reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-803.7 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management|Section 8-803.7 - Public Education Program; Soil Testing; Fertilizer Turf Guidelines

    (a)    The Department, in consultation with the University of Maryland, shall develop a program of public education that shall include:        (1)    The dissemination of information regarding nutrient pollution;        (2)    Best management practices for fertilizer use;        (3)    Soil testing;        (4)    Proper interpretation of fertilizer label instructions; and        (5)    The proper use and calibration of fertilizer application equipment.    (b)    The University of Maryland shall identify laboratories that:        (1)    Follow the recommended soil testing procedures for the mid–Atlantic United States; and        (2)    Provide a final report to a requestor of soil testing with the results of a soil test.    (c)    The University of Maryland shall review its fertilizer turf guidelines every 3 years and revise the guidelines as necessary, with consideration of plant nutrient requirements and established State goals to protect water quality in the waters of the State.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-803.8 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management|Section 8-803.8 - Regulation of Fertilizer and Its Application

    (a)    Except for enforcement as authorized under § 8–803.5(g) of this subtitle, the Department has the exclusive authority to establish standards regulating fertilizer and its application to turf.    (b)    A local government entity may not adopt laws, regulations, rules, ordinances, or standards regulating fertilizer and its application to turf.    (c)    Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not exempt a person from complying with any provision of, or any regulation adopted in accordance with, the Environment Article.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-803.9 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management|Section 8-803.9 - Regulations

    The Department may adopt regulations for agricultural research, education, and demonstration exemptions to this subtitle.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-804 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management|Section 8-804 - Regulations; Advisory Committee

    (a)    The Department shall establish a Nutrient Management Advisory Committee. The Secretary shall appoint to the Committee representatives of the agricultural community, the environmental community, the commercial lawn care, biosolids, and agricultural fertilizer industries, academia, and appropriate government units. The Secretary also shall appoint to the Committee a representative of county government from a list submitted by the Maryland Association of Counties. The President of the Senate of Maryland shall appoint to the Committee one Senator and the Speaker of the House of Delegates shall appoint to the Committee one Delegate.    (b)    In consultation with the Nutrient Management Advisory Committee, the Department shall by regulation:        (1)    Prescribe the criteria, form, and content for certified nutrient management plans applicable to licensees and certificate holders;        (2)    Establish continuing education requirements for certified nutrient management consultants and persons receiving vouchers of completion under § 8-803.3 of this subtitle; and        (3)    Adopt guidelines and requirements for licensees and certified nutrient management consultants on record keeping and on reporting requirements to the Department on nutrient management plans.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-805 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management|Section 8-805 - Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Certificates or Licenses

    Subject to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, the Department may deny, suspend, or revoke a certificate or license for a violation of this subtitle or for a violation of any regulation adopted under this subtitle by the Department.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-806 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management|Section 8-806 - Fees

    (a)    Except for a government agency, the Department shall charge the following fees under this subtitle:        (1)    Certificate (nutrient management consultant)     $50;        (2)    License (individual or sole proprietorship)     $50;        (3)    License (corporation or partnership)     $100;        (4)    Renewal      $150; and        (5)    Certificate (farm operator’s plan development)     $20.    (b)    The Department shall charge an applicant for the full cost of any training provided by the Department under this subtitle.    (c)    All money collected under this subtitle shall be deposited in the General Fund of the State.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-807 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management|Section 8-807 - Report on Coverage, Implementation, and Evaluation of Nutrient Management Plans; Inclusion of Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998

    (a)    On or before December 31 of each year, the Department of Agriculture shall report to the Governor, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly, on:        (1)    The farm acreage covered by nutrient management plans and the implementation and evaluation of those plans; and        (2)    In consultation with the Nutrient Management Advisory Committee, the implementation of the requirements of the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998.    (b)    The report required under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall include information regarding:        (1)    The level of participation in the nutrient management plan program;        (2)    Additional resources that may be needed to meet the requirements of § 8–803.1 of this subtitle;        (3)    The effectiveness of nutrient application education programs; and        (4)    The effectiveness of the Manure Transportation Project set forth in § 8–704.2 of this title.    (c)    (1)    Beginning in 2020, the report required under this section shall include information on the production and use of animal manure by farm operations covered by nutrient management plans during the previous year, including:            (i)    The amount of animal manure exported by farm operations to alternative use facilities or other farm operations in the State;            (ii)    The amount of animal manure exported out of the State by farm operations; and            (iii)    The amount of animal manure land applied by farm operations in the State and the source of that manure.        (2)    The information required under this subsection shall be reported:            (i)    By geographic area, including by county or local watershed; and            (ii)    In a manner that protects the identity of individual farm operation.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-901 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 9 - Voluntary Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program|Section 8-901 - Legislative Findings

    The General Assembly finds and declares that:        (1)    Voluntary nutrient and sediment trading programs provide an innovative and cost–effective approach to enhance water and air quality and achieve additional water and air quality benefits; and        (2)    The Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program established under this subtitle authorizes the Department to verify, certify, and register agricultural nutrient or sediment credits in support of private and public nutrient or sediment trading activities between the buyer of nutrient or sediment credits and the farm owner or operator that agrees to be paid and implement best management practices to reduce agricultural nutrient and sediment runoff and nutrient emissions.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-902 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 9 - Voluntary Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program|Section 8-902 - Voluntary Certification and Registration of Nutrient or Sediment Credits on Agricultural Land

    (a)    The Department may establish requirements for the voluntary certification and registration of nutrient or sediment credits on agricultural land, as defined by the Department of Assessments and Taxation.    (b)    Certification and registration requirements established under subsection (a) of this section shall include:        (1)    Application and eligibility requirements for certification;        (2)    Standards for quantifying nutrient or sediment credits resulting from any existing or proposed agronomic, land use, and structural practice;        (3)    Requirements governing the duration and maintenance of credits; and        (4)    Establishment of a credit registry accessible to the public.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-903 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 9 - Voluntary Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program|Section 8-903 - Suspension or Revocation of Certification

    On notice and opportunity to be heard, the Secretary may suspend or revoke the approval or certification of credits applicable for the Program for a violation of this subtitle or for a violation of any regulation adopted by the Secretary under this subtitle.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-904 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 9 - Voluntary Agricultural Nutrient and Sediment Credit Certification Program|Section 8-904 - Other Nutrient or Sediment Offset Credits Not Affected

    Nothing in this subtitle is intended to supplant or limit the authority of the Department of the Environment to establish eligibility and other requirements for use of nutrient or sediment offset credits under any State or federal permit or other regulatory program.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1001 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1001 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    (1)    “Agricultural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment” means sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment that originate from an agricultural operation’s land or animals.        (2)    “Agricultural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment” does not include sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment that originate from a residential, municipal, industrial, or commercial activity.    (c)    “Program” means the Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1002 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1002 - Legislative Intent

    It is the intent of the General Assembly to create a voluntary program to recognize the environmental stewardship and contribution of Maryland farmers who implement and maintain best management practices consistent with the State’s goals to reduce the amount of nutrients and sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and other waters of the State.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1003 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1003 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program Established

    (a)    There is a voluntary Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program.    (b)    The purpose of the Program is to accelerate the implementation of agricultural best management practices to meet State agricultural nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment reduction goals.    (c)    (1)    The Department shall develop the Program in coordination with the Department of the Environment.        (2)    The Program shall be self–sustaining and revenue neutral.    (d)    The Department:        (1)    Shall administer the Program; and        (2)    May establish by regulation reasonable fees sufficient to cover any costs incurred in operating the Program.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1005 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1005 - Recertification

    An agricultural operation certified under § 8–1004 of this subtitle may be recertified for 10 years if the agricultural operation:        (1)    Meets the requirements under this subtitle;        (2)    Meets the laws, regulations, rules, and permit conditions applicable to the agricultural operation at the time of recertification; and        (3)    Receives approval from the Department of the Environment if the agricultural operation is permitted or has an application submitted to be permitted under the Environment Article.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1006 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1006 - Exemptions for Compliant, Certified Operations

    (a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an agricultural operation that is in compliance and certified under this subtitle is not subject to:        (1)    State or local laws or regulations enacted or adopted after the date of certification that require the reduction of agricultural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment to meet:            (i)    Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily loads, including the requirements in a watershed implementation plan;            (ii)    Local total maximum daily loads; or            (iii)    Other water quality requirements for managing agricultural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment; or        (2)    State or local laws and regulations enacted or adopted after the date of certification related to meeting a reallocation of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment load reductions necessary to meet:            (i)    Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily loads, including the requirements in a watershed implementation plan;            (ii)    Local total maximum daily loads; or            (iii)    Other water quality requirements for managing nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment.    (b)    Subsection (a) of this section may not prevent the application or enforcement of any other laws, regulations, or permits, including:        (1)    Orders seeking a corrective action for a violation of Title 4, Subtitle 4 of the Environment Article;        (2)    Titles 5 and 16 of the Environment Article;        (3)    Title 9, Subtitles 2 and 3 of the Environment Article;        (4)    Title 8, Subtitle 18 of the Natural Resources Article;        (5)    The adoption of a growth tier map by a local jurisdiction under Title 1, Subtitle 5 of the Land Use Article;        (6)    Any State or local law or regulation that regulates the development of land;        (7)    The federal Clean Water Act;        (8)    Any regulation governing the management of agricultural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment initiated by the Department before the enactment of this subtitle; or        (9)    Any applicable laws or regulations that have been enacted, but are subject to a delayed implementation period.    (c)    A local government entity may not enforce State or local laws, regulations, rules, ordinances, or standards adopted after the date of certification relating to agricultural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment for an agricultural operation certified under this subtitle until the end of the certification period.    (d)    If the Program established under this subtitle is terminated, an agricultural operation certified under the Program shall:        (1)    Remain certified for the remainder of the certification period for the agricultural operation; and        (2)    Be subject to State and local laws or regulations applicable at the time of certification, including this subtitle and the terms and conditions of the certainty agreement entered into under this subtitle.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1007 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1007 - Duties of Managers of Certified Agricultural Operations

    (a)    A person that manages an agricultural operation certified under this subtitle shall:        (1)    Submit annually to the Department:            (i)    Nutrient management plan records, including:                1.    Information identifying the person who manages the agricultural operation;                2.    Soil analysis data for the land receiving nutrients;                3.    Fertility recommendations for crops produced;                4.    A summary of nutrients applied by source and crop type; and                5.    Maps identifying the location and boundaries of the agricultural operation;            (ii)    Soil conservation and water quality plan records;            (iii)    A certification signed by the person managing the agricultural operation that states that the requirements of the Program will be maintained for the upcoming year; and            (iv)    Any additional documentation the Department determines to be necessary to determine compliance with the requirements of this subtitle; and        (2)    Report to the Department within 60 days any change in the agricultural operation that affects certification under this subtitle.    (b)    The Department shall make available to the Department of the Environment records and information provided under subsection (a) of this section related to compliance with laws, regulations, permits, or other requirements enforced by the Department of the Environment.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1008 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1008 - Inspections

    (a)    (1)    At least once every 3 years within the 10–year certification period:            (i)    The Department shall require an on–site inspection, as defined by regulations adopted under this subtitle, of each agricultural operation certified under this subtitle to assure the agricultural operation continues to meet the requirements of this subtitle; and            (ii)    The Department of the Environment shall, if applicable, assure compliance with laws, regulations, permits, or other requirements administered by the Department of the Environment.        (2)    The inspections required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be conducted by a certified verifier determined by the Department.    (b)    The certified verifier conducting the on–site inspection shall provide:        (1)    A report to the Department detailing the agricultural operation’s compliance with program requirements, including:            (i)    Efforts to manage soil conservation and water quality; and            (ii)    Nutrient application, including location, rate, source, and timing, by crop; and        (2)    Notice to the certified agricultural operation at the time of the on–site inspection of all new State and local laws and regulations enacted or adopted since the date of certification.    (c)    Following the third on–site inspection in the 10–year certification period, the certified verifier who conducted the most recent on–site inspection shall provide information to the Department, the Department of the Environment as applicable, and the certified agricultural operation on best management practices applicable to the operation and necessary for the agricultural operation to comply with new laws, regulations, or rules adopted or enacted after the date of certification and necessary for recertification.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1009 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1009 - Program to Certify Verifiers

    (a)    The Department, in coordination with the Department of the Environment, shall:        (1)    Establish a program to certify a person to verify whether an agricultural operation meets and is in compliance with the requirements of this subtitle;        (2)    Maintain a list of all certified verifiers; and        (3)    Publish the list of all certified verifiers on the Department’s Web site.    (b)    (1)    The certification program shall provide verifiers with the training and education necessary to determine whether an agricultural operation is in compliance with the Program.        (2)    A certified verifier may not verify an agricultural operation:            (i)    In which the certified verifier holds an interest, as defined by regulation; or            (ii)    That the certified verifier initially determined had met the requirements under § 8–1004 of this subtitle.    (c)    In establishing the certification program, the Department may:        (1)    Charge reasonable fees, including an annual certification fee, to cover the costs associated with the certification program;        (2)    Require continuing education or training for verifiers;        (3)    Designate an entity to train, certify, and recertify verifiers; and        (4)    Recognize the training program of an entity employing verifiers if the program meets the certification and recertification training and education standards established by the Department.
MD. Agriculture Code Ann. §  8-1010 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Agriculture|Title 8 - Soil Conservation|Subtitle 10 - Maryland Agricultural Certainty Program|Section 8-1010 - Records Available for Public Review; Confidentiality

    (a)    Except as provided in § 8–1007(b) of this subtitle, all records and information concerning any agricultural operation certified by the Department under this subtitle shall be maintained by the Department and made available for public review in a manner that provides the greatest public disclosure of records and information while protecting the identity of the person for whom the records or information relates.    (b)    Except as provided in § 8–1008(b) of this subtitle, a certified verifier shall maintain all records and information concerning a certified agricultural operation in a manner that protects the identity of the person for whom the records or information relates.    (c)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided by law, the Department of the Environment shall maintain all records and information received from the Department under §§ 8–1004(c)(2) and 8–1007(b) of this subtitle in a manner that protects the identity of the person for whom the records or information relates.        (2)    This subsection does not affect the maintenance and disclosure of records and information obtained from any other source by the Department of the Environment, even if the records and information are duplicative of information provided to the Department of the Environment by the Department under this subtitle.    (d)    Except as provided in § 8–1007(b) of this subtitle, records and information relating to an agricultural operation that are generated or obtained solely for the purpose of obtaining certification may not be disclosed by any State agency, department, or certified verifier before the agricultural operation is certified under this subtitle.    (e)    On or before December 31, 2014, and each December 31 thereafter, the Department shall submit an annual report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Environmental Matters Committee on:        (1)    Participation in the Program; and        (2)    Recommendations of the oversight committee established in § 8–1013 of this subtitle.