The bill amends Iowa's laws concerning animal feeding operations, specifically focusing on the regulation of anaerobic digester systems. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "anaerobic digester system," "digester manure," and "digestate," and outlines the chapter's purpose to regulate animal agriculture, particularly the storage and processing of organic materials like manure. The legislation establishes requirements for the construction and management of digester structures, including the necessity for permits and the classification of digester manure and feedstock as either dry or liquid. It also emphasizes the enforcement of regulations to ensure compliance with water quality standards and proper identification of anaerobic digester systems within animal feeding operations.

Additionally, the bill sets forth detailed permit application requirements for various digester structures, mandates construction design standards, and imposes restrictions for structures in sensitive areas to prevent groundwater pollution. It regulates the stockpiling and application of digestate, including distance requirements from residences, and allows for the application of digestate on snow-covered or frozen ground under certain conditions. The bill establishes penalties for violations related to anaerobic digester systems, directs collected civil penalties to the Iowa nutrient research fund, and requires a digestate management supplement for land under a nutrient management plan. It also instructs the Code editor to create new parts within existing chapters and ensures that the Department of Natural Resources will continue to regulate these systems until new rules are adopted, with the bill taking effect immediately upon enactment.

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