BOISE — A rule proposal that would regulate how close third-party livestock waste can be piled near neighbors passed theHouse Agricultural Affairs Committee on Thursday.

Magic Valley legislators welcomed the proposal as positive for the region. While waste stored at dairies is already regulated with setbacks from other properties, there’s been nothing in place for third parties that remove dairy waste and transport it to their own land.

The committee’s 9-1 vote is the last major hurdle the rule faces before it heads to the House and Senate, where rules tend to face less debate than at the committee level.

The rule proposal came about in part from a conflict in rural Filer between a farmer and neighbor over stockpiled manure near the neighbor’s property. Magic Valley legislators stressed that it’s needed for more than just the one case.

“This is and has been a problem in the Magic Valley,” said Rep. Donna Pence, D-Gooding. “They aren’t isolated incidents.”

The rule proposal would put setbacks in place for livestock waste stockpiles that are greater than 50 cubic yards and in place longer than 30 days. The setbacks are: 300 feet from a neighbor’s residence; 500 feet from a hospital, school or church; 100 feet from a domestic or irrigation well; 100 feet from state surface waters; and 50 feet from a public highway.

Under the rule, temporary staging sites for manure could be in place within the setback areas, provided the waste is only kept there for up to 30 days. After 30 days, violators would face a fine of up to $3,000 for each offense from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Rep. Ken Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, cast the sole dissenting vote, saying he thought the process of crafting the rule went too quickly. He also questioned whether the regulation would add costs to the agriculture department.

Rep. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, said the two meetings to discuss the issue were well-attended.

“I don’t know that more time would have changed it,” he said.

Brian Oakey, deputy director of the agriculture department, said the agency isn’t asking for more funding or staff because of the change.

Rep. Stephen Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, who isn’t a committee member but helped craft the rule, said the change will help avoid future problems resembling the one in Filer.

Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, said he appreciates the industry’s support and input into the rule.

The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee unanimously passed the rule this week.

Ben Botkin may be reached at bbotkin@magicvalley.com.