This bill mandates that permit applications for new landfills must include a comprehensive leachate management plan as part of the facility's proposed operating plan. Specifically, it introduces a new paragraph (V-b) to RSA 149-M:9, stating that the Department of Environmental Services will not approve a new landfill or an expansion unless the application details procedures for the safe and effective management of leachate throughout the facility's operational life and post-closure period. The plan must outline how leachate will be collected, stored, treated, transported, and disposed of, including the frequency of transports and contingency plans for disposal capacity constraints. Additionally, the permittee must provide documentation of contractual arrangements with at least two leachate disposal facilities to ensure compliance with the management plan.

Furthermore, the bill requires that any modifications to the contractual arrangements affecting the permittee's ability to comply with the leachate management plan must be promptly reported to the department. The permittee is also obligated to document any new arrangements with substitute leachate disposal facilities to maintain at least two current agreements throughout the facility's operational life. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 13, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 149-M:9