New Hampshire residents rally against proposed landfill near Forest Lake State Park

The New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss critical environmental issues, particularly focusing on House Resolution 13, which aims to prevent the construction of a landfill adjacent to Forest Lake State Park. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from local residents, emphasizing the potential environmental and health impacts of the proposed landfill.

Carolyn from Nashua opened the discussion by sharing her personal battle with cancer, highlighting her concerns about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in water sources. She expressed her commitment to raising awareness about cancer causes and urged the committee to consider the implications of allowing a landfill in such a sensitive area. Carolyn's testimony underscored the emotional weight of the issue, as she represented many residents who fear for their health and the integrity of their environment.

Following Carolyn, Nancy Morrison from Whitefield reinforced the urgency of the resolution, stating that the landfill could threaten not only the natural beauty of the state park but also public health and the local tourism economy. She pointed out that the proposed landfill would occupy a significant area and could potentially house a large volume of waste, much of which would come from out of state. Morrison called for a vote in favor of the resolution, framing it as a reflection of New Hampshire's values regarding environmental protection.

John Swan, a resident of Dalton, also provided testimony, detailing his extensive research on the landfill's potential impacts. He highlighted the legal battles he has faced with Casella, the company behind the landfill proposal, and expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the landfill's operations. Swan emphasized that the proposed landfill's capacity would far exceed current limits, raising alarms about its sustainability and environmental safety.

The committee members acknowledged the testimonies, with Representative Potenza affirming the importance of community voices in the legislative process. The discussions revealed a strong local opposition to the landfill, with residents advocating for the preservation of their natural resources and public health.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members were urged to consider the testimonies seriously and to recognize the broader implications of their decisions on the community and the environment. The resolution stands as a symbolic gesture of New Hampshire's commitment to protecting its natural landscapes and the health of its residents. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation on the resolution and its potential impact on future environmental policies in the state.