The bill mandates the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) to revise its rules regarding the siting and operation of new landfills to better protect human health and the environment. Key provisions include the establishment of specific setback distances from drinking water sources and other water bodies, which must be calculated based on groundwater velocity estimates. The bill also stipulates that no permits for new landfills will be granted if they do not meet these setback requirements or if the underlying soils do not meet specified hydraulic conductivity standards. Additionally, the bill requires that all landfill facilities have personnel on-site 24/7 and incorporates stricter design and operational standards, including adherence to the "Ford Act" regarding proximity to public airports.

Significant changes to existing law include the replacement of the word "may" with "shall" in the context of permit denial, indicating a stricter enforcement of regulations. The bill also repeals and reenacts the introductory paragraph of RSA 149-M:7 to emphasize the DES's responsibility to adopt rules that protect public health and the environment with an ample margin of safety. The fiscal impact of the bill is expected to affect municipalities, particularly those that own or plan to site landfills, with potential costs ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 depending on the specific requirements for subsurface investigations and on-site personnel.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 149-M:7, 149-M:9
As Amended by the House: 149-M:7, 149-M:9