Mosaic to test phosphate by-product for US roads

: Fertilizers
24/10/14

Major US fertilizer producer Mosaic will conduct a test project using radioactive fertilizer by-product phosphogypsum (PG) as a base to pave roads on its New Wales facility in Florida.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved of a 3,200ft pilot road project on Mosaic's operational facility outside of Tampa Bay. The EPA included a set of conditions along with its approval, including sampling data, safety instructions and timelines.

"The project poses no greater radiological risk than maintaining the phosphogypsum in a stack," the EPA said.

Phosphogypsum is the by-product of phosphate production, typically stored in stacks to limit radiation exposure to the public. PG can contain radium and be radioactive, which can cause cancer, according to the EPA. All uses of PG must be approved by the EPA.

The project will have four PG mixes with control pieces of road in between each. The PG mix will be 10 inches deep under three inches of asphalt pavement, using a total of 1,190 tons of PG.

Water and soil monitoring will be carried out by the Mosaic. Within 90 days of the test phase, Mosaic must submit a final report on the test to the EPA.

By Meghan Yoyotte

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24/12/19

US Congress passes waterways bill

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USDA awards more funding to increase fertilizer output

24/12/19

USDA awards more funding to increase fertilizer output

Houston, 19 December (Argus) — The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded over $100mn this week across nine states to increase domestic fertilizer production as the effort to make farmer affordability more favorable continues. About $116mn will be invested through the USDA's Fertilizer Production Expansion Program (FPEP) to help eight facilities expand output in California, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Recipients include the Michigan Potash Company, where the construction of a new facility should yield 400,000 metric tonnes (t) annually of high-grade potash, and Farmers Cooperative Association, where funding will expand its existing dry fertilizer facility with additional storage and processing capacity. "When we invest in domestic supply chains, we drive down input costs and increase options for farmers," USDA secretary Tom Vilsack said. Through the FPEP, the USDA has invested $517mn in 76 fertilizer production facilities across 34 states and Puerto Rico. President Joe Biden's administration committed up to $900mn in the program through the Commodity Credit Corporation, which is expected to support long-term investments by strengthening supply chains. Higher US fertilizer prices throughout this year deterred fall demand as lower crop prices forced farmers to sell more of a crop to afford nutrients. The last USDA FPEP funding announcement was in August , when $35mn was granted to boost seven domestic production projects. By Taylor Zavala Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Strikes at Australian commodity ports to continue

24/12/19

Strikes at Australian commodity ports to continue

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US Army Corps proposes new Illinois River lock

24/12/18

US Army Corps proposes new Illinois River lock

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Alabama lock expected to reopen late April

24/12/18

Alabama lock expected to reopen late April

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