7 §4202. Duties of the commissioner - Maine Statutes

Title 7: AGRICULTURE AND ANIMALS

Part 10: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT HEADING: PL 1997, C. 642, §2 (NEW)

Chapter 747: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ACT (HEADING: PL 1997, C. 642, §2 (NEW))

§4202. Duties of the commissioner

The commissioner shall implement a program to promote responsible use of farm nutrients in accordance with this chapter. The commissioner has the powers and duties as set forth in this section. [1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW).]

1. Nutrient management plans. In accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, the commissioner shall adopt rules to establish minimum requirements for nutrient management plans required under section 4204, a process for review of the nutrient management plans, periodic revisions to plans and determination of compliance with the plans. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A. The commissioner shall maintain a list of farms that have a nutrient management plan based on notification received pursuant to section 4204, subsection 3.

[ 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW) .]

2. Certification of persons to prepare nutrient management plans. The commissioner shall develop a program to train and certify persons in the preparation of nutrient management plans. The commissioner may establish minimum educational requirements for persons eligible for certification. The commissioner may revoke a certification in accordance with section 4210.

[ 1999, c. 530, §2 (AMD) .]

3. Livestock operations permits. The commissioner shall issue livestock operations permits in accordance with section 4205. The commissioner may revoke a livestock operations permit in accordance with section 4211.

[ 1999, c. 530, §2 (AMD) .]

4. Educational outreach. The commissioner shall conduct an educational outreach program for the agricultural community to increase awareness of the provisions of this chapter and the need for nutrient management planning. The commissioner shall inform the public about manure-related issues and the department's efforts to address manure-related issues.

[ 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW) .]

5. Enforcement. Whenever it appears to the commissioner that there is or has been a violation of this chapter, rules adopted under this chapter or the conditions of a permit or variance issued under this chapter, the commissioner may initiate an enforcement action.

[ 1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW) .]

SECTION HISTORY

1997, c. 642, §2 (NEW). 1999, c. 530, §2 (AMD).