Va. Urged To Regulate Fertilizer Tanks Along River

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) --The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is urging Virginia to regulate fertilizer storage tanks along the Elizabeth River.

The recommendation is contained in a final report released Wednesday on a November tank collapse at Allied Terminals in Chesapeake that injured two workers.

The report said some of the nearly 2 million gallons of spilled fertilizer reached the Elizabeth River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay.

It blamed welding defects for the collapse.

Wednesday's report says the commonwealth or local jurisdictions should regulate the tanks' design, construction, maintenance and inspection.

Virginia is one of 33 states that do not regulate such tanks.

Since November's release, Allied has reduced the maximum liquid levels in its tanks.