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 natural bodies of water, 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, and it requires comprehensive subsurface investigations to assess the geological conditions of proposed landfill sites. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for continuous on-site personnel at landfills and sets strict criteria for soil hydraulic conductivity beneath landfill sites.

Significant changes to existing law include the replacement of the word "may" with "shall" in the context of permit denial, indicating a stronger obligation for the DES to deny permits under certain conditions. The bill also repeals and reenacts the introductory paragraph of RSA 149-M:7, granting the commissioner the authority to adopt rules necessary for public health and environmental protection with an ample margin of safety. Overall, the bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight of landfill operations and ensure that environmental and health considerations are prioritized in the permitting process.

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