This bill amends Iowa's laws concerning water quality standards and the regulation of animal feeding operations (AFOs), including concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). It revises the definition of AFOs to align with federal law, specifically changing "medium concentrated animal feeding operation" to "medium animal feeding operation." The bill removes the restriction that previously prevented the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) from implementing rules more stringent than federal regulations regarding wastewater and manure management. Instead, it establishes that the statutes governing AFOs serve as minimum requirements, allowing the EPC to adopt permitting requirements under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program that may exceed federal standards. Additionally, it mandates that owners or operators of medium and large CAFOs conduct effluent monitoring and report the data to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The legislation also introduces civil penalties for violations of water quality regulations, allowing for administrative penalties of up to $10,000 and judicial penalties of $5,000. This expands the scope of penalties beyond just judicial assessments for open feedlots to include administratively assessed penalties as well. The bill aims to enhance water quality protection while providing a clear regulatory framework for the management of AFOs in Iowa, ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 455B.173, 17A.7, 459.102, 459A.102, 459.311, 459.314, 459A.502