Purpose of the Bill

This Minnesota legislative bill aims to revise regulations regarding agricultural waste handling, specifically focusing on the management and documentation of sewage sludge transfers, and to ensure the safe handling of fertilizers, particularly those containing PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).

Main Provisions

• Delegation of Duties: The commissioner of agriculture can delegate responsibilities to employees or city officials for managing agricultural regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance for Fertilizers: Individuals or sites handling ammonia fertilizers must have regulatory compliance inspections, which are valid for three years unless specified otherwise for safety reasons.
• PFAS Regulation: Places the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as the lead agency for handling fertilizers containing PFAS, aiming to streamline data sharing between agencies.
• Sewage Sludge Record Keeping: Requires detailed record-keeping of sewage sludge transfers, even those done without compensation, including the date, parties involved, and quantity of sludge transferred. These records must be accessible to the commissioner upon request.
• Fertilizer Handling and Disposal: Establishes guidelines to ensure that fertilizers and related containers do not harm the environment or public safety. For example, fertilizers must not be stored or disposed of in ways that can contaminate water through backflow.
• Prohibition on Use on Impervious Surfaces: Prohibits the application of fertilizer, animal waste, or sewage sludge on surfaces where water cannot soak into the ground, like roads and sidewalks. Spills must be cleaned and disposed of properly.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces mandatory record retention for all transactions involving sewage sludge to improve traceability and oversight.
• The regulation extends environmental protection measures by detailing specific prohibitions on fertilizer use and disposal.
• It expands the role of the Department of Agriculture in managing and reducing the environmental impact of PFAS-containing fertilizers.

Relevant Terms

• Agriculture Waste Handling
• Sewage Sludge Transfer
• PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
• Regulatory Compliance
• Environmental Protection
• Impervious Surface