This bill establishes a framework for regulating landfill expansions in New Hampshire, emphasizing the state's preference for expanding existing landfills rather than creating new ones on undeveloped land. It defines "landfill expansion" as an increase in the permitted capacity of a landfill or the construction of previously permitted capacity on adjacent parcels owned by the landfill operator. The bill stipulates that landfill expansions will be approved solely by the Department of Environmental Services, overriding any local regulations that might otherwise restrict such developments. Additionally, it mandates that landfill operators with existing agreements to provide services to host municipalities must increase their compensation to a minimum of $2.50 per ton of waste received.

Furthermore, the bill introduces specific requirements for applications related to new landfills that are not expansions, including detailed assessments of the proposed landfill's benefits and impacts on local and regional land uses, visual impacts, economic effects, and potential nuisances such as noise and traffic. The Department of Environmental Services is tasked with establishing setback distances from drinking water sources and ensuring that any new landfill permits include conditions to mitigate identified impacts. The legislation aims to balance the need for solid waste disposal capacity with environmental and community considerations, taking effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 149-M:4, 149-M:9
SB593 text: 149-M:4, 149-M:9, 149-M:12