This bill introduces a new section to RSA 485-C, specifically addressing the storage and management of snow and ice control chemicals, including sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. It prohibits the storage of these chemicals in a manner that risks contamination of groundwater or surface water. The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is tasked with issuing regulations regarding the proper storage and management of these chemicals, with the authority to impose additional requirements in areas where contamination has already occurred.
The bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions but is expected to increase state and local expenditures due to the need for compliance with the new regulations. The DES anticipates that enforcement costs could range from $10,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the extent of enforcement activities required. Local public works and highway departments may also face significant costs to upgrade or construct compliant storage facilities, with expenses potentially exceeding $500,000 for larger structures. Overall, while the bill aims to protect water sources from contamination, the financial implications for state and local governments remain indeterminate.