Relative to permits for the siting of new landfills.
The proposed bill mandates that a site-specific setback distance must be calculated for any new landfill based on the seepage velocity of groundwater. This distance is determined by requiring an independent hydrogeologist, hired at the applicant's expense, to conduct tests that estimate seepage rates. The formula established in the bill not only ensures technical compliance but also introduces accountability and scientific rigor in assessing the potential environmental impacts of new landfill sites.
House Bill 56 aims to enhance protections for New Hampshire's water bodies by establishing specific setback distances for the siting of new landfills. The primary intent behind this legislation is to prevent groundwater contamination from landfills, thus safeguarding the state's perennial rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. The bill mandates that the distance from a proposed landfill to these water bodies should be sufficient to allow for adequate time to detect and address any potential leaks or failures, with a requirement that contaminated groundwater does not reach the water bodies within five years of detection.
While the bill has garnered support for its focus on environmental protection, there are concerns regarding its implications for existing landfill operations and the potential financial burden on developers. Critics argue that the stringent requirements could impede the development of necessary landfill facilities, subsequently complicating waste management solutions in New Hampshire. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that allow the department to grant extensions in the setback distance under specific conditions, which some stakeholders fear could lead to loopholes and compromise the intended protections.