(a) Requirement.--The department shall establish, in consultation with the commission, a nutrient management certification program for the purpose of certifying individuals who have demonstrated the competency necessary to develop nutrient management plans and an odor management certification program for the purpose of certifying individuals who have demonstrated the competency necessary to develop odor management plans. The department or its designee shall develop such written testing procedures, educational requirements and examinations as it deems appropriate to carry out its responsibilities under this section. The department shall by regulation establish such fees and terms and conditions of certification as it deems appropriate. The department shall establish individual, commercial and public certification categories, including a certification category for farmers to develop and certify nutrient management plans and odor management plans for their own agricultural operations.

(b) Interim nutrient management certification program.--Until the department develops and implements a nutrient management certification program, persons having the following qualifications shall, upon request, receive interim certification from the department.

(1) the person has at least two years' experience in the development of nutrient management plans;

(2) the person is approved to develop nutrient management plans approved under the Chesapeake Bay Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Program, the United States Department of Agriculture's Water Quality Improvement Projects Program or other programs requiring submission and approval of a nutrient management plan, including sludge disposal under the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known as the Solid Waste Management Act; or

(3) the person is a farmer who has been provided training and assistance in developing and implementing nutrient management plans.

(c) Nutrient management specialist.--A person shall not certify a nutrient management plan or plan amendment unless that person has first satisfied the requirements of this section.

(d) Odor management specialist.--A person shall not certify an odor management plan or plan amendment unless that person has first satisfied the applicable requirements of this section.

Cross References. Section 508 is referred to in sections 503, 506, 509 of this title.