ALLOW DISPOSAL OF DEAD

ANIMALS IN METHANE DIGESTERS

House Bill 4905

Sponsor:  Rep. Arlan Meekhof

Committee:  Agriculture

Complete to 8-22-07

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4905 AS INTRODUCED 6-12-07

The bill would amend Public Act 239 of 1982 to allow the active composting of dead animals in methane digesters. 

The act was previously amended by Public Act 66 of 2005 to permit the disposal of dead animals by active composting methods.  The bill would explicitly include methane digesters as one of the active composting methods for which the Department of Agriculture must promulgate rules.  "Methane digester" would mean a system designed to facilitate the production of methane from anaerobic microbial digestion of animal or food waste, including dead animals.

"Dead animals" currently means restaurant grease as well as the bodies, body parts, and other materials from slaughtered animals or animals that have died from any other cause and which are not intended for human food.  The term does not include finished products processed by approved methods.  The bill would not change the existing definition of "dead animals."

Currently, "active composting" means the accelerated decomposition of organic materials leading primarily to the production of carbon dioxide, water, heat, and compost.  The bill would add methane to the list of the primary products resulting from active composting.

The act requires the department to promulgate administrative rules on a variety of topics relating to the transportation and disposal of dead animals.  The bill would add "methane digesters" to the list of active composting methods for which the department must promulgate rules.

           

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill has no apparent fiscal impact on state or local government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.