STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SENATE
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
FOR THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
THE COMMITTEE ON Energy and Natural Resources
to which was referred HB 707-FN
AN ACT requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.
Having considered the same, the committee recommends that the Bill
BE RE-REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
BY A VOTE OF: 4-1
Senator Kevin Avard
For the Committee
HB 707 requires the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to update its rules for new landfill siting to better protect public health, drinking water, and the environment. The bill establishes strict, site-specific setback requirements ensuring that groundwater contaminated by a landfill cannot reach drinking water wells or surface waters within five years. It mandates 24/7 on-site staffing, detailed hydrogeological testing, and minimum soil permeability standards beneath landfill sites. It also elevates the storm design standard to a 100-year storm event with a 50% margin of safety and prohibits landfill permits near certain airports, incorporating federal Ford Act standards. The bill aims to ensure DES prioritizes environmental safety and public health in future solid waste regulations.
Max Taylor 271-1403
FOR THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Energy and Natural Resources
HB 707-FN, requiring the department of environmental services to revise the rules for proposed new landfills.
Re-refer to Committee, Vote 4-1.
Senator Kevin Avard for the committee.
HB 707 requires the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to update its rules for new landfill siting to better protect public health, drinking water, and the environment. The bill establishes strict, site-specific setback requirements ensuring that groundwater contaminated by a landfill cannot reach drinking water wells or surface waters within five years. It mandates 24/7 on-site staffing, detailed hydrogeological testing, and minimum soil permeability standards beneath landfill sites. It also elevates the storm design standard to a 100-year storm event with a 50% margin of safety and prohibits landfill permits near certain airports, incorporating federal Ford Act standards. The bill aims to ensure DES prioritizes environmental safety and public health in future solid waste regulations.