(a)

(1) Whenever a person contracts in writing with a master logger to conduct any type of timber harvesting on the person's property, the master logger shall assume sole liability for compliance with this chapter for a period of one (1) year after the timber harvest is completed; provided, that the master logger gives written certification to the person that the master logger has designed a plan of best management practices (BMPs) to ensure compliance with all applicable water pollution control laws and that the master logger will install, maintain and adhere to established BMPs to ensure erosion and sediment controls to protect waters of the state in all harvesting activities on the property.

(2) The master logger shall not be responsible for the negligent or intentional acts of the landowner or any third party when such actions are the cause of a water quality violation. Actions and appeals resulting from a violation issued by the department shall be heard by the board of water quality, oil and gas established in § 69-3-104, in accordance with the procedures established by the board and in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.

(2) The master logger shall not be responsible for the negligent or intentional acts of the landowner or any third party when such actions are the cause of a water quality violation. Actions and appeals resulting from a violation issued by the department shall be heard by the board, in accordance with the procedures established by the board and in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.

(b) As used in this section, “master logger” means a person who is identified by the division of forestry of the department of agriculture as having completed all requirements of the Tennessee master logger program or a master logger program of substantially equal rigor provided in another state, including, but not limited to, maintaining all current continuing education requirements.