This bill aims to enhance the protection of public health and drinking water supplies from the impacts of publicly owned or operated game farms, particularly concerning nitrate pollution. It establishes new requirements for these facilities to obtain permits under the concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) program, ensuring they adhere to the same environmental standards as private agricultural operations. The bill mandates that publicly owned game farms, such as those operated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, must either follow a general CAFO permit or obtain an individual discharge permit if they exceed certain animal thresholds. This is in response to findings that manure from these facilities contributes to nitrate contamination in groundwater, which poses risks to private drinking water wells.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the permits, including the development of manure pollution prevention plans, monitoring and reporting obligations, and protocols to prevent discharges that violate water quality standards. It emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in manure management practices and aims to align public operations with the environmental protections expected of private operations. The legislation also clarifies that facilities with more than 5,000 game birds will be treated as large concentrated animal feeding operations, subjecting them to the most stringent water quality standards. Overall, the bill seeks to mitigate nitrate contributions from public facilities and safeguard drinking water resources across Washington.