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, section 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, section 2701-B or 2805.

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

2-A.__Temporary membership.__When the subject matter of an appeal or complaint resolution process under this section is other than manure or nutrient management, the commissioner may appoint up to 3 temporary board members for the purpose of hearing an appeal, conducting an information-gathering meeting or facilitating the complaint resolution process under Title 17, section 2805.__At least one temporary member must have expertise with the subject matter of the complaint or problem and one temporary member must represent the agricultural sector involved.__ The terms for temporary members expire when the board determines that it has taken final action on the appeal or complaint resolution process.

Sec. 4. 7 MRSA §4209, as amended by PL 1999, c. 530, §6, is further amended to read:

§4209. Penalties

Failure to develop a nutrient management plan in accordance with section 4204 or to obtain a livestock operations permit in accordance with section 4205 constitutes a civil violation for which a forfeiture fine of up to $1,000 plus up to $250 per day for every day that the violation continues may be adjudged.