Featured Spotlights
Volunteer Beach Profile Monitoring Program
The goal of the New Hampshire Volunteer Beach Profile Monitoring Program is to train and mobilize volunteers to collect measurements of beach surface elevations along New Hampshire’s Atlantic coast. The data collected provide an increased understanding of beach responses to storms as well as seasonal and long-term trends of erosion and accretion. Results will provide municipal and state decision-makers with important information on coastal processes for guiding beach management as well as inform storm surge forecasting models currently in development by the National Weather Service.
Rules Regulating Accessory Structures Close to Public Waters Changed in December 2019
Changes to the rules regulating accessory structures, such as beaches, patios, sheds, etc., within the protected shoreland were adopted on December 15, 2019. These rules regulate the construction, modification, and expansion of these structures close to public waters.
New Law Increases Fines and Penalties for Air Pollution Violations
On July 19, 2019, Governor Sununu signed House Bill 614 into law making several changes to the authority of NHDES to impose administrative fines and other penalties for air pollution violations. Fine amounts in most of the affected statutes have not changed in over 20 years. The new law increases the maximum administrative fine that NHDES can impose from $2,000 to $4,000 per violation, and increases the maximum civil penalty amount that can be ordered by a court from $25,000 to $50,000 per violation. The law went into effect on January 1, 2020.
How are visible emissions measured?
Visible emissions are determined using EPA Method 9. EPA Method 9 requires that anyone making observations must be certified. Certification and annual re-certification (i.e. Smoke School) training is held in New Hampshire twice a year in approximately late April/early May and late September/October. Specific dates and times, locations and details of the next scheduled training sessions will be included on the NHDES Calendar of Events as more information is known.
How and when do I have to test my sand and gravel plant?
Depending on type and capacity, a facility may be required to perform testing to demonstrate that the visible emissions from its operation meet federal regulations and state standards.