Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.11

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 21, October 18, 2024

Section 15.20.08.11 - Phosphorus Management Tool Transition Advisory Committee

A. Beginning in 2015 and continuing until the Phosphorus Management Tool is fully implemented, there shall be established within the Department, the Phosphorus Management Tool Transition Advisory Committee.

B. The Committee shall be chaired by the Secretary. Its membership may include the following persons:

(1) A member of the Senate, appointed by the President;

(2) A member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker;

(3) The Secretary of the Environment, or his designee;

(4) The Director of the Maryland Environmental Service, or his designee;

(5) The Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, or his designee;

(6) The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources;

(7) The Chesapeake Bay Commission;

(8) Members appointed by the Secretary, including a representative from:

(a) The Maryland Farm Bureau;

(b) The Maryland Grain Producers Association;

(c) The Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.;

(d) The Maryland Dairy Industry Association;

(e) The Chesapeake Bay Foundation;

(f) Two non-governmental organizations representing environmental interests;

(g) The biosolids industry;

(h) The manure hauling industry;

(i) The manure application industry; and

(j) Two alternative technology vendors or enterprises.

C. The purpose of the committee shall be to:

(1) Evaluate information relevant to the implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool including:

(a) The quantity and location of excess animal manure within the State;

(b) The status and activity of manure transportation activities in geographic areas with excess animal manures;

(c) The viability of markets for animal manures as a crop fertilizer, fuel stock for energy generation and other alternative uses;

(d) The status and capacity of alternative use technologies using animal manures; and

(e) Other information the Department and the Advisory Committee deems appropriate.

(2) Recommend to the Secretary strategies to facilitate the effective implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool;

(3) Recommend to the Secretary potential changes to the schedule implementing the Phosphorus Management Tool, as provided for in this chapter; and

(4) Identify resources necessary for the effective transition to the Phosphorus Management Tool.

D. The Committee shall meet at least annually at a time determined by the Department.

E. Annual Report.

(1) Beginning December 1, 2016 and each year thereafter, until the Phosphorus Management Tool is fully implemented, the Committee shall provide a report to the Governor and the General Assembly.

(2) The report shall include:

(a) A summary of the data collected from farms related to the operational changes created by implementing the Phosphorus Management Tool;

(b) The status of certain programs related to or supporting the transition to the Phosphorus Management Tool;

(c) Resource needs considered critical for the effective transition to the Phosphorus Management Tool; and

(d) Policy recommendations to enhance the implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool.

Md. Code Regs. 15.20.08.11

Regulation .11 adopted effective 42:11 Md. R. 726, eff.6/8/2015