 415 444 1301\nCONTAINER EQUIPMENT\nDRY CONTAINERS\n24' Dry Standard\nIngide Length:\n23'67\nInside Width:\n719\"\nInside Height:\n7ЧN\"\n=\nDool Upening:\n78W71\nEmpty Weight:\n5930 Ibs.\nO\nCubic Capacity:\n1422 ft.\n24' Dry High-Cube\nInside Length:\n23' 6N\nInside Width:\n7'gи\nInside Height:\nB'10\"\nDoor Opening:\n7'8\"W x8 6\"H\nEmpty Weight:\n6750 lbs,\n0O\nCubic Capacity:\n1598 ft.\n40' Dry Standard\nInside Length:\n39'6\"\nInside Width:\n7'9\"\nInside Helzht:\n7'10\"\nEmpro pening:\n7'8\"W ×7'6\"H\n8490lbs.\nCubic Capacity:\n2387 ft.\n40' Dry High-Cube\nInsine longthi\n2018,8\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\nWestern Farm Service, CVD\nW.G. \"Skip\" Purdy\n• Stocktor, GA 95203-3167\n509 W. Weber Ave, Ste 20%\n10 23 00 1 1\nBülk oxidizer shipment, in \"sift proof container\"\nVerbal/ HAZMAT\n24' Dry standard container funtied by Matson fur Havatien\nservic.Materials.\nare fortilizero, pitsesins nitrate and sodiim\nritrato. Bulk desisitiès average 74lbs/ aubio fest. Normal loading\ntends to place majority of cargo in the forwand haff to tro\nthirds of the container. Containers ara rated at 43,500 lbs\nret. Average cargo runs around 43,000 lbs, per container,\n24'-\nAmil plasti beetings\nsecuieri te 4x87% plywood bracer with 2\"x4\")\ncontaine is of loadal cite a hujdraulia tilt bed etrosis\n-8'-\nRear\nFront\n8'\nplastic sheeting is placed on the interior on the bottom, sides\nand front thes over the plywood sheeking used to cover the rear\ndoors. Plastic; is stapled to pliwood lining tie container.\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\n:\n:\ni\nEdmonson, Eileen\nFrom:\nSent:\nMitchell, Hattie\nTo:\nMonday, October 16, 2000 7:57 AM\nCc:\nKirkpatrick, Ronald; Edmonson, Eileen\nSubject:\nHochman, Charles\nRE: Interpretation for Western Farm Service\nI overlooked your email earlier. The package is a closed-top freight container with rear, double doors that open from the\ncenter. A barrier wall is constructed with dunnage and lining, a few feet inward from the rear doors. The top portion\nremains open until the container is filled, then the upper portion is filled in with more dunnage and lining, forming a\ncomplete inner wall at the rear of the freight container.\nFrom: Kirkpatrick, Ronald\n-Original Message--\nTo: Edmonson, Eileen\nSent: Friday, October 13, 2000 1:47 PM\nSubject:\nCc:\nHochman, Charles; Mitchell, Hattie\nInterpretation for Western Farm Service\n•\nPurdy evidently were only grudgingly addressed. In his Dec. 1, 1998 letter, Purdy writes:\nHaving reviewed your response to Mr. Purdy, DHM-22 has no objection. Your efforts to extract more detail from\nYour letter does not say the same thing. As I understand your language, the top of the load is not covered.\n\"The fertilizer is then loaded in loose bulk form by troughing conveyor and securing sheeting over this.\"\nI've signed off on this, but I recommend you sort out the dilemma described above before proceeding further.\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\nSEE e-mail 10/13\n-!\n7\nliner\nPura's 12/1198. Is. \"and securing sheeting\nover this.\nSounds like sheeting (somehou) is.\nplaced over the top of the\nmaterial. BSPA resporse does not\nsay this.\nWhisper\nAnderson-finestined of wo\n\n<<<PAGE 7>>>\n\nUnderpretation Letters\nRequester\nWarren G. Purdy, I\nDate Received: 12/8/98\nCompany\nWestern Farm Service\nTracking Number: 98-0365\nPhone\n209-547-2650\nRevision Date: 10/4/2000\nDate Assigned 12/8/98\nDate of Letter 12/1/98\nStaff\nEdmonson\nFirst Draft Due: 12/29/98\nSection\n173.240\nFirst Draft Date: 5/5/2000\nSubject\nPackaging General\nConcurrence\nStatus\nCLOSED\nStatus Date\nSign Date\n2/18/2000\nSignor\nHBP\nCopy to Docket\nCopy to DHM-60\nComment\nre: is a freight cont. lined w/ 4ml poly. & filled w/ fertilizer & dunnage sift-proof?\n12/8/00 Lft. voice mail mess. rqst. picture or schematic of pkg. 3/3/00 Inc. to Mitchell\nfor review. (Ltrs. gathered for branch project. Ltr. rind. late 1999.) 2/17/00 Inc. to\nMitchell for review. 2/18/00 HLMitchell - teleph, left mess. Use of polyetherlene\nsheeting may be used as a liner to make bulk container sift- proof. Sheeting must be\nproperly secured to prevent any leakage. If no resp. w/in one week, Itr. will be\nclosed. 5/1/00 Rec'd 4/24/00 Itr. from Mr. Purdy rostng response. 5/2/00 Response\ndrafted. Called Mr. Purdy w/ questions abt. material & container. 5/4/00 Spoke w/\nMr. Purdv & recv'd addit. info. abt. oka. 5/5/00 Draft to Mitchell. 09/28/00 HLM spoke\n\n<<<PAGE 8>>>\n\nInterpretation Letters\nRequester\nWarren G. Purdy, III\nDate Received: 12/8/98\nCompany\nWestern Farm Service\nTracking Number: 98-0365\nPhone\n209-547-2650\nRevision Date: 5/5/2000\nDate Assigned 12/8/98\nDate of Letter 12/1/98\nStaff\nEdmonson\nFirst Draft Due: 12/29/98\nSection\n173.240\nFirst Draft Date: 5/5/2000\nSubject\nPackaging General\nConcurrence\nStatus\nCLOSED\nStatus Date\nSign Date\n2/18/2000\nSignor\nHBP\nX\nCopy to Docket\nCopy to DHM-60\nComment\nre: is a freight cont. lined w/ 4ml poly. & filled w/ fertilizer & dunnage sift-proof?\n2/17/00 Inc. to Mitchell for review.\n2/18 HLMitchell - teleph, left message. Use of polyetherlene sheeting may be used\nas a liner to make bulk container sift- proof. Sheeting must be properly secured to\nprevent any leakage.\n5/1/00 Rec'd 4/24/00 Itr. from Mr. Purdy rqstng response. 5/2/00 Response drafted.\nCalled Mr. Purdy w/ questions abt. material & container. 5/4/00 Spoke w/ Mr. Purdy\n& recv'd addit. info. abt. pkg. 5/5/00 Draft to Mitchell.\n5/4/00 spole w/ Pm. Purde:;\n- thirs a regula rear-end gugar contane\n- See and baded will a conveyer beet deep intoguegal\nAs Container Filled\nis backede out\n- The load is pither poure sodimmate polasse\nnitrate an ar\nOne Chemical per su\n4. Emosion\n\n<<<PAGE 9>>>\n\nInterpretation Letters\nDeveloped By Booz• Allen & Hamilton Inc.\nRequester\nWarren G.Purdy,Il..\nDate Received: 1218/98\nCompany\nWestern Farm Service.\nTracking Number: 98-0365\nPhone\n209-547-2650\nRevision Date: 2/18/2000\nDate Assigned 12/8/98\nStaff\nDHM\nDate of Letter 12/1/98.\n.....\nMack\n12\nFirst Draft Due: 12/29/98\nSection\n173.240\nFirst Draft Date:\nSubject\nPackaging General\nConcurrence\nDays to Sign 437.\n...\nStatus\nCLOSED\nStatus Date\nign/Close Date 2/18/2000.\nSignor\n......\nSearch:\nWarren G. Pur\nCopy to Docket\nIll:Western Far\nCopy to DHM-60\nService Mack;\nComment\n3/3/99 Inc to Mitchell.for review.\n2/18 HLMitchell- teleph, left message.\nUse of polyetherlene sheeting. may.be used.as a liner to make bulk container sift-\nproof. Sheeting must be properly secured to prevent. any leakage..\n...\n/file\nsudlum nix\npotasium ma\ntertize\n6x,C\n*alled freque\n\n<<<PAGE 10>>>\n\n-..-\nInterpretation Letters\nRequester\nWarren G. Purdy, Ill\nDate Received: 12/8/98\nCompany\nWestern Farm Service\nTracking Number: 98-0365\nPhone\n209-547-2650\nRevision Date: 12/8/98\nDate Assigned 12/8/98\nDate of Letter 12/1/98\nStaff\nMack\nFirst Draft Due: 12/29/98\nSection\n173.240\nFirst Draft Date:\nSubject\nPackaging General\nConcurrence\nStatus\nStatus Date\nSign Date\nSignor\nHBO\nCopy to Docket\nCopy to DHM-60\nComment\n148 Called Left vone mail. Need pichure or\ne wons\n2/18\n4E.\ncalled left\ntrinchel\nnessege.\n\n<<<PAGE 11>>>\n\n...:\n•\n509 West Weber Avenue\nWESTERN\nStockton, CA 95203\nSuite 201\nThe Best People. The Best Products.\nFax: (209) 464-4652\n(209) 547-2650\nThe Best Service.\nFARM SERVICE\nApril 24, 2000\nUnited States Department of Transportation\nRSPA/Office of Hazardous Materials Standards\n400 7 Street S.W.\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nDear Sirs:\nYour attention is directed to our inquiries of December 1, 1998, November 2, 1999 and\nvarious phone calls over the past five months in which we have been assured that a decision\nwas \"on the way.\"\nSincerely,\nW. G. Purdy, III\nSenior Division Agronomist\ndh\nEncl.\n\n<<<PAGE 12>>>\n\n..:\n509 West Weber Avenue\nWESTERN\nStockton, CA 95203\nSuite 201\nThe Best People. The Best Products.\n(209) 547-2650\nThe Best Service.\nFax: (209) 464-4652\nFARm SERVICE\nNovember 2, 1999\nUnited States Department of Transportation\nRSPA/Office of Hazardous Materials Standards\n400 7' Street S.W.\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nDear Sirs:\nYour attention is directed to our inquiry of December 1, 1998 (copy enclosed) and Matson's\nFreight Tariff 14-F. We and our Hawaiian customers would appreciate the resolution of this\nmatter as our inability to deliver materials in bulk under the posted tariff is costing\nbusinesses in Hawaii $48.00-50.00 a ton in additional expenses.\nThank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to hearing from you in the\nnear future.\nSincerely,\nW. G. Purdy, III\nSenior Division Agronomist\ndh\nEncl.\n:\n\n<<<PAGE 13>>>\n\n•\n509 West Weber Avenue\nStockton, CA 95203\nSuite 201\nWESTERn\nThe Best People. The Best Products.\nFax: (209) 464-4652\n(209) 547-2650\nThe Best Service.\nFARM SERVICE\nDecember 1, 1998\nUnited States Dept. of Transportation\nRSPA/Office of Hazardous Materials Standards\n400 y' Street S.W.\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nDear Sirs:\nIn conversation with Lee Wilson of the HAZMAT office in Ontario, CA he suggested that I describe my\nproblem to you and seek your guidance on the matter.\nWe have been shipping sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate to Hawaii in Matson Navigation Company's\nappropriately labeled and marked. We have been lining the containers with four mil clear polyethylene\ntwenty-four foot containers for the past year. These fertilizers are, of course, oxidizing agents and are\nsecuring the sheeting over this. The fertilizer is then loaded in loose bulk form by troughing conveyor and\nsheeting to a height of approximately seven feet, placing dunnage across the rear of the container and\n:\nsecuring sheeting over this. Average loaded weights are around 21.5 tons.\nOur judgment was that this met the definition under 173.240 for a \"sift proof\" container. This has\nrecently come under question and the Coast Guard has not wanted to pass judgment and suggested I ask\nHAZMAT, and hence, the request to you for clarification.\ncarriers and simply wonder whether the thought of containerizing smaller bulk shipments on ocean going\nWe've routinely handled these materials by rail and truck and received shipments in ocean going bulk\nvessels simply hasn't been put down on paper.\nAny suggestions or clarification would be greatly appreciated.\nSincerely,\nHare B. Pardy. I (lay de)\nWarren G. Purdy, III\nDivision Agronomist\nEncl: Matson Tariff 14-F\n:\n....:\n\n<<<PAGE 14>>>\n\n:P.O.1c Randal.\n**:\nPerNAMSO\nMar 17:97 11:20 No.002 P.02\n415-444-1381\n0444-1581 USCG 1I Dist\n!\nMATSON NAVIGATION COMPANY, INC.\n. Z2nd revised\nDAGIHAL/REVISED\nPAGE\n107\nIREIGHT INRIET 11-I, INK-F NO. 31\n21st Revised\nCANCELS\nPAGE\n107\nтo:\nEFFECTIVE DATE\nPACIFIC CONSI PORIS\nHAMIII PORIS\nRadsuasy 3, 1937\nCGARECTION NO.\n2313\nSECTION 1 - COMMODITY RATIS IX DOLLARS PER OCHTAINER\n(Ixcapt as otherwise proyIdud)\n21I\n24D\n124400\n1 100\n1 105\n11000\n40T\nZIEX\nTABRIC, rolled or Ilat wiio calaforcing\nFENCING,\nstonl chala dink in\ntolle or flat arcilonz\n2295\n2592\n3321\n3823\n6356\n1113\nis :\nTINI POSTS, steel, Including Isthlags\n(1] Rate applies only In 24D.\nRAkS, oscillating\n2213\n[L3\n2500\n3745\n4201\n1117\nFLATILIZIR, vi%: Kelp\n2027\n2027\n2028\n2028\n1113\nTERTILIZERS, In bulk in containcis, viz.:\nCalelus Illicate, with or without 1son\ntroniuo nitrate or hosantua phosphate\n1301\nNitrogan ghosphato Datasslur\nPotagalua Mitzada 2 SODIUm NiTRATE\nrocash, wilh or without magnealua\n..\nUrea\nTalpla superphosphato\n1437 -\n(1)\n1119\ntimoniua suifaco\n(1) Reco also eppiles on antonius prosphato solutlon In\nshippor-furnished portable tant units loadad by ahippo;\ninturo of exply Dortable tank unli to origin CY.\nInto 21-Ioot containers. Rata Includes\n(2) sate also applies on amontum phosphato solutlos 1a\nahipper-furnished tank contalaers pot miceedlag 21 feet\n(3] Race appling only in 21D.\nin external longth.\nDOLOMITs, Caleined\n20:7.\n2027\n2256\n3382\n2236\n1:50\nFERTILIIIR, HOS\n• • ...\nGYPSUM, IAH -\nPOTASSIUN NITEA=E OR SODIUH NITRAII, in baga\nPHOSPHATE ROCK,\n'crushed, in Daga\nWORK CASTING and LIQUID ORGANIC HATTER MIXIURES\nZIN SULTATE (fertilize grado)\nNOTE 1: Insecticidas, Fungicides, Insect Repellents, Verala\nIxtaminators and Iron of Heed Killing Coapounda,\nsniprent movlag under this Itka proyided the weight\ndescribed In Item 232 may be loaded to a atraight\n• thereol doos not excnod tan pesceat af the total welçht\nof the casgo In a containos.\nFILTERS, &ÍI\n2166\n2713\n{170\n{308\n6679\n}\n1151\nFor explanation of abbrevlatons and talesonca marks, sea Paga\n\n<<<PAGE 15>>>\n\n•..\n:\n* 509 West Weber Avenue\n98-0365\nStockton, CA 95203\nSuite 201\nWESTERN\nThe Best People. The Best Products.\nFax: (209) 464-4652\n(209) 547-2650\nThe Best Service.\nFARM SERVICE\nmack\nDecember 1, 1998\n8173.240\nUnited States Dept. of Transportation\n400 7% Street S.W.\nRSPA/Office of Hazardous Materials Standards\nWashington, D.C. 20590\nDear Sirs:\nIn conversation with Lee Wilson of the HAZMAT office in Ontario, CA he suggested that I describe my\nproblem to you and seek your guidance on the matter.\nWe have been shipping sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate to Hawaii in Matson Navigation Company's\ntwenty-four foot containers for the past year. These fertilizers are, of course, oxidizing agents and are\nappropriately labeled and marked. We have been lining the containers with four mil clear polyethylene\nsecuring the sheeting over this. The fertilizer is then loaded in loose bulk form by troughing conveyor and\nSheeting to a height of approximately seven feet, placing dunnage across the rear of the container and\nsecuring sheeting over this. Average loaded weights are around 21.5 tons.\nrecently come under question and the Coast Guard has not wanted to pass judgment and suggested I ask.\nOur judgment was that this met the definition under 173,240 for a \"sift proof\" container. This has\nHAZMAT, and hence, the request to you for clarification.\nWe've routinely handled these materials by rail and truck and received shipments in ocean going bulk\nvessels simply hasn't been put down on paper.\ncarriers and simply wonder whether the thought of containerizing smaller bulk shipments on ocean going\nAny suggestions or clarification would be greatly appreciated.\nSincerely,\nHares 12. Pardy. II (lay 24)\nDivision Agronomist\nWarren G. Purdy, III\nEncl: Matson Tariff 14-F\ntrailer\n\n<<<PAGE 16>>>\n\nP.0.1c Randall\n...:\nMar 17:97 11:20 No.002 P.02\n10-444-1381\nUSCG ITE\n415-444-1381\nMATSON NAVIGATION COMPANY, INC.\nORIGINAL/REVISED\n22nd Revised\nPAGE\n107\nFREIGHT IARIEI 11-F, EHK-T NO. 34\n22at Ravined\nCANCELS\nPAGE\n107\nтАск:\nPACIFIC COAST PORTS\nдо:\nEFFECTIVE DATE\nHAHAII PORTS\nTabruasy 3, 1997\nCORRECTION NO.\n2343\nSECTION 3 - COMMODITY RAIIS IN DOLLARS PER CONINIHER\n(Excape da otherwise provided)\n24E\n24D\n25HD\nI 10D\n40г\n10HD\n40J\nTABRIC, rolled or Llat wiio reinforcing\nFENCING, stael chain link in rolla or flat section»\n2295\n2552\n3881\n3023\n1356\n1115\nTENCE POSTS, steel, Ineluding Isttings\n(X)\nPaNs, oscillating\n(2) Rate applies only In 21D.\n2213\n{13\n1\n2500\n3745\n1201\n1147\nFERTILIZER, viz: Kelp\n2027\n2027\n2020\n2020\n1148\nFERTILIZERS, in bulk in contaínera, víz.:\nCalelus allicate, with or without Iron\nArmoniua nitrate or Anzonius phosphato\n[2) 13] |\n1304 - |\nPotash,\nNitrogen phosphato Dotasslur\nPotassium Mitzato & SODIUM NITRATE\nwith or without, magneslum\nTriple superphosphate\n1197 -\n(1)\n1119\nUrea\nhomonium Sulfate\n(1) Raco aldo appiles on emmontua prosphate solutlon in\nshipper-furnished portable tank units loaded by ahippor\nreturn of exply portable tant unil to origin cy.\nInto 21-foot containers. Rato includea\n:\n(2) Rato also apples on ammonium phosphate solution 1a\nahipper-furnished tank containers not exceeding 21 feat\n13) Rate applies only in 24D.\nDOLOMITE, calcined\n2027\n2027\n2256\n3382\n2256\nGYPSUM, IAH ^.\nFERTILIZER, NOS\n1150\nPHOSPHATE ROCK,\n•\nPOTASSIUM HITFACE OR SODIUM NITRAIL,\ncrushed, in bags\nWORM CASTING and LIQUID ORGANIC MATTER MIXTURES\nin bags\nZINC SULFATE (fertilizer grada)\nNOTE 1: Insecticides, Fungicides, Insect Repellents, Vermin\ndesciibed In Item 232 may de loaded to a straight\nExteminators and Tree of Head Killing Compounda,\nahipment moving undor thia Item providad the weight\nthareol does not exceed ten pescent of the totkl weight\nof the casgo in a containes.\nFILTERS, ALI\n2466\n2703\n4170\n1508\n1679\n1152\nIN\nFor explanation of abbrevialions and referonce marko, sea Page\n26\n\n<<<PAGE 17>>>\n\ni.\nTELEPHONIC CONVERSATION RECORD\nSpecialist Placing Call: Eileen Edmonson\nROUTING\nDate of Call: May 4, 2000\nSYMBOL\nINT\nPerson (s) Contacted:\nAgronomist, Western Farm Service, 509 West Weber Avenue,\nWarren G. Purdy, III, Division\nSuite 201, Stockton, CA 95203,\n464-4652\n(209) 547-2650, (209)\npolyethylene-lined freight container and meet the\nRegarding: Can loose fertilizer be loaded in a\nrequirement of a sift-proof container under $ 173.240?\nDate of Incoming Letters:\n1999; and April 24, 2000.\nDecember 1, 1998; November 2,\nSpecific Subject (including section #'s and key words) :\ncontainer meets the definition of a sift-proof container.\nThe Coast Guard has questioned whether or not their\nMr. Purdy would like the answer in writing.\nschematic of the design of his package to show to the engineers. His message said he\nSummary: 12/8/98 I left a voice mail message for Mr. Purdy requesting a picture or\nwon't be in until 12/11/98. 3/3/99 Ms. Mitchell took the letter to review it.\n1999.) 2/17/00 Ms. Mitchell took the letter to review it. 2/18/00 Ms. Mitchell left\n(Letters gathered for branch letter writing project.\nLetter returned to me in late\nMr. Purdy a message that polyethylene sheeting may be used as a liner to make bulk\ncontainers sift-proof, but the sheeting must be properly secured to prevent any\nleakage.\nmatter will be closed. 3/00 Mr. Purdy called Ms. Mitchell and requested a letter on\nShe stated in her notes if Mr. Purdy does not respond within one week the\n\"sift-proof.\" On 5/1/00, I received a letter from Mr. Purdy requesting a written\nresponse to his letters.\nhazardous material and the container, and drafted a response. On 5/4/00, I spoke with\nOn 5/2/00, I called Mr. Purdy with questions about the\nMr. Purdy and received additional information about the packaging. Mr. Purdy\ndescribed his container as meeting the following conditions -\n• this is a regular rear-end freight container\n• the freight container is lined on the bottom & sides with 4 ml plastic\n• dunnage, separately wrapped in 4 ml plastic, is placed on the inside of the liner in\nthe front and sides of the freight container to help balance the container during\nloading and unloading\n• the container is then end loaded with loose fertilizer on a conveyor belt. Only one\ncontainer and after loading begins is backed out as the container is filled.\nchemical is sent per shipment. The conveyor belt is placed deep within the freight\n• when the container is filled the plastic is sealed\nbetween the sealed fertilizer and the rear door.\n• a separate piece of dunnage, also wrapped in the 4 ml plastic, is then placed\nOn 5/5/00, I redrafted the response saying the package met the definition of a\nThen the rear door is closed.\n222223\nsift-proof container and gave it to Ms. Mitchell for review. On 9/28/00, Ms. Mitchell\nspoke with MI. Purdy and said he described the package differently. Ms. Mitchell\n\n<<<PAGE 18>>>\n\n:\ni. •\nComments for Further Action: Review Ms. Mitchell's edits for any typographical\nerrors. Forward the letter to Ms. Drakeford to prepare it in final form.\nSpecialist Signature:\nDate:\n10/4/00\n\n<<<PAGE 19>>>\n\n.: WESTERN\nFo4:\nPB8\n509 West Weber Ave., Suite 201\n7120$00.330 APR\nFARM SERVICE\nStockton, CA 95203\n6977 MAILED FROM STOCKTONC\nUnited States Department of Transportation\nRSPA/Office of Hazardous Materials Standards\n400 7th Street S.W.\n•\nWashington, D.C. 20590","truncated":false,"body_characters":21926}