This bill mandates that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) include the control of cyanobacteria blooms as part of the New Hampshire Clean Lakes Program. The bill amends RSA 487:17 to expand the program's responsibilities to monitor, manage, and reduce the risk of cyanobacteria blooms, in addition to its existing duties. It introduces new language that specifies the program's role in providing remedial actions to maintain water quality for public recreation and enjoyment, explicitly including the control of cyanobacteria blooms.

The bill also directs the DES to reduce, control, and prevent nutrient inputs that cause cyanobacteria blooms and allows the department to engage in educational efforts about the issue. It outlines criteria for using chemical or physical in-lake treatments to control phosphorus levels, which contribute to cyanobacteria growth. Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 487:24 to include a new paragraph on the issuance of permits for in-lake management projects aimed at preventing or remediating cyanobacteria blooms. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 487:17
As Amended by the House: 487:17, 487:24
Version adopted by both bodies: 487:17, 487:24
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 487:17, 487:24