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RSA 485-C:1 · Statement of Purpose

Title
L: WATER MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION
Chapter
485-C · GROUNDWATER PROTECTION ACT
Status
current
Official source linked
Yes
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485-C:1 Statement of Purpose. –

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I.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the natural quality of the groundwater resource of the state by assisting local groundwater protection efforts and by establishing procedures and standards for the classification and remediation of groundwater and state permitting of large groundwater withdrawals. The legislature recognizes the fundamental importance of the groundwater resource and the role of local planning and management in groundwater protection, and intends through this legislation to provide a framework for local groundwater protection. The legislature also intends to provide for consistent, protective management and remediation of groundwater affected by regulated contaminants. The natural quality of the groundwater resource shall be preserved and protected in order that groundwater may be used for drinking water supply. Ambient groundwater quality standards shall meet drinking water standards, and the classification of groundwater shall provide opportunity for protecting groundwater of high value as a drinking water supply. The legislature recognizes that groundwater constitutes an integral part of the hydrologic cycle and that the protection of groundwater quality is necessary to preserve the integrity of surface water.

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II.

The legislature finds that the most effective means of preserving the existing high quality of groundwater is by identification and careful management of operations or activities which may cause contamination of groundwater if not properly conducted. Because groundwater is primarily a local resource, cities and towns should have the first opportunity to institute programs for groundwater protection within the scope of this chapter. Suppliers of water should also have this opportunity because of their vital interest in preserving the quality of their groundwater supply. The state, which has general responsibility for groundwater management in the public trust and interest, should develop groundwater protection programs within the scope of this chapter when such programs are not developed by a local entity. Source. 1991, 344:1. 1996, 266:1. 2010, 348:1, eff. Sept. 18, 2010.

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Source note

Source. 1991, 344:1. 1996, 266:1. 2010, 348:1, eff. Sept. 18, 2010.

Source history

  • 1991, 344:1
  • 1996, 266:1
  • 2010, 348:1, eff. Sept. 18, 2010

Related materials

Bill relationships

  • 2026 HB1120 reference

    y and fall under the jurisdiction of local planning boards. This provision shall not apply to community water systems or large groundwater withdrawals regulated under RSA 485 and RSA 485-C. (q) Include provisions to ensure there is an adequate water quantity to support existing, proposed, and reasonably anticipated future land and associated water uses, and to ensure the protection of water-dependent na

  • 2026 HB1141 reference

    lic hearings, or, where a public hearing is not required, a copy of the application for issuance of a permit, certificate, or license within the designated river or corridor under RSA 485-C, RSA 485-A, RSA 483-B, [RSA 12-E,] RSA 270:12, RSA 482, RSA 482-A, except notifications for minimum impact activities under RSA 482-A:3, V and XII and for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI on land used

  • 2026 HB1141-FN reference

    lic hearings, or, where a public hearing is not required, a copy of the application for issuance of a permit, certificate, or license within the designated river or corridor under RSA 485-C, RSA 485-A, RSA 483-B, [RSA 12-E,] RSA 270:12, RSA 482, RSA 482-A, except notifications for minimum impact activities under RSA 482-A:3, V and XII and for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI on land used

  • 2026 HB1275 add

    for PFAS in biosolids at land-application sites. Such standards shall be set for those PFAS compounds for which an ambient groundwater quality standard has been established under RSA 485-C. Such rulemaking shall include requirements for PFAS soil testing at land-application sites. Beginning January 1, 2028, land application shall not occur if biosolid or soil PFAS concentrations exceed the applicable st

  • 2026 HB1389 add

    entrations in groundwater or surface water of 500 parts per trillion or greater of PFAS compounds for which ambient groundwater quality standards have been established pursuant to RSA 485-C, or who owned or operated a PFAS facility at the time of such a release, shall be subject to the provisions of federal regulations in 40 CFR 265.111 and 265.114. Such provisions shall apply to the closure, removal from

  • 2026 HB1607 amend

    d by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 New Section; Groundwater Contamination; Storage and Management of Snow Ice Control Chemicals. Amend RSA 485-C by inserting after section 8 the following new section: 485:C-8-a Storage and Management of Snow Ice Control Chemicals. I. No person shall store sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or salt treat

  • 2026 HB1607-FN amend

    d by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 New Section; Groundwater Contamination; Storage and Management of Snow Ice Control Chemicals. Amend RSA 485-C by inserting after section 8 the following new section: 485:C-8-a Storage and Management of Snow Ice Control Chemicals. I. No person shall store sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or salt treat

  • 2026 SB445 amend

    tal services. VII. "Division" means the division of water [supply and pollution control], department of environmental services. 33 Administrative Fines; Water Division. Amend RSA 485-C:18 to read as follows: 485-C:18 Administrative Fines. The commissioner[, after notice and hearing pursuant to RSA 541-A,] may impose an administrative fine not to exceed $4,000 for each offense upon any person who vio

  • 2026 SB527 reference

    where a public hearing is not required, shall ensure that a copy of the application for issuance of a permit, certificate, or license within the designated river or corridor under RSA 485-C, RSA 485-A, RSA 483-B, RSA 12-E, RSA 270:12, RSA 482, RSA 482-A is provided, except notifications for minimum impact activities under RSA 482-A:3, V and XII and for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI on

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