OH HB655

Requires fertilizer (nitrogen or phosphorus) applied in the western Lake Erie basin to be applied onto actively farmed fields at the agronomic rate and prohibits surface application on snow-covered/frozen soil, saturated soil, or before heavy precipitation events.

Requires manure applied in the western Lake Erie basin to be applied onto actively farmed fields at either the agronomic rate or while using best available technologies including composting, anaerobic digestion, mechanical separation, hydrothermal carbonization, wet chemical treatment, or thermochemical stabilization.

Provides a two-year transition period for existing agricultural facilities, during which operators must comply with restrictions on snow-covered/frozen soil, saturated soil, and heavy precipitation but not the agronomic rate requirement; full compliance required after two years.

Authorizes the Director of Agriculture to investigate violations, enter property at reasonable times to inspect, and obtain search warrants if access is denied, with probable cause determinations allowed based on credible hearsay.

Establishes criminal penalties for reckless violations: third-degree misdemeanor for first offense, second-degree misdemeanor for second offense, and first-degree misdemeanor for third or subsequent offenses.