Bill > SB227

This bill establishes new requirements for landfill permits in New Hampshire, focusing on protecting perennial rivers, lakes, and coastal waters from potential contamination. The bill mandates that landfill applicants conduct specific hydrogeological testing to determine an appropriate site-specific setback distance from water bodies. This setback must be calculated by measuring the maximum groundwater seepage velocity and ensuring that contaminated groundwater cannot reach a water body within a 5-year period. The minimum setback distance is 200 feet, and applicants must hire an independent hydrogeologist to perform the required testing. Additionally, the bill requires that the underlying soils have low hydraulic conductivity, mandates comprehensive subsurface investigations to understand geological conditions, and requires continuous on-site staffing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from the time waste is first accepted until final closure. The bill does not prohibit expansions of existing landfills that were fully permitted as of December 1, 2022, but ensures stringent environmental protections for new landfill sites. The goal is to prevent potential groundwater contamination and protect New Hampshire's water resources through careful site selection and monitoring.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=1038&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB227