The bill amends Vermont's agricultural water quality regulations to improve the management of agricultural nonpoint source pollutants, particularly concerning Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). Key changes include the elimination of the requirement for a memorandum of understanding between the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Secretary of Natural Resources, replaced by a new document detailing their roles in implementing the federal Clean Water Act. The Secretary of Natural Resources is designated to lead federal funding applications, while the bill also establishes specific provisions for vegetative buffer zones and the permitting process for large and medium farms, mandating compliance with federal regulations regarding setbacks and buffer requirements.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions for CAFOs and outlines the permitting process, requiring nutrient management plans and annual reporting of water use for significant groundwater withdrawals. It allows small farms to seek coverage under medium farm general permits and mandates individual permits for small or medium farms based on compliance history. The bill also emphasizes stakeholder engagement in the CAFO program's implementation and sets deadlines for the issuance of permits and nutrient management plans. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework for agricultural waste management and protect state waters from pollution while ensuring compliance with both state and federal standards.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 6-4810(d), 6-4810, 6-4810a(a)(6), 6-4810a, 6-4810a(a), 6-4851, 6-4858, 6-4816, 6-4871(b), 6-4871, 10-1251, 10-1259, 10-1263, 10-1264(d), 10-1264
As Passed By the Senate -- Official: 6-4810(d), 6-4810, 6-4810a(a)(6), 6-4810a, 6-4810a(a), 6-4851, 6-4858, 6-4816, 6-4871(b), 6-4871, 10-1251, 10-1259, 10-1263, 10-1264(d), 10-1264
As Passed By the Senate -- Unofficial: 6-4810(d), 6-4810, 6-4810a(a)(6), 6-4810a, 6-4810a(a), 6-4851, 6-4858, 6-4816, 6-4871(b), 6-4871, 10-1251, 10-1259, 10-1263, 10-1264(d), 10-1264
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 6-4810(d), 6-4810, 6-4810a(a)(6), 6-4810a, 6-4810a(a), 6-4851, 6-4858, 6-4816, 6-4871(b), 6-4871, 10-1251, 10-1259, 10-1263, 10-1264(d), 10-1264
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 6-4810(d), 6-4810, 6-4810a(a)(6), 6-4810a, 6-4810a(a), 6-4851, 6-4858, 6-4816, 6-4871(b), 6-4871, 10-1251, 10-1259, 10-1263, 10-1264(d), 10-1264
As Enacted: 6-4810(d), 6-4810, 6-4810a(a)(6), 6-4810a, 6-4810a(a), 6-4851, 6-4858, 6-4816, 6-4871(b), 6-4871, 10-1251, 10-1259, 10-1263, 10-1264(d), 10-1264