2013 Maryland Code
AGRICULTURE
§ 8-804 - Regulations; advisory committee

§8-804.

(a) (1) The Department shall establish a Nutrient Management Advisory Committee. The Secretary shall appoint to the Committee representatives of the agricultural community, the environmental community, the commercial lawn care, biosolids, and agricultural fertilizer industries, academia, and appropriate government units. The Secretary also shall appoint to the Committee a representative of county government from a list submitted by the Maryland Association of Counties. The President of the Senate of Maryland shall appoint to the Committee one Senator and the Speaker of the House of Delegates shall appoint to the Committee one Delegate.

(2) (i) The Nutrient Management Advisory Committee shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, by July 1 of each year on the implementation of the requirements of the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.

(ii) The report required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall include information regarding:

1. The level of participation in the nutrient management plan program;

2. Additional resources that may be needed to meet the requirements of § 8-803.1 of this subtitle;

3. The effectiveness of nutrient application education programs; and

4. The effectiveness of the Manure Transportation Project set forth in § 8-704.2 of this title.

(b) In consultation with the Nutrient Management Advisory Committee, the Department shall by regulation:

(1) Prescribe the criteria, form, and content for certified nutrient management plans applicable to licensees and certificate holders;

(2) Establish continuing education requirements for certified nutrient management consultants and persons receiving vouchers of completion under § 8-803.3 of this subtitle; and

(3) Adopt guidelines and requirements for licensees and certified nutrient management consultants on record keeping and on reporting requirements to the Department on nutrient management plans.