The bill H.146 proposes a significant restructuring of agricultural water quality management in Vermont by transferring authority from the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to the Secretary of Natural Resources. It introduces a new subchapter titled "Agricultural Water Quality," which aims to prevent contamination of groundwater and surface waters by agricultural wastes, ensuring compliance with the federal Clean Water Act. The bill outlines definitions related to agricultural waste and establishes the Secretary's powers to adopt rules, conduct inspections, and manage a new Clean Water Fund, which will replace the Agricultural Water Quality Special Fund. Key provisions include the requirement for all concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to obtain permits by January 1, 2029, and mandates for compliance with best management practices and nutrient management plans.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of education and technical assistance for farmers, requiring small farm operators to submit compliance certifications every three years and allowing the Secretary to mandate permits for farms posing contamination threats. It introduces new regulations for manure application, particularly during winter months, and establishes criteria for designating small animal feeding operations as small CAFOs based on their pollution contributions. The bill also repeals several existing provisions related to the Secretary of Agriculture's authority and outlines a transition plan for enforcement actions to be fully transferred to the Agency of Natural Resources by July 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance agricultural practices while ensuring better protection of Vermont's water resources.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1259, 10-1263, 10-1264(d), 10-1264, 10-8003(d), 10-8003, 6-366, 6-563, 6-918(b), 6-918, 10-905b, 10-1266b(d), 10-1266b, 10-1389b, 10-1446(b)(7), 10-1446, 10-1446(b), 10-1671(8), 10-1671, 10-1679(c), 10-1679, 10-6001(3)(E), 10-6001, 10-6001(3), 10-6001(42), 24-4413(d)(1), 24-4413, 24-4413(d), 32-3752(5)(D), 32-3752, 32-3752(5), 32-3756(i), 32-3756, 32-3758(e), 32-3758, 3-2822(j), 3-2822