The bill amends existing regulations regarding the application of manure from animal feeding operations (AFOs) in Iowa, specifically addressing emergency circumstances. It introduces a new protocol for the application of manure during emergencies, replacing the previous requirement for a description of land identified for such applications. The bill also clarifies that manure can only be applied on saturated, snow-covered, or frozen ground under emergency circumstances, and establishes that the manure must be injected or incorporated into the soil within 24 hours of application. Additionally, it allows for the application of manure from open feedlot operations under similar emergency protocols.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) adopt rules governing manure application to minimize pollution risks and establishes penalties for violations of these provisions. It removes previous restrictions on applying liquid manure from certain storage structures based on their construction date and storage capacity, thereby broadening the circumstances under which manure can be applied in emergencies. Violators of the bill's provisions may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for administrative violations or up to $5,000 per day for judicial violations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 459.312, 459.313, 459.313A, 459.311