ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 428

(b)     This section does not apply to:

(1)     An agricultural operation with less than $2,500 in gross income; or

(2)     A livestock operation with less than eight animal units defined as
1,000 pounds of live animal weight per animal unit.

(c)      The Governor shall provide sufficient funding in each fiscal year's budget
to:

(1)     Assist in the development of nutrient management plans;

(2)     Meet the technical assistance and evaluation requirements of this
section;

(3)     Meet the State's requirements for the implementation of the Manure
Transportation Project under § 8-704.2 of this title; and

(4)     Provide State assistance under the Maryland Agricultural Water
Quality Cost Share Program in the Department.

(d)     (1) State cost sharing may be made available [to farmers] to help offset
the costs of having a nutrient management plan prepared by a certified nutrient
management consultant who is not employed by the federal, State, or a local
government.

(2) The Secretary of Agriculture shall adopt regulations authorizing the
disbursement of State cost sharing funds under this subsection.

(3) THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROCURE THE SERVICES OF A PRIVATE
CERTIFIED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP NUTRIENT
MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR PERSONS OPERATING A FARM.

(e)      (1) By December 31, 2001, a person who, in operating a farm, uses
chemical fertilizer, shall have a nutrient management plan for nitrogen and
phosphorus that meets the requirements of this subtitle.

(2) (i) By December 31, 2001, a person who, in operating a farm, uses
sludge or animal manure, shall have a nutrient management plan for nitrogen.

(ii) By July 1, 2004, a person who, in operating a farm, uses sludge
or animal manure, shall have a nutrient management plan for nitrogen and
phosphorus.

(f)      (1) By December 31, 2002, a person who, in operating a farm, uses
chemical fertilizer, shall comply with a nutrient management plan for nitrogen and
phosphorus that meets the requirements of this subtitle.

(2) (i) By December 31, 2002, a person who, in operating a farm, uses
sludge or animal manure, shall comply with a nutrient management plan for nitrogen
that meets the requirements of this subtitle.

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