ATF CO-SPONSORS AMMONIUM NITRATE SECURITY PROGRAM
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Joins with The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) to Launch “America’s Security Begins with You” Campaign

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recently united with The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) to co-sponsor a campaign to secure ammonium nitrate against criminal misuse. The “America’s Security Begins with You” campaign has also garnered support from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This important initiative urges the community to embrace the program and utilize the resources that ATF and its partners are providing. “Partnerships such as these are integral in the continued effort to keep the American public safe,” said ATF Director Carl J. Truscott.

Ever since the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City, the issue of using Ammonium Nitrate fertilizer for criminal pursuits has become front-page news. The fertilizer industry continually tries to prevent the criminal abuse of Ammonium Nitrate. “The industry understands the specific security concerns surrounding the product, ”says Kathy Mathers, a spokeswoman for TFI.

This joint campaign is aimed at addressing these security concerns through the implementation of security plans, the maintenance of records of all sales of ammonium nitrate, and the immediate notification of law enforcement officials of suspicious activity. The ATF has established the following hotline for this purpose: (800) 800-3855.

TFI President, Kraig R. Naasz, reiterated his industry’s concerns, but expressed confidence that, “ ‘America’s Security Begins with You’ places valuable tools in the hands of agribusinesses and their farmer customers who share an interest in ensuring that ammonium nitrate is not obtained by those with criminal intent. TFI commends its’ law enforcement partners at ATF and the nation’s state fertilizer control officials for their continued assistance in this effort to keep ammonium nitrate safe,” continued Naasz.

In addition to these joint efforts, ATF recently issued a special notice to all Federal explosives licensees, permittees and Federal firearms licensees, providing information to assist them in identifying methods they may implement to safeguard explosive materials from criminal misuse. ATF believes further information from their “BE AWARE” and “BE SECURE” campaigns, sponsored with TFI, may be useful to Federal explosives licensees and/or permittees. These programs identify security methods they may implement to safeguard explosives materials from criminal misuse. ATF will continue to work with and advise the explosives industry on new developments or methods to prevent terrorists and other prohibited persons from gaining access to explosives materials.

“America’s Security Begins with You” campaign materials are available on a complimentary basis upon request from TFI, or on their website. Please contact TFI at (202) 962-0490 or at information@tfi.org. For more information concerning the “BE AWARE” and “BE SECURE” campaigns contact ATF’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 927-8500 or visit their website.

 

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