PROPOSED RULEMAKING
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[7 PA. CODE CH. 130e]
Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification
[35 Pa.B. 6751] The Department of Agriculture (Department), under the the Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Act (act) (3 P. S. §§ 2010.1--2010.12), and under the specific authority of section 3 of the act (3 P. S. § 2010.3), regarding commercial manure hauler and broker certification program, proposes to add Chapter 130e (relating to commercial manure hauler and broker certification).
Section 3(a)(1) of the act charges the Department, in consultation with the State Conservation Commission (Commission) and the Nutrient Management Advisory Board, with the duty of establishing,'' . . . within 18 months of the effective date of this act . . . a commercial manure hauler and broker certification program . . . The department shall by regulation establish such terms, conditions and fees for certification as it deems appropriate.'' With regard to the certification program, the regulations are required, at a minimum, to address laws and regulations pertaining to manure application, information necessary for understanding and following a nutrient management plan and nutrient balance sheet, training in the development and filing of a nutrient balance sheet, best management practices with respect to manure hauling and application, safety procedures, calibration of application rates for various types of equipment, setback requirements, nutrient runoff concerns, incorporation echniques, recordkeeping requirements necessary to meet the act and 3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 3 and 5 (relating to local regulation; and nutrient management and odor management). In addition, the Department has the authority to approve training and education programs developed by The Pennsylvania State University and other educational institutions or entities that meet the requirements of the act and these regulations.
The regulations are required to establish a certification program through which all persons hauling or applying manure generated by an agricultural operator can obtain the certification required by the act. The regulations set forth procedures and requirements related to the certification of commercial manure haulers and brokers, establish fees and delineate course and certification requirements, provide for various levels of certification, denote application, approval and appeal procedures for persons seeking certification, set forth criteria for approval of training and education programs developed by The Pennsylvania State University and other educational institutions or entities and detail recordkeeping requirements necessary to meet the requirements of the Nutrient Management Act and the act. It must be noted that the Nutrient Management Act has been repealed and replaced by the act of July 6, 2005 (P. L. 112, No. 38) (Act 38), codified at 3 Pa.C.S. Chapters 3 and 5 (relating to local regulation; and nutrient management and odor management), which took effect July 6, 2005.
Background
The proposed regulations are made necessary by and are established under the authority of, and in accordance with, the act.
The major features and amendments to the proposed regulations are summarized as follows:
Summary of major features
§ 130e.1. Scope.
This section sets forth the scope of the regulation and gives a brief synopsis of what is covered in the regulations.
§ 130e.2. Definitions.
This section defines key terms that are utilized in the regulations.
§ 130e.3. Fees.
This section establishes the certification and examination fees that will be charged by the Department for each category (commercial manure hauler or commercial manure broker) and the level of certification.
§ 130e.4. Prohibitions.
This section reiterates the general premise of the act with regard to the prohibition regarding hauling or land applying manure without being properly certified and provides a general overview of the requirements that must be met prior to a commercial manure hauler or broker hauling or land applying manure.
§ 130e.5. Authority, duties and prohibitions.
This section delineates the general authority, duties and prohibitions established by the act and the regulations regarding each category (commercial manure hauler or commercial manure broker) and the level of certification.
§ 130e.6. Display of certification.
This section establishes the requirement that every commercial manure hauler or broker prominently display on every vehicle involved in transport or land application, or both, of manure the certification number assigned by the Department. It further establishes the size of the certification number and requires that the numbers contrast with the color of the vehicle and be displayed on both sides of the vehicle. This section also sets forth the requirement that every certified commercial manure broker and certified commercial manure hauler shall carry on their person or in the vehicle being utilized to transport or land apply manure, or both, a copy of their current certificate. In addition, this section creates the rule that the certification number of the commercial manure broker or commercial manure hauler shall be included in any contract or agreement entered into by that commercial manure broker or commercial manure hauler to transport or land apply manure, or both.
§ 130e.7. Notice of change in business certification.
This section sets forth the rule that all certified commercial manure brokers and certified commercial manure haulers notify the Department in writing within 15 days of a change in information regarding their level of certification or if that person is no longer engaged in or no longer intends to be engaged in the transport or land application of manure, or both.
§ 130e.11. Determination of competence.
This section sets forth the competency requirements which must be met for a person to attain a level 1 or level 2 commercial manure broker certification. This section establishes the topics that must be addressed in a level 1 and a level 2 commercial manure broker certification orientation training course, denotes that certification does require a class-room setting for both the certification orientation training courses and the written examinations required for both levels of certification and delineates the overall criteria for the level 1 and level 2 commercial manure broker certification written examinations.
§ 130e.12. Certification requirements.
This section sets forth the general requirement that all commercial manure brokers obtain certification as a commercial manure broker prior to assuming temporary control or ownership of manure from an agricultural operation or arranging for transportation to or utilization of manure at, or both, an importing operation or other location. This section also addresses the requirements established by the act with regard to a commercial manure broker acting as a contract agent for an agricultural operator required by section 5 of the act (3 P. S. § 2010.5) to use a certified commercial manure hauler or certified commercial manure broker. In addition, this section establishes the parameters of the certification application procedure and the time period for filing an application. Furthermore, this section details the review process and sets forth the criteria to be utilized by the Department in determining the competence of the applicant for a level 1 or level 2 commercial manure broker certificate. It also addresses the process to be followed in the event an applicant is rejected and denotes the process necessary for a level 1 certified commercial manure broker to attain a level 2 certification.
§ 130e.21. Determination of competence.
This section sets forth the competency requirements which must be met for a person to attain a level 1 commercial manure hauler certification. The section establishes the topics that must be addressed in a level 1 commercial manure hauler certification orientation-training course, denotes that certification does not require a class-room training course or class-room setting for the written examination, but instead will be done through a training manual and a proctored test at one of various locations in the regulations. The section specifically delineates the overall criteria for the level 1 commercial manure hauler training manual and written examination.
§ 130e.22. Certification requirements.
This section sets forth the general requirement that all commercial manure haulers obtain some level of certification prior to assuming temporary control or ownership of manure from an agricultural operation or arranging for transportation to or utilization of manure at, or both, an importing operation or other location. It establishes the authority and prohibitions of a level 1 commercial manure hauler. In addition, this section establishes the parameters of the certification application procedure and the time period for filing an application. Furthermore, this section details the review process and sets forth the criteria to be utilized by the Department in determining the competence of the applicant for a level 1 commercial manure hauler certificate. It also addresses the process to be followed in the event an applicant is rejected.
§ 130e.31. Determination of competence.
This section sets forth the competency requirements which must be met for a person to attain a level 2 commercial manure hauler certification. The section establishes the topics that must be addressed in a level 2 commercial manure hauler certification orientation-training course, denotes that such certification does not require a class-room training course or class-room setting for the written examination, but instead will be done through a training manual and a proctored test at one of various locations in the regulations. The section specifically delineates the overall criteria for the level 2 commercial manure hauler training manual and written examination.
§ 130e.32. Certification requirements.
This section sets forth the general requirement that all commercial manure haulers obtain certification as a level 2 commercial manure hauler prior to land applying manure. It establishes the authority and prohibitions of a level 2 commercial manure hauler. In addition, this section establishes the parameters of the certification application procedure and the time period for filing an application. Furthermore, this section details the review process and sets forth the criteria to be utilized by the Department in determining the competence of the applicant for a level 2 commercial manure hauler certificate. It also addresses the process to be followed in the event an applicant is rejected.
§ 130e.41. Determination of competence.
This section sets forth the competency requirements which must be met for a person to attain a level 3 commercial manure hauler certification. The section establishes the topics that must be addressed in a level 3 commercial manure hauler certification orientation-training course, denotes that such certification does require a class-room setting for both the certification orientation-training course and the written examination. The section specifically delineates the overall criteria for the level 3 commercial manure hauler written examinations.
§ 130e.42. Certification requirements.
This section sets forth the general requirement that all commercial manure haulers obtain certification as a level 3 commercial manure hauler prior to land applying manure without direct supervision or supervising another certified commercial manure hauler. This section also addresses the requirements established by the act with regard to a level 3 certified commercial manure hauler acting as a contract agent for an agricultural operator or a commercial manure broker. In addition, this section establishes the parameters of the certification application procedure and the time period for filing an application. Furthermore, this section details the review process and sets forth the criteria to be utilized by the Department in determining the competence of the applicant for a level 3 commercial manure hauler certificate. It also addresses the process to be followed in the event an applicant is rejected.
§ 130e.51. Certification time frames and recertification requirements.
This section establishes the time frame of validity for the different levels of commercial manure broker and commercial manure hauler certifications and sets forth the requirements for recertification at each level.
§ 130e.52. Commercial manure broker and hauler continuing education requirements.
This section establishes the general requirement that all certified commercial manure brokers and commercial manure haulers obtain continuing education credits. It further establishes specific continuing education interval time frames and course requirements for each level of certification. This section also sets forth the requirements for continuing education courses and credits, including the rate of accrual, credit hours and additional factors including the consequences of not meeting the continuing education requirements. In addition, this section addresses the process to be followed in the event a commercial manure broker or commercial manure hauler fails to obtain continuing education credits. Furthermore, this section details the criteria to be utilized by the Department in determining whether to revoke or suspend a certification and sets forth the process for a commercial manure broker and commercial manure hauler to obtain certification once again.
§ 130e.53. Continuing education credit course providers.
This section details the review process and sets forth the criteria to be utilized by the Department in determining the eligibility of an applicant to provide continuing education courses. It establishes the parameters of the application content and the procedure for filing an application. In addition, this section addresses the process to be followed in the event the Department revokes or denies approval of a continuing education course, course provider or credit hours. It also addresses the monitoring process for a continuing education course.
§ 130e.61. Denial, suspension and revocation of certificates.
This section establishes the general power and authority the Department has to deny, suspend or revoke the certification of a commercial manure broker or commercial manure hauler. It further establishes specific situations in which the Department can exercise this power and authority. In addition, this section delineates the procedure for a person to appeal an order, revocation or suspension issued by the Department under this section.
§ 130e.71. Recordkeeping.
This section sets forth the general rule that commercial manure haulers and commercial manure brokers shall maintain records, which shall be open to inspection by the Department or its agents during regular business hours and shall be maintained for 3 years after the date of transport or land application of the manure, whichever is later. It further delineates the specific records that must be maintained by commercial manure haulers and commercial manure brokers.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth
The proposed regulations will impose additional fiscal impacts upon the Commonwealth for administration and enforcement. The regulations will require the Department to commit an additional amount of time and manpower to the development or overview and approval, or both, of commercial manure broker and commercial manure hauler certification orientation-training courses, training manuals, in-classroom and out of classroom examinations, development and review of continuing education courses, oversight of certification and recertification course providers, oversight of continuing education credit course providers and oversight and enforcement of the recordkeeping, certification, recertification and other general provisions of the regulations.
Political subdivisions
The proposed regulations will impose no additional costs and have no fiscal impact upon political subdivisions. The regulations do not impose any additional burden of enforcement of review on political subdivisions.
Private sector
The proposed regulations will impose additional costs on the regulated community (commercial manure brokers and haulers), which is part of the private sector. The additional costs to the regulated community will be certification and testing fees necessary to obtain the certification requirements required by the act and the proposed regulations. In addition, the regulated community will be subject to the additional costs of attending continuing education courses and attaining the proper amount of continuing education credits required to comply with the commercial manure hauler and broker certification regulations. The regulated community will also face costs associated with the additional recordkeeping requirements established by the act and these regulations.
General public
The proposed regulations will impose no costs and have no fiscal impact on the general public, except that agricultural operators or exporters of manure may be subject to increased costs charged by commercial manure haulers and brokers, as a result of the certification requirements imposed by the act and the regulations.
Paperwork requirements
The proposed regulations will result in a substantial increase of paperwork. The Department will have to develop new application forms, training courses and training course manuals, tests booklets for every level of certification, nutrient balance sheet scenarios, sign-in forms for certification orientation training courses and testing and continuing education credit courses, as well as, recordkeeping forms and notification letters and enforcement documents.
Public comment period
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments regarding the proposed regulations within 30 days following publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Regulatory review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on December 7, 2005, the Department submitted a copy of this proposed rulemaking and a copy of a Regulatory Analysis Form to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and to the Chairpersons of the House and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees. A copy of this material is available to the public upon request.
Under section 5(g) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC may convey any comments, recommendations or objections to the proposed rulemaking within 30 days of the close of the public comment period. The comments, recommendations or objections must specify the regulatory review criteria which have not been met. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for review, prior to final publication of the rulemaking, by the Department, the General Assembly and the Governor of comments, recommendations or objections raised.
Contact person
Further information is available by contacting the Department of Agriculture, Commercial Manure Broker and Hauler Program, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408; Attn: Johan Berger (717) 772-4189.
Effective date
This proposed regulations will be effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
DENNIS C WOLFF,
SecretaryFiscal Note: 2-150. (1) General Fund; (2) Implementing Year 2004-05 is $0; (3) 1st Succeeding Year 2005-06 is $43,000; 2nd Succeeding Year 2006-07 is $43,000; 3rd Succeeding Year 2007-08 is $44,300; 4th Succeeding Year 2008-09 is $45,800; 5th Succeeding Year 2009-10 is $47,500; (4) 2003-04 Program--$N/A; 2002-03 Program--$N/A; 2001-02 Program--$N/A; (7) General Government Operations; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 7. AGRICULTURE
PART V. BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY
CHAPTER 130e. COMMERCIAL MANURE HAULER AND BROKER CERTIFICATION Subch.
A. GENERAL PROVISIONS B. CERTIFICATION C. RECORD KEEPING
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
130e.1. Scope. 130e.2. Definitions. 130e.3. Fees. 130e.4. Prohibition. 130e.5. Authority, duties and prohibitions. 130e.6. Display of certification. 130e.7. Notice of change in business or certification. § 130e.1. Scope.
This chapter prescribes procedures relating to the certification of commercial manure haulers and brokers. It includes the establishment of fees, delineates the requirements for certification of commercial manure haulers and brokers, and sets forth criteria for approval of accredited certification programs.
§ 130e.2. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Act--The Commercial Manure Hauler and Broker Certification Act (3 P. S. §§ 2010.1--2010.12).
Act 38--3 Pa.C.S. §§ 313--318 and Chapter 5 (relating to nutrient management and order management).
Act 38 of 2005 regulations--The regulations associated with Act 38 found at 25 Pa. Code Chapter 83, Subchapter D (relating to nutrient management).
Agricultural operation or operation--The management and use of farming resources for the production of crops, livestock or poultry.
Agricultural operator--A person that has management control of an agricultural operation.
BMP--Best management practice--
(i) A practice or combination of practices determined by the State Conservation Commission to be effective and practicable (given technological, economic and institutional considerations) to manage nutrients to protect surface and groundwater taking into account applicable nutrient requirements for crop utilization.
(ii) The term includes:
(A) Conservation tillage.
(B) Crop rotation.
(C) Soil testing.
(D) Manure testing.
(E) Diversions.
(F) Manure storage facilities.
(G) Stormwater management practices.
(H) Nutrient application.
(I) Practices set forth in Chapter 130b (relating to nutrient management certification)
Board--The Nutrient Management Advisory Board created under section 10 of Act 38 of 2005, 3 Pa.C.S. § 510.
Certificate year--The period from January 1--December 31
Certification--The completion of all requirements of a commercial manure hauler or broker contained in this chapter and final approval of the Department.
Clean Streams Law--The Clean Streams Law (35 P. S. §§ 691.1--691.1001).
Commercial manure broker--A person that is not working for or under the control of an agricultural operator and that assumes temporary control or ownership of manure from an agricultural operation and arranges for transport to and utilization at an importing operation or other location.
Commercial manure hauler--A person that transports or land applies manure as a contract agent for an agricultural operator or commercial manure broker under the direction of the operator or broker.
Commission--The State Conservation Commission established under the Conservation District Law (3 P. S. §§ 849--864).
Competency--Demonstrating a thorough level of knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the act and this chapter as evidenced by successfully meeting the applicable requirements of Subchapter B (relating to certification).
Concentrated animal feeding operation--An agricultural operation that meets the criteria established by the Department of Environmental Protection under authority of The Clean Streams Law.
Concentrated animal operation or CAO--An agricultural operation that meets the criteria established under the authority of Act 38 and Chapter 130b..
Conservation district--A county conservation district established under the Conservation District Law.
Department--The Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.
Importer or importing operation--A person who receives and utilizes or processes manure not produced by poultry or livestock under the management control of that person.
Nutrient--
(i) A substance or recognized plant nutrient, element or compound that is used or sold for its plant nutritive content or its claimed nutritive value.
(ii) The term includes livestock and poultry manures, compost used as fertilizer, commercially manufactured chemical fertilizers, sewage sludge or combinations thereof.
Nutrient balance sheet--A written, site-specific document, meeting the requirements established by the State Conservation Commission under the act and Act 38 used to determine appropriate manure, fertilizer and other nutrient source application rates on importing operations.
Nutrient management plan--A written site-specific plan that incorporates BMPs to manage the use of manure and other plant nutrients for crop production and water quality protection consistent with the criteria established under Act 38 and Chapter 130b.
Nutrient management specialist--A person meeting the certification program requirements of section 8 of Act 38, 3 Pa.C.S. § 508 (relating to nutrient management certification program) and certified Chapter 130b to write or review, or both, a nutrient management balance sheet or nutrient management plan.
Person--An individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, association, firm, corporation, labor organization, trustee, receiver or other legal entity.
Recertification--The completion of all continuing education and training requirements and acquisition of the necessary continuing education credits in the manner and within the time frame set forth in this chapter.
Secretary--The Secretary of Agriculture of the Commonwealth.
Volunteer operation--An agricultural operation that voluntarily meets the requirements of Act 38.
§ 130e.3. Fees.
(a) Certification fees. Certification fees are nonrefundable. The following fees for each category and level of certification apply:
(1) Level 1 commercial manure broker. The triennial fee for a level 1 commercial manure broker certificate is $375.
(2) Level 2 commercial manure broker. The triennial fee for a level 2 commercial manure broker certificate is $450.
(3) Level 1 commercial manure hauler. The biennial fee for a level 1 commercial manure hauler certificate is $125.
(4) Level 2 commercial manure hauler. The biennial fee for a level 2 commercial manure hauler certificate is $185.
(5) Level 3 commercial manure hauler. The triennial fee for a level 3 commercial manure hauler certificate is $375.
(b) Examination fees. Examination fees are nonrefundable. The following fees apply:
(1) Level 1 commercial manure broker--$50
(2) Level 2 commercial manure broker--$50
(3) Level 1 commercial manure hauler--$40
(4) Level 2 commercial manure hauler--$40
(5) Level 3 commercial manure hauler--$50
(c) Disposition of fees and penalties. Fees and penalties collected under the act and this chapter will be utilized to pay for administration of the act and this chapter. Fees and penalties collected under the act and this chapter will be deposited into an account created within the Nutrient Management Fund established by section 512 of Act 38, 3 Pa.C.S. § 512 (relating to Nutrient Management Fund).
§ 130e.4. Prohibition.
(A) No commercial manure hauler or commercial manure broker may not transport or land apply manure in this Commonwealth on behalf of an agricultural operation, regardless of where the manure is generated, unless the hauler or broker has satisfied the following requirements:
(1) Successfully completed the certification requirements established by this chapter.
(2) Received the appropriate certification from the Department.
(3) Continued to maintain his certification as required by the act and in this chapter.
(4) Continues to have a valid certification, which has not been suspended or revoked by the Department.
(5) Continues to operate within the confines and authority of the level of certification he has received.
(b) A person who hauls or applies manure, generated by animals not under that person's management control, to land not under that person's management control, shall be certified at the proper certification level as a commercial manure hauler or broker.
§ 130e.5. Authority, duties and prohibitions.
(a) Commercial manure broker.
(1) Authority. A person certified as a commercial manure broker under this chapter is authorized to assume temporary control or assume ownership of manure from an agricultural operation and to perform the following duties and activities:
(i) Level 1 commercial manure broker. A person certified under this chapter as a level 1 commercial manure broker is authorized to arrange transport of manure to and utilization of manure at an importing operation or other location. Utilization of manure at an importing operation or other location includes land application of manure on an importing operation or other location. A level 1 certified commercial manure broker is authorized to direct a level 1 commercial manure hauler under contract with the broker with regard to transportation of manure. A level 1 commercial manure broker is authorized to directly supervise a level 2 commercial manure hauler, under contract with the broker, in the land application of manure.
(ii) Level 2 commercial manure broker. A person certified under this chapter as a level 2 commercial manure broker is authorized to arrange transport of manure to and utilization of the manure at an importing operation or other location. Utilization of manure at an importing operation or other location includes land application of manure on an importing operation or other location. A level 2 certified commercial manure broker is authorized to direct a level 1 commercial manure hauler under contract with the broker with regard to transportation of manure. A level 2 commercial manure broker is authorized to directly supervise a level 2 commercial manure hauler, under contract with the broker, in the land application of manure. A level 2 commercial manure broker is further authorized to develop a nutrient balance sheet for the importing operation in accordance with this chapter and in accordance with the standards established by the State Conservation Commission under Act 38 and 25 Pa. Code Chapter 83, Subchapter D (relating to nutrient management).
(iii) For purposes of this section, ''supervise'' means direct supervision. When a level 2 certified commercial manure hauler is land applying manure on behalf of a commercial manure broker, the commercial manure broker shall have at least a level 1 certified commercial manure broker on the site where the manure is being land applied. The commercial manure broker is responsible for assuring the proper application of the manure to that site and is jointly responsible for any misapplication or violations.
(2) Duties.
(i) A commercial manure broker shall, when land-applying manure on behalf of an agricultural operator required under section 5 of the act (3 P. S. § 2010.5) to utilize a certified manure hauler or certified manure broker, do so only in accordance with an approved nutrient management plan or nutrient balance sheet.
(ii) A commercial manure broker shall provide, no later than the time of transfer of the manure, copies of the nutrient balance sheet to both the importing operation and to the county conservation districts in the counties in which the importing and exporting operations are located.
(3) Prohibition. Certification under this chapter does not bestow authority upon a commercial manure broker to develop a nutrient management plan for another person, review that plan or make recommendations with regard to manure application that are outside the manure application standards set forth in the approved nutrient management plan or nutrient balance sheet for the particular importing operation or other location.
(b) Commercial manure hauler.
(1) Authority. A person certified as a commercial manure hauler under this chapter is authorized to transport or land apply, or both, manure as a contract agent for an agricultural operator or commercial manure broker under the direction of the operator or broker and to perform the following duties and activities:
(i) Level 1 commercial manure hauler. A person certified under this chapter as a level 1 commercial manure hauler is authorized to transport manure as a contract agent for and under direction of an agricultural operator or a commercial manure broker.
(ii) Level 2 commercial manure hauler. A person certified under this chapter as a level 2 commercial manure hauler is authorized to transport manure as a contract agent for and under direction of an agricultural operator or a commercial manure broker. A level 2 commercial manure hauler is authorized to land apply manure at an importing operation or other location only under the following conditions:
(A) Under the direct supervision of a certified commercial manure broker, as set forth in subsection (a)(1).
(B) As an employee of and under the direct supervision of a level 3 certified commercial manure hauler, as set forth in subparagraph (iii).
(C) A level 2 commercial manure hauler may not land apply manure as a contract agent for an agricultural operator, unless the level 2 commercial manure hauler has entered into an agreement with and is directly supervised by a certified commercial manure broker.
(iii) Level 3 commercial manure hauler. A person certified under this chapter as a level 3 commercial manure hauler is authorized to transport and land apply manure as a contracted agent for and under the direction of an agricultural operator or commercial manure broker. A level 3 certified commercial manure hauler has the authority to directly supervise land application of manure by a level 2 commercial manure hauler. For purposes of this section, ''directly'' supervise means supervision on the site where the manure is being land applied. When a level 2 certified commercial manure hauler is land applying manure the level 2 certified commercial manure hauler shall be directly supervised by either a level 3 certified commercial manure hauler or a level 1 or level 2 certified commercial manure broker. The supervising entity shall be responsible for assuring the proper application of the manure to that site and shall be jointly responsible for any misapplication or violations.
(2) Duties. A commercial manure hauler shall, when land applying manure on behalf of an agricultural operator required under section 5 of the act to utilize a certified manure hauler or certified manure broker, do so only in accordance with the provisions of an approved nutrient management plan or nutrient balance sheet.
(3) Prohibitions. Certification under this chapter does not bestow authority upon a commercial manure hauler to develop a nutrient management plan for another person, review that plan or make recommendations with regard to manure application that are outside the manure application standards set forth in the approved nutrient management plan or nutrient balance sheet for the particular importing operation or other location.
§ 130e.6. Display of certification.
(a) Vehicles. Certified commercial manure brokers and certified commercial manure haulers shall prominently display on every vehicle involved in transport or land application, or both, of manure the certification number assigned by the Department. The certification number must be in figures at least 3 inches high, in contrasting color to the vehicle and be located on both sides of the vehicle at a readily visible location.
(b) Possession of certificate. Certified commercial manure brokers and certified commercial manure haulers shall carry on their person or in the vehicle being utilized to transport or landapply, or both, manure a copy of their current certificate.
(c) Contracts. The certification number of the commercial manure broker or commercial manure hauler shall be included in any contract or agreement entered into by that commercial manure broker or commercial manure hauler to transport or landapply, or both, manure.
§ 130e.7. Notice of change in business or certification.
Certified commercial manure brokers and certified commercial manure haulers shall notify the Department in writing within 15 days of a change in information regarding their level of certification or if that person is no longer engaged in or no longer intends to be engaged in the transport or landapplication, or both, of manure.
Subchapter B. CERTIFICATION COMMERCIAL MANURE BROKERS
Sec.
130e.11. Determination of competence. 130e.12. Certification requirements. COMMERCIAL MANURE HAULER LEVEL 1
130e.21. Determination of competence. 130e.22. Certification requirements. COMMERCIAL HAULER LEVEL 2
130e.31. Determination of competence. 130e.32. Certification requirements. COMMERCIAL HAULER LEVEL 3
130e.41. Determination of competence. 130e.42. Certification requirements. CERTIFICATION TIME FRAMES AND RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
130e.51. Certification time frames and recertification requirements. 130e.52. Commercial manure broker and hauler continuing education requirements. 130e.53. Continuing education credit course providers. DENIAL, SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF COMMERCIAL MANURE BROKER OR HAULER CERTIFICATES
130e.61. Denial, suspension and revocation of certificates.
COMMERCIAL MANURE BROKERS § 130e.11. Determination of competence.
(a) Commercial manure broker certification. Determination of competence for level 1 and level 2 commercial manure brokers shall be based on the successful completion of the certification orientation training course and a proctored written examination as set forth in this section. Certification requirements for a commercial manure broker include a Department-developed or approved certification orientation training course and proctored written examination, both of which shall be administered in a classroom setting. Commercial manure broker certification may also include other course work related to requirements set forth in this chapter, which are determined by the Department to be necessary and appropriate. The certification orientation-training course must cover these additional requirements or they may not be included in the written examination. The certification orientation-training course shall be completed prior to the applicant taking the written examination or the nutrient balance sheet writing course.
(b) Additional requirements for a level 2 commercial manure broker certification. In addition to completing the requirements for and attaining a level 1 commercial manure broker certification, an applicant for level 2 commercial manure broker certification shall be required to attend required nutrient management plan writing certification courses and then pass a proctored nutrient balance sheet examination administered or approved by the Department. The nutrient management plan writing courses have been developed under the Nutrient Management Certification Program in Chapter 130b (relating to nutrient management certification). The nutrient balance sheet examination will be developed or approved by the Department and shall be administered as a proctored classroom examination. The applicant for a level 2 commercial manure broker certification shall first complete the required nutrient management plan writing courses, before being eligible to take the Nutrient Balance Sheet Examination. The Nutrient Balance Sheet Examination must require the applicant for the level 2 commercial manure broker certification to develop a nutrient balance sheet based on an importing farm scenario developed or approved by the Department. The Department will have 30 days from the date of the examination to review and approve or reject the nutrient balance sheet developed by the level 2 commercial manure broker applicant. If the Department rejects the nutrient balance sheet the procedures in § 130e.12(e)(3)(ii) (relating to certification requirments) shall be followed.
(c) Certification orientation training. The certification orientation-training course must, at a minimum, address the applicant's understanding, competence and proficiency with regard to the following topics:
(1) Laws and regulations pertaining to manure application, including pertinent provisions Act 38 and its attendant regulations at 25 Pa. Code Chapter 83, Subchapter D (relating to nutrient management), the Clean Streams Law and applicable regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 (related to erosion and sedimentation control), the manure management manual and the protection of agricultural operations from nuisance suits and ordinances under the act of June 10, 1982 (P. L. 454, No. 133) (3 P. S. §§ 951--957).
(2) Basic nutrient management and manure management protocols and requirements and soil fertility and management.
(3) Courses presenting information necessary for understanding and properly reading and applying the provisions of a nutrient management plan and nutrient balance sheet. The courses must cover manure handling and testing, land application information, manure application setback requirements and maps contained in nutrient balance sheets and nutrient management plans. The courses must include examples and hands on experience in reading, interpreting and properly applying the provisions of a nutrient management plan and nutrient balance sheet.
(4) BMPs with respect to manure hauling and land application of manure, such as the minimum legal setback requirements from water sources, including wells, groundwater, surface waters, wetlands, public water supplies, perennial and intermittent streams and property lines, controlling nutrient runoff, installing riparian buffers, updating and following erosion and sedimentation control plans, seasonal manure application concerns and incorporation and no-till farming techniques.
(5) Recordkeeping requirements necessary to meet the statutory and regulatory requirements of the act and Act 38.
(6) Courses teaching development and filing of a nutrient balance sheet and appropriate manure production application and testing information, manure application setback requirements and maps contained in a nutrient management plan. These courses must cover the filing requirements set forth in the act and require the applicant to display competence in reading and properly interpreting the provisions of a nutrient management plan and nutrient balance sheet and actual development of a nutrient balance sheet.
(7) Community relation and public image awareness, to encourage dialogue and promote cooperation.
(8) Basic awareness of safety issues related to manure management, manure handling and bio-security, as well as, transport safety procedures and highway and equipment safety.
(9) Understanding emergency action plans.
(10) Proper calibration techniques and requirements for all types of equipment normally utilized to land apply manure, to assure proper application rates.
(11) Understanding of land application issues, such as incorporation, compaction and winter application.
(12) Understanding the proper placement of stacking areas and temporary storage of manure.
(13) Other areas and course work related to proper transport and land application of manure and recordkeeping as determined appropriate by the Department.
(d) Written examination. The Department or its designee will proctor the written examination. The Department will administer the examination at least twice per year, or more often as deemed necessary by the Department. At a minimum, the successful completion of the examination will demonstrate applicant's understanding of transport and land application of manure on agricultural operations and the applicant's to technical knowledge and proficiency relating to interpretation and implementation of nutrient management plans and nutrient balance sheets, as well as, the applicant's to knowledge of recordkeeping requirements. The written examination must, at a minimum, address all topics and areas required to be addressed by the certification orientation training course, as set forth in subsection (c).
(e) Other examinations. The Department may approve the use of written examinations other than the Pennsylvania Commercial Manure Broker and Hauler Examination, if the written examinations meet the requirements in subsection (d).
§ 130e.12. Certification requirements.
(a) General. A person shall obtain certification as a commercial manure broker prior to assuming temporary control or ownership of manure from an agricultural operation or arranging for transportation to or utilization of manure at, or both, an importing operation or other location. When acting as a contract agent for an agricultural operator required by section 5 of the act (3 P. S. § 2010.5) to use a certified commercial manure hauler or certified commercial manure broker, the commercial manure broker shall land apply the manure in accordance with and based upon an approved nutrient management plan developed by a certified nutrient management specialist or a nutrient balance sheet developed by a certified nutrient management specialist or a level 2 certified commercial manure broker.
(b) Application for certification. Upon completion of the requirements in § 130e.11 (relating to determination of competence), a commercial manure broker may submit an application for certification as a level 1 commercial manure broker to the Department. The Department or its designee will provide an application to all applicants, upon completion of the proctored written examination. The application will include a verification form, which shall be signed by the applicant, attesting that the applicant has attended and successfully completed the certification orientation-training course.
(c) Application for level 2 commercial manure broker certification. When the applicant seeks a level 2 commercial manure broker certification, the applicant shall mark the appropriate box on the application. Upon a determination by the Department that the applicant has met the criteria to receive a level 1 commercial manure broker certification, the Department will mail the level 1 commercial manure broker certificate to the applicant and notify the applicant in writing of the times and locations of the required nutrient management plan writing courses and the times and locations of the proctored nutrient balance sheet examinations. The written notification will include a verification form which must be provided to the Department prior to the level 2 commercial manure broker applicant being approved to sit for the Nutrient Balance Sheet Examination. The verification form shall be signed by the level 2 commercial manure broker applicant attesting that the applicant has completed the required nutrient management plan writing courses.
(d) Time period for submission of application. Applicants shall have 10 calendar days from the date of the proctored written examination to submit the application to the Department. The appropriate fee shall accompany the application for certification as a level 1 commercial manure broker. When a level 2 commercial manure broker certification is sought, the applicant shall follow the requirements in subsection (c) and shall submit a level 2 application and the fee for a level 2 commercial manure broker certification upon the completion of the additional requirements for a level 2 certification. If the applicant fails to file the required application with the Department within the prescribed 10-calendar days, that person shall again satisfy the appropriate competency requirements established in § 130e.11.
(e) Determination of competence and issuance of certification. Within 30-days of receiving an administratively complete, verified and signed application, the Department will review the documents and score the written test, and when applicable, the nutrient balance sheet scenario. The Department will notify each applicant in writing of the results of the Department's review.
(1) An applicant who has successfully completed the certification orientation training course and passed the written examination will be issued a level 1 commercial manure broker certification.
(2) To obtain a level 2 commercial manure broker certification, the applicant shall have successfully completed the certification orientation training course, passed the written examination, received level 1 commercial manure broker certification, attended the required nutrient management plan writing courses, and taken and passed the nutrient balance sheet examination.
(3) If an applicant is rejected, the Department will notify the applicant, in writing and specifically set forth the reasons for the rejection.
(i) When a level 1 commercial manure broker applicant is rejected, that applicant shall be allowed to take the next available level 1 commercial manure broker written examination and submit an application, in the manner required by subsection (d), to the Department without having to repeat the certification orientation training course required by § 130e.11. If the applicant fails to pass the written examination for a second time, that applicant shall be required to again meet all of the requirements established under § 130e.11 and take the next available written examination, prior to resubmission of an application for certification as a level 1 commercial manure broker.
(ii) When an applicant seeks a level 2 commercial manure broker certification and fails the Nutrient Balance Sheet examination, the applicant shall be allowed to take the next available Nutrient Balance Sheet Examination. If the applicant fails to pass the nutrient balance sheet examination for a second time, the Department will again notify the applicant, in writing of the rejection and the reason for the rejection. To again be considered for a level 2 commercial manure broker certification again, the applicant shall be required to satisfy the requirements in § 130e.11(b). The Department will have 30 days to review and accept or reject the nutrient balance sheet submitted. If the nutrient balance sheet is once again determined to be inadequate, the Department will notify the applicant of the rejection in writing and the reason for the rejection. The applicant shall be required to complete all of the requirements of § 130.e.11 to be eligible to apply for a level 2 commercial manure broker certification.
(f) Level 1 commercial manure broker to level 2 commercial manure broker.
(1) A level 1 certified commercial manure broker may attain a level 2 commercial manure broker certification by meeting the requirements established under § 130e.11(b). To be eligible to apply, the applicant shall be currently certified as a level 1 commercial manure broker and in good standing.
(2) The Department will notify an applicant in writing of approval or rejection of an application. If the nutrient balance sheet is determined to be adequate, the written notice will include the level 2 commercial manure broker certificate. If the Department rejects the application, the Department will notify the applicant in writing and set forth the reasons for the rejection. When the applicant wishes to reapply for a level 2 commercial manure broker certification, the procedures and steps established under subsection (e)(3)(ii) apply and shall be followed.
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