HB1706

House Bill 1706 transfers the regulatory authority over liquid animal waste management systems from the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (specifically the Division of Environmental Quality) to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The bill repeals existing permit processing requirements within the Department of Energy and Environment and establishes a new framework within the Department of Agriculture for rule-making, permitting, and site approvals for these systems. Under the new law, permit modifications will be limited to the specific conditions under review, and existing permits in good standing are protected from new third-party appeals regarding siting issues not previously raised. The bill mandates that the Department of Agriculture utilize existing environmental regulations until new rules are promulgated. Additionally, any permit applications currently pending with the Division of Environmental Quality will be transferred to the Department of Agriculture for final decision. The act specifies that the existing authority of other entities, such as the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, remains unchanged.