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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota Department of Agriculture will hold a free seminar to explain the requirements of a recent policy change by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) affecting anhydrous ammonia retail facilities. The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 12 at the Baymont Inn, 2611 Old Red Trail NW, Mandan.

The OSHA policy change places 275 North Dakota anhydrous ammonia facilities under a different regulatory classification, which includes retail facilities.

“We still feel this policy is unnecessary and excessive,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “It will impose tremendous costs to agriculture without any clear benefit to worker or public safety.”

Goehring added that while NDDA is continuing to look at options to ensure operators are not forced out of business, North Dakota facilities should be prepared to comply if the law is not rescinded.

“The seminar will explain all of the requirements of level three (3) of the Risk Management Program to help dealers prepare for compliance,” Goehring said. “All licensed anhydrous ammonia dealers are encouraged to attend so they can make more informed decisions about their future operations.”

OSHA recently announced that the policy change affecting North Dakota anhydrous ammonia retail facilities will now be enforced starting on July 22, 2016. Previously, North Dakota facilities were to be in compliance by January 21, 2016.

Those planning to attend may pre-register by contacting Brandy Kiefel at 701-328-1500 or at bkiefel@nd.gov.