Minnesota Legislature
Open-air swine basin exemption sought for truck washes
Some truck washes might no longer be identified as swine basins by the Pollution Control Agency.
Truck washes that clean livestock hauling equipment in addition to other vehicles are currently regulated as open-air swine manure basins, said Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne), the sponsor of HF820. To comply with PCA regulations, he said equipment owners must install expensive covers.
PCA Legislative Director Greta Gauthier said cleaning these vehicles is a matter of biosecurity and the exemption would in no way limit the agency’s ability to protect the public.
The bill, nearly identical to a provision in last year’s omnibus bill vetoed by former Gov. Mark Dayton, was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.
Its companion, SF483, is sponsored by Sen. Bill Weber (R-Luverne) and awaits action by the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Policy Committee.
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