This bill mandates the establishment of a site-specific setback distance for new landfills in New Hampshire to protect the state's water bodies from contamination. It introduces new legal language to RSA 149-M, specifically adding a new paragraph (XVII) that requires the Department of Environmental Services to calculate a setback distance based on the maximum seepage velocity of groundwater, ensuring that contaminated groundwater does not reach any perennial river, lake, or coastal water within five years. The setback distance must be the greater of this calculated distance or 3,000 feet. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no permits for new landfills will be issued if they do not conform to this setback requirement, and it outlines various conditions under which permits may be denied, including proximity to existing landfills and groundwater contamination sites.

Furthermore, the bill includes several provisions aimed at enhancing landfill safety and environmental protection. It requires subsurface investigations to assess the geological conditions of proposed landfill sites, mandates 24-hour on-site personnel, and prohibits permits for sites with certain hydraulic conductivity criteria. The bill also incorporates stricter regulations regarding the history of applicants, disallowing permits for those with past violations of environmental laws. The introductory paragraph of RSA 149-M:7 is repealed and reenacted to reflect these changes, emphasizing the commissioner’s authority to adopt necessary rules for public health and environmental safety. The act will take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 149-M:7, 149-M:9