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 rather than state standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions for CAFOs and outlines the permitting process, requiring operators to submit applications and pay fees for discharge permits. It mandates the development of nutrient management plans for all CAFOs and sets deadlines for the issuance of general and individual permits. The legislation also clarifies exemptions from permit requirements for certain stormwater runoff scenarios and establishes a stakeholder engagement process to gather input on the CAFO program's implementation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight of agricultural waste management to protect state waters 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