The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to revise its rules regarding the siting, design, operation, and closure of proposed new landfills to better protect human health and the environment. Key provisions include the establishment of specific setback distances from drinking water sources and other water bodies, which must be calculated based on groundwater velocity and travel time. The bill also stipulates that no permits for new landfills will be granted if they do not conform to these setback distances, and it requires comprehensive subsurface investigations to assess the geological conditions of proposed landfill sites. Additionally, the bill introduces new staffing requirements for landfill facilities, mandating that at least one employee or contracted personnel be present on-site 24/7 from the start of waste acceptance until final closure.

Significant changes in the bill include the insertion of new language that requires the DES to consider health and environmental impacts when making rules, as well as the deletion of the word "may" in favor of "shall" in the context of permit denial, thereby making it mandatory for the department to deny permits under certain conditions. The bill also repeals and reenacts the introductory paragraph of RSA 149-M:7 to emphasize the responsibility of the commissioner to adopt rules that protect public health and the environment with an ample margin of safety. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework governing landfill operations in New Hampshire, ensuring stricter compliance with environmental safety standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 149-M:7, 149-M:9
HB1478 text: 149-M:7, 149-M:9