Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits the use of manure and fertilizer in the western basin.

Highlights:

• Defines “western basin” as land in the state that is located in one of the 11 western basin watersheds (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the surface application of fertilizer in the western basin by any individuals under any of the following circumstances (Sec. 1):
• The soil is snow-covered or frozen;
• The soil is saturated from precipitation in the top 2 inches; and
• The soil’s local weather forecast contains greater than a 50 percent chance of precipitation exceeding half an inch in a 24 hour period.

• Authorizes fertilizer application if it is injected into the ground or incorporated within 24 hours of surface application, applied to a growing crop, or consists of potash or gypsum (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes individuals who own or operate agricultural land to develop and operate under a “nutrient utilization plan” approved by the director of agriculture (Sec. 1).

• Defines “nutrient utilization plan” as a written record developed or approved by the director of agriculture for implementation schedules and operational procedures for management and pollution reduction practices that will reduce the degradation of the waters of the state by residual farm products and manure, including attached pollutants (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes telephone companies to withdraw or abandon entirely any telecommunications service after providing 90-day notice, if a customer is provided an alternate form of voice service (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text