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 these systems must be off-farm, detailing the conditions under which they can receive digester manure from animal feeding operations. The bill outlines requirements for digester structures, including the necessity for them to be covered and the criteria for classifying materials as dry. It mandates that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources adopt rules for managing digester manure and digestate, emphasizing the promotion of biogas as a renewable energy source and digestate as a nutrient-rich agricultural material.

Additionally, the bill sets forth regulations for the management and storage of digester manure and feedstock, including designated storage structures for liquid and dry materials. It establishes construction permit application processes, design standards, and separation distance requirements to ensure environmental protection and public safety. The legislation also includes provisions for water quality minimum requirements, compliance with processing standards, and penalties for violations, aiming to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding anaerobic digestion systems while ensuring adherence to environmental standards. Overall, the bill seeks to facilitate sustainable renewable energy production while safeguarding water quality and public health.

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