a. The department may authorize the development of leaf composting demonstration projects for educational purposes on lands owned or operated by a recognized academic institution.
b. A recognized academic institution proposing to undertake a leaf composting demonstration project, in conjunction with the relevant Soil Conservation District, shall submit to the department for authorization a filing package which shall contain a site plan and any other information as may be prescribed by the department.
c. No leaf composting demonstration project authorized by the department pursuant to this section shall accept leaves for composting in excess of 500 cubic yards per year.