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 law clarifies that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation cannot regulate small-scale farming activities involving topsoil removal, rock harvesting, or pond construction. The exemption applies only when the work happens on less than five acres of land that is officially classified as a greenbelt. By removing these specific tasks from state oversight, the bill allows farmers on qualifying small properties to manage their land without needing environmental permits. The changes became effective on July 1, 2024, and apply to various sections of the state's agricultural and environmental codes.