This bill transfers the authority over liquid animal waste management systems from the Department of Energy and Environment to the Department of Agriculture in Arkansas. It repeals specific provisions related to the permitting process for liquid animal waste management systems, including the timelines for public notice and final decisions on permit applications. The bill establishes new legal language that grants the Department of Agriculture the authority to promulgate rules, issue and modify permits, approve design plans, and take other necessary actions regarding liquid animal waste management systems.

Additionally, the bill outlines that applications for new permits or modifications of existing permits must be filed with the Department of Agriculture, and it clarifies that only conditions subject to modification will be open for review. It also ensures that existing permits in good standing are not subject to review for siting or location issues not raised during the original permit issuance. The Department of Agriculture is required to utilize existing regulations until it can develop new rules, and any pending applications with the Division of Environmental Quality will be transferred to the Department of Agriculture.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1706 Original - 3-27-2023 01:17 PM: 8-4-203(n), 15-20-1114(a)
Old version HB1706 V2 - 4-4-2023 03:28 PM: 8-4-203(n)
HB 1706: 8-4-203(n)
Act 824: 8-4-203(n)