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 regulations for the construction and management of digester structures, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance and coverage. It mandates that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources adopt rules to enforce compliance requirements and sets guidelines for the stockpiling of materials and separation distances from other structures.

Additionally, the bill introduces several new sections that establish water quality minimum requirements and regulations for managing digester manure and digestate. Key provisions include specific disposal standards for digester manure, obligations for owners of discontinued structures to remove materials, and restrictions on constructing or expanding digester structures near sensitive areas. It also outlines record-keeping requirements for community anaerobic digester systems and establishes civil penalties for violations of air and water quality regulations, with fines up to $10,000 per violation. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance environmental protection and promote renewable energy production through biogas while ensuring the safe management of digestate.

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