AR SB550

Repeals Arkansas Code § 8-4-203(n) regarding application timelines for liquid animal waste system permits previously requiring department decisions within 120 days for new permits and 60 days for modifications.

Adds definitions for "confined livestock feeding operation," "liquid livestock litter management plan," and "liquid livestock litter management system" to Arkansas's Soil Nutrient Application and Poultry Litter Utilization Act.

Transfers regulatory authority over liquid livestock litter management systems from the Department of Environmental Quality to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, effective January 1, 2021, with permit applications and active permits transferred without modification.

Establishes requirements for confined livestock operations to develop and implement liquid livestock litter management plans including nutrient analysis, land application at rates not exceeding Arkansas Phosphorus Index levels, and record-keeping components, subject to county conservation district review.

Requires the Natural Resources Commission to promulgate rules by July 1, 2020 that maintain current standards from existing regulations, with provisions reverting authority back to the department if federal EPA determines the rules adversely impact delegated NPDES permitting authority.