This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116.07, to enhance pollution control measures related to manure management for feedlots. It introduces new requirements for manure management plans for feedlots with a capacity of 500 or more animal units, mandating baseline nutrient load testing for wells and application fields before plan approval. The bill also establishes a digital tool for public access to information about manure application sites, including feedlot size and type of animals raised. Additionally, it imposes penalties for violations of manure management plans, with fines starting at $5,000, which will be allocated to projects aimed at improving water quality in the affected watersheds.

Furthermore, the bill sets minimum setback distances for feedlots and liquid manure storage areas, requiring them to be located at least 1,000 feet from sinkholes and 2,000 feet from municipal wells or hospitals. It prohibits the spreading of liquid manure within 500 feet of various water bodies and residential wells. The bill also mandates that at least 20 percent of feedlots under county jurisdiction be inspected annually, while those under the commissioner’s jurisdiction must be inspected every year. The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency is authorized to amend existing rules to align with these new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116.07