Central Texas farmers learned more about the rules and regulations over the maintenance, transportation and use of anhydrous ammonia, a popular fertilizer and a chemical sometimes used to make drugs.

The Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration plans to step up compliance inspections in 2011. The agency plans to spend the rest of 2010 informing farmers and dealers of the new compliance effort.

According to a letter addressed to anhydrous ammonia nurse tank owners and users from the U.S. Department of Transportation back in 2008, the PHMSA alerted those in the industry of "serious safety problems and noncompliance issues regarding the maintenance, filling, transport and use of nurse tanks in anhydrous ammonia service."

In order to educate farmers and dealers in Bell County and surrounding counties, a workshop was held on Tuesday at the Bell County Expo Center.

Gatesville resident and long time farmer Mike Horton was among those who attended the 4-hour class.

"I think it was informative to the point that a lot of things were said today that will help not only us, but the general public in the handling of this gas," Horton said.

Chairman of theTexas Ag Industries Association Mark Hebert said education is the first step in making sure those in the Ag industry follow the rules.

"We wanted to just make sure that all of our growers are in compliance," he said. "The dealers who sell anhydrous ammonia have been dealing with the situation for awhile now."

It is especially important because of the health and safety risks it can pose if people are exposed to it.

"It is considered an inhalation hazard, so if you get around it and breathe it, it can cause some problems," Hebert said.

These rules regulate everything from signage and proper labels on tanks, to required testing and training.

For farmers like Horton, making sure tanks meet compliance standards means extra time and effort.

"There's going to be times when it's going to be expensive. Like anything else it's going to cost money to be sure you're in compliance with it, but at the same time, it will probably be worth it," Horton said.

Fines for violations range from a minimum of $250, to $50,000 in the most severe cases.

"It is a federal law, and it looks like they mean to enforce it," Horton said.

Those who fail to comply with the rules could also face jail time in addition to civil penalties.