This bill mandates specific tests and setbacks that must be met before the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services can grant a landfill permit. It introduces new legal requirements, including the establishment of a site-specific setback distance from any perennial river, lake, or coastal water, which must be sufficient to prevent contaminated groundwater from reaching these water bodies within five years. The setback distance will be determined based on the maximum seepage velocity of groundwater, calculated by an independent hydrogeologist hired at the applicant's expense. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no permit will be issued if the proposed landfill does not conform to these setback requirements, and it sets forth conditions regarding the hydraulic conductivity of soils beneath the landfill footprint and leachate infrastructure.

Furthermore, the bill requires that all landfill facilities maintain 24/7 staffing from the date they begin accepting waste until final closure is achieved. It also mandates subsurface investigations to assess the geological conditions surrounding the proposed landfill site, ensuring that any nearby aquifers used for drinking water are adequately protected. The bill is expected to increase local and county expenditures significantly, as municipalities may need to hire additional staff to comply with the new requirements. The effective date of the act will be upon its passage.