SF3091

SF3091 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Agricultural waste handling regulations modification

Related bill: HF2577

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update regulations related to agricultural waste handling in Minnesota, focusing on the management and record-keeping of sewage sludge transfers. It seeks to enhance environmental protections and improve regulatory compliance.

Main Provisions

Delegation of Duties: The bill authorizes the commissioner to delegate duties concerning agriculture to employees or agents of the Department of Agriculture or first-class cities.
Regulatory Compliance Certification: The bill allows certified individuals to inspect and certify compliance with storage and handling regulations for ammonia and anhydrous ammonia fertilizers. These certifications are valid for three years unless adjusted by the commissioner for reasons like public safety.
PFAS Regulation: The Department of Agriculture is designated as the lead state agency for managing fertilizers containing PFAS, ensuring proper oversight of their storage, handling, distribution, use, and disposal.
Sewage Sludge Transfers: Any transfers of sewage sludge, even without compensation, must adhere to record retention requirements. Parties must keep records detailing the transaction date, amount, and involved parties, accessible to the commissioner upon request.
Environmental Protections for Fertilizers: The bill prohibits actions that endanger humans, cause damage to agriculture or the environment, or contaminate public waters through improper handling, storage, or disposal of fertilizers and related materials.
Fertilizer Application on Impervious Surfaces: The bill prohibits applying fertilizers, animal waste, or sewage sludge on surfaces that prevent water infiltration, such as roads or driveways. If such materials are accidentally released, they must be contained and applied to appropriate areas or returned to a proper container.

Significant Changes

Introduces mandatory record-keeping for sewage sludge transfers and expands the Department of Agriculture's authority over PFAS in fertilizers.
Reinforces the prohibition of fertilizer application on impervious surfaces to prevent environmental contamination.

Relevant Terms

Agriculture
Sewage sludge
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances)
Regulatory compliance
Impervious surfaces
Environmental protection

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file
Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
March 26, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows designated employees or agents to carry out certain duties."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amendment to delegation of duties related to agricultural waste handling.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies roles of Department of Agriculture and cities of the first class."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18C.111",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Establishes extended deadlines for certain rules."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Changes to certification of regulatory compliance for ammonia handling.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies process and validity of compliance certifications."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18C.111",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Establishes Department of Agriculture as lead agency for PFAS fertilizers."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Regulation of fertilizers containing PFAS.",
      "modified": [
        "Details on record review for sewage sludge transfers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18C.111",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Exemptions for sewage sludge transfers without charge.",
      "modified": [
        "Exemption includes maintaining labeling and record retention requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18C.135",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Rules for storage and handling of fertilizers.",
      "modified": [
        "Prohibits practices endangering environmental safety and public health."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18C.201",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Disposal of fertilizer rinsate and containers.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines open burning of fertilizer as harmful to the environment."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18C.201",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Definitions related to public or other waters of the state.",
      "modified": [
        "Referenced for the prevention of contamination from fertilizers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.005",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 15 and 17"
  }
]