Bill Summaries: H779 HOG LAGOON SUNSET.

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  • Summary date: Apr 15 2019 - View Summary

    Amends Section 1(b) of SL 2007-523 to phase out permits for swine waste management systems currently operated under the moratorium for swine farms enacted in 2007. Requires closure of swine operations with lagoon and sprayfield waste systems by September 1, 2027. Requires the owner or operator of an animal waste management system that uses a lagoon and sprayfield system phased out under this act to close all of the components of the waste management system in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules. Excludes animal waste management systems that are a part of a waste-to-energy facility producing energy from the waste from the phaseout.

    Creates a new Article 49I, Minimum Humane Standards for Certain Farm Animals, in GS Chapter 106 that requires the Board of Agriculture, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to set minimum humane standards for cows, poultry, and swine, including restrictions on tethering and confinement, kill methods, and transfer of sick cows. Makes violations by any farm owner or operator of the minimum humane standards a Class 2 misdemeanor. Provisions on minimum humane standards for livestock become effective January 1, 2020.

    Directs the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Human Services (Division), with the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Department), to study the use of antibiotic drugs in livestock production in North Carolina. Specifies the content and focus of the study and requires the Division and the Department to jointly report their findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on or before January 1, 2021.

    Section 2 of this act becomes effective January 1, 2020; the remaining sections of this act are effective when it becomes law.