AR HB1706

Repeals Arkansas Code § 8-4-203(n) and (o), which transferred liquid animal waste management system permit authority from the Department of Energy and Environment to the Department of Agriculture.

Grants the Department of Agriculture authority over all liquid animal waste management systems in the state, including promulgating rules, issuing and modifying permits, and approving design plans and site requirements, in consultation with the Division of Environmental Quality.

Establishes that only permit conditions subject to a modification are open for review when an existing permit modification is filed, and prevents third-party appeals on siting or location issues not raised during the original permit issuance unless a violation of permit conditions exists.

Preserves the authority of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission under the Arkansas Soil Nutrient Application and Poultry Litter Utilization Act and the Division of Environmental Quality under the Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to utilize current Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission Regulation No. 5 until new rules are promulgated, and transfers all pending applications not yet decided to the Department of Agriculture.