ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP)--With the start of the planting season, a scramble is on to find certified drivers to haul fertilizers and farm chemicals.

The search has become more difficult this year due to new regulations requiring drivers to be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check by the FBI.

Some farm products, such as anhydrous ammonia fertilizer, can be used to make explosives.

First-time hazardous material drivers must be certified before they can transport such products. Hazmat drivers renewing their certification don't need the background check until May 31.

The requirements are part of the federal Patriot Act, designed to prevent terrorism.

Lonnie Lyke of Aberdeen, who wants to work as a hazmat hauler, said the process is inconvenient and moves at a snail's pace.

Lyke said he started seeking certification six months ago, and has yet to be approved. The fingerprinting and background checks are performed in Sioux Falls or Rapid City. For Lyke, the process cost $95 plus the expense of driving to and from Sioux Falls.

Lyke contacted Sen. John Thune's Aberdeen office hoping the senator could hasten the process. Thune is working with the Transportation Security Administration to expedite the certification process, said Judy Vrchota, Thune's northeast regional director.

The South Dakota Wheat Growers farm service co-op in Aberdeen is short a few drivers this season, according to interim director of operations Dave Siefkes. He said the shortfall is not uncommon.

"Maybe we are a little bit more short than usual because of the new regulations," Siefkes said, adding that he doubts the regulations are deterring would-be drivers.

Date: 4/20/05