Environment and Conservation, Department of - As enacted, clarifies that "rock harvesting," for purposes of regulation under the “Water Quality Control Act of 1977," does not include activity that is exempt from such Act. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 11; Title 13; Title 43; Title 44; Title 64; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 69.

This bill clarifies that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation cannot regulate small-scale farming activities involving topsoil removal, rock harvesting, or pond construction on properties under five acres that have a greenbelt classification. By amending multiple sections of state law, the legislation explicitly exempts these specific agricultural practices from oversight when they meet the size and land-use criteria. The change ensures that minor land management tasks on qualifying farms are not subject to the broader regulations of the Water Quality Control Act.