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 and specifies that community anaerobic digester systems must be off-farm. The bill outlines conditions for receiving digester manure from animal feeding operations, construction and management requirements for digester structures, and mandates that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources adopt rules for compliance. It emphasizes the importance of promoting biogas production as a renewable energy source and digestate as a nutrient-rich resource for agriculture.

Additionally, the bill sets forth water quality requirements and regulations for managing digester manure and digestate, including specific application methods and separation distance requirements from residences and water sources. It requires a construction permit for digester structures and establishes penalties for violations of air and water quality regulations. The legislation aims to protect public health and the environment while facilitating the use of renewable energy sources through the effective management of community anaerobic digesters.

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