Environment

HB 707 requires New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services to establish site-specific setback distances for new landfills from perennial rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. It mandates that setbacks must be calculated using a formula based on groundwater seepage velocity testing (conducted by an independent hydrogeologist) and must be at least 3,000 feet or the 5-year groundwater travel distance, whichever is greater. The bill directly affects developers seeking permits for new landfills by imposing these distance requirements to protect water sources from contamination. It also includes additional safeguards like 24/7 landfill staffing, restrictions on building near Superfund sites or existing landfills, and soil permeability standards. The law does not apply to expansions of currently operating landfills.