APPLICATION OF WOOD ASH H.B. 5404 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5404 (Substitute S-1 as reported) Sponsor: Representative David Anthony
House Committee: Conservation, Environment and Great Lakes Senate Committee: Agriculture and Forestry
The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to permit the application on farmland of wood ashes resulting solely from a source that burned only wood that was untreated and inert. Further, the bill specifies that aquatic plants, which are currently allowed to be applied on farmland, would have to be applied for an agricultural or silvicultural purpose.
Currently, under the Act, a by-product from the processing of fruits, vegetables, sugar beets, field crops, or lime from kraft pulping processes generated prior to bleaching may be applied on farmland or used as animal feed without a solid waste management plan, permit, or license. The application of a by-product or compost to land or for use as animal feed currently must occur in a manner that prevents runoff and leaching and, if applied to land, must be consistent with agricultural and management practices under the Michigan Right to Farm Act.
MCL 324.11506 Legislative Analyst: G. Towne
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 5-20-96 Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.