The proposed bill establishes the Community Anaerobic Digester System Act, which aims to regulate the processing of organic materials into renewable fuel and digestate. It introduces new definitions related to anaerobic digester systems, including classifications for digester manure, feedstock, and digestate. The bill mandates that community anaerobic digester systems must be off-farm and outlines conditions for receiving digester manure from animal feeding operations. It also sets requirements for the construction and management of digester structures, including the necessity for them to be covered and regulations for stockpiling dry digester materials. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is tasked with adopting rules to enforce these provisions, promoting biogas as a renewable energy source and ensuring compliance with environmental safety standards.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the management and storage of digester manure and feedstock, including the need for construction permits and adherence to air quality separation distance requirements. It emphasizes the importance of protecting groundwater and air quality, with provisions for record-keeping and enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for violations. The legislation also includes stipulations for the application of liquid digestate, restrictions on construction in sensitive areas, and the necessity for a digestate management supplement when applied to land under a nutrient management plan. Overall, the bill aims to enhance environmental protection and streamline regulations related to community anaerobic digester systems in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 202B.102, 455B.103, 455A.6, 455B.113, 455B.115, 455B.174, 455B.182, 455B.185