GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 1479*

Short Title:  Study Lagoon Phase Out Implementation. 	(Public)

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Sponsors: Representatives Watson; and McComas.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

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May 25, 1998

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO STUDY ISSUES RELATED TO THE PHASEOUT OF ANAEROBIC LAGOONS AND SPRAYFIELDS AS THE PRIMARY METHODS OF DISPOSING OF ANIMAL WASTE AT SWINE FARMS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMISSION.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall coordinate a joint study by the Division of Water Quality and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation of issues related to the implementation of the proposed plan to phase out the use of anaerobic lagoons and sprayfields as the primary methods of disposing of animal waste at swine farms developed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to S.L. 1997-458, Section 12.4(c).  In conducting this study, the Department shall consult with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Cooperative Extension Service of North Carolina State University, the Animal and Poultry Waste Management Center of North Carolina State University, other appropriate governmental agencies, agricultural interest groups, and environmental protection and natural resources conservation advocacy groups.  In conducting this study, the Department shall (i) develop recommendations for implementing the phaseout of anaerobic lagoons and sprayfields as the primary methods of disposing of swine waste, (ii) identify recommended environmental and public health performance-based criteria and standards for alternative animal waste management technologies, (iii) recommend a process to identify the best available technologies to meet these performance-based criteria and standards, (iv) recommend a process and timetable for the phaseout of existing lagoons and the replacement of those lagoons with alternative technologies, and (v) identify public and private funding alternatives to ensure that the phaseout is completed in a timely manner.  The Department shall report its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals, to the Environmental Review Commission no later than 1 October 1998.
Section 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.