This bill amends Iowa's laws concerning water quality standards and the regulation of animal feeding operations (AFOs), including concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). It introduces new definitions and requirements for AFOs, clarifying that the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) can implement more stringent effluent limitations than federal standards to meet state water quality goals. The bill also mandates that medium and large AFOs must adhere to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which includes specific monitoring and reporting obligations.

Significant changes include the removal of restrictions that previously limited the EPC's ability to adopt regulations more stringent than federal standards, thereby allowing for enhanced state-level protections. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of water quality regulations, with administrative penalties of up to $10,000 and judicial penalties of $5,000, extending these penalties to open feedlot operations. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for AFOs, ensuring better protection of water quality in Iowa.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 455B.173, 17A.7, 459.102, 459A.102, 459.311, 459.314, 459A.502