The bill amends Iowa's laws concerning animal feeding operations, specifically focusing on the regulation of anaerobic digester systems. It introduces a new section that outlines the chapter's purpose, which is to regulate animal agriculture, including the storage, application, and processing of organic materials like manure. Key definitions related to anaerobic digester systems are established, including terms such as "digester manure," "digester feedstock," and "digestate." The bill sets forth requirements for the construction and management of structures used for these materials, including necessary permits and operational conditions, while clarifying that certain structures, like confinement feeding operations, are exempt from these new regulations.

Additionally, the legislation mandates detailed permit applications for various digester structures, establishes construction design standards, and outlines regulations for the stockpiling and application of digestate. It allows for the application of digestate on snow-covered or frozen ground under existing manure requirements and sets penalties for violations, directing collected civil penalties to the Iowa nutrient research fund. The bill also includes provisions for reorganizing sections of Chapter 459 and emphasizes that the Department of Natural Resources will continue to regulate anaerobic digester systems until new rules are adopted. The bill is considered of immediate importance and takes effect upon enactment, with existing regulatory practices remaining in place until new rules are established.

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