VT H0146

Transfers all authority to administer and enforce agricultural water quality requirements on Vermont farms from the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to the Secretary of Natural Resources, effective July 1, 2027

Establishes a new CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) permit system requiring permits by January 1, 2029, with mandatory inspection schedules: large CAFOs annually, medium/small CAFOs every 3 years, small AFOs every 5 years, and small farms every 7 years

Creates the Agricultural Water Quality Special Fund under the Agency of Natural Resources to collect permit fees and fund program administration, with annual CAFO operating fees ranging from $500 (small) to $2,500 (large)

Requires all CAFO, AFO, and small farm owners/operators to complete 8 hours of water quality training every 5 years and implement field-by-field nutrient management plans meeting USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service standards

Prohibits manure application between December 15 and April 1, establishes 200-foot setbacks from private wells and surface waters for manure storage, and requires 25-foot vegetative buffers between croplands and adjoining waters