The bill amends existing laws governing animal feeding operations by introducing comprehensive regulations for anaerobic digester systems, which process organic materials such as manure. It establishes a new purpose for the relevant chapters, focusing on the regulation of animal agriculture and organic material management. Key definitions are added, including those for anaerobic digester systems, digester manure, and digestate. The bill outlines the scope of regulation, requiring construction permits for digester structures and detailing application requirements, including information on materials to be stored and storage capacity. It also mandates construction design standards, particularly for structures on karst terrain, to prevent groundwater pollution.

Additionally, the bill sets forth regulations for the management of digestate, including stockpiling and application requirements, while specifying separation distances from residences to mitigate environmental impacts. It allows for the application of digestate on snow-covered or frozen ground under certain conditions and establishes penalties for violations, directing collected fines to the Iowa nutrient research fund. The bill also reorganizes sections of Chapter 459 and ensures that the Department of Natural Resources will continue to regulate anaerobic digester systems until new rules are adopted. The legislation is considered of immediate importance and takes effect upon enactment, maintaining existing regulatory practices until new guidelines are established.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 459.102, 459.201, 17A.7
Reprinted: 459.102, 459.201, 17A.7