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 distances, and it requires that undisturbed in-situ soils beneath the landfill footprint have a maximum saturated hydraulic conductivity of 1 x 10 cm/sec or less.

Furthermore, the bill requires applicants to conduct thorough subsurface investigations to assess the geological conditions and potential impacts on nearby aquifers used for drinking water. It also mandates that all landfill facilities maintain 24/7 staffing from the date they begin accepting waste until final closure is achieved. 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. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance environmental protection and public safety concerning landfill operations in New Hampshire.