Bill > SB371

This bill, concerning water pollution control and discharge permits for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), proposes to remove a specific requirement that individuals must obtain a CAFO general discharge permit before starting construction on any part of a new CAFO. A CAFO is a type of farm where animals are confined in crowded conditions for at least 45 days a year, and their waste can potentially pollute waterways. Currently, Maryland law mandates that a person must hold such a permit before beginning construction, but this bill seeks to repeal that particular pre-construction permit obligation for CAFOs, while other existing requirements for obtaining discharge permits for various facilities and activities remain in place.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0371?ys=2026RS