Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §4201, sub-§6, as amended by PL 1999, c. 530, §1, is further amended to read:

6. Regulated residual. "Regulated residual" means a residual regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to Title 38, chapter 13 that is used primarily for its nitrogen and phosphorous value as determined by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources. "Regulated residual" does not include wood ash or compost in quantities less than 100 tons per year or wood ash.

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §4203, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1999, c. 530, §3, is further amended to read:

1. Duties. The board's duties are as follows:

A. The board shall review and approve all proposed amendments to the original rules adopted in accordance with this chapter; and

B. When an aggrieved party within 30 days of the commissioner's decision appeals a decision of the commissioner regarding a livestock operations permit under section 4205, a request for a variance under section 4204, subsection 8 or a certification under section 4210, the board shall hold a hearing in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter IV 4. The board may affirm, amend or reverse a permit or certification decision made by the commissioner. The board's decision is a final agency action.; and

C.__When an aggrieved party within 30 days of the commissioner's decision appeals a decision of the commissioner regarding site-specific best management practices prescribed for a farm or other issue governed under Title 17, sections 2701-B or 2805, the board shall hold a hearing in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4.__The board may affirm, amend or reverse a decision made by the commissioner.__The board's decision is a final agency action.__The board may also conduct an information-gathering meeting at the request of the department or any party with a legitimate interest to facilitate the complaint resolution process under Title 17, sections 2701-B or 2805.

Sec. 3. 7 MRSA §4203, sub-§2-A is enacted to read: