SB 5889-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that a livestock nutrient management program is essential to ensuring a healthy and productive livestock industry in Washington state. The goal of the program must be to provide clear guidance to livestock farms as to their responsibilities under state and federal law to protect water quality while maintaining a healthy business climate for these farms.

Declares an intent that by 2006, there will be a fully functioning state program for confined animal feeding operations in the state, and that this program will be a single program for all livestock sectors.

Finds that a livestock nutrient management program is necessary to address the federal rule changes with which livestock operations must comply. Furthermore, budgetary conditions demand efficient and effective governance. In addition, many of the existing requirements and goals for dairy farms will be completed by December 2003, and revisions will be needed.

Provides that all powers, duties, and functions of the department of ecology pertaining to chapter 90.64 RCW are transferred to the department of agriculture.