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Sep 4, 2007 3:50 PM

The Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA) is pointing out that a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule for chemical facilities could impact propane marketers unless the federal agency changes part of the regulation.

"If the DHS maintains its proposed 7,500-pound compliance trigger, not only will propane bulk plants fall under the new regulations, but hospitals, nursing homes, mobile home parks, small industrial businesses, campgrounds, construction sites, retail stores, farms, and cylinder refill stations would be forced to comply as well," PMAA pointed out.

PMAA reported in its August 24 Weekly Review online that the rule would apply to propane facilities with more than 7,500 pounds of the product (estimated by the National Propane Gas Association to be about 1,785 gallons).

Propane marketers falling under the regulation will be required to complete a DHS security screening review. If defined as a high risk, the facility would have to go through further security procedures.

A coalition of national trade associations is seeking a legislative fix in Congress that would exempt propane marketers and users. Final determination on the propane volume requirement is expected by early September, PMAA said.

See other coverage on chemical security regulations and a link to the list of chemicals affected by the rule in Bulk Transporter online.