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Proposal for baseline environmental studies draws testimony rooted in Merrimack contamination case
Summary
HB 16 21 would require a baseline environmental impact study before permitting certain manufacturing or storage facilities and periodic updates. Sponsors and local officials cited the Saint-Gobain contamination in Merrimack to argue for advance baseline data; DES staff raised questions about vague language (‘unreasonable adverse impacts’) and implementation details.
Representative Perez introduced HB 16 21, a bipartisan bill that would require an environmental baseline study (air, water, soil, noise and light) prior to permitting certain manufacturing and storage facilities above a threshold square footage and to require updates and re-evaluations on ownership or changes in operations.
Sponsor testimony and multiple public witnesses used Saint-Gobain in Merrimack as a case study of why baseline monitoring and public notification matter: they said earlier, routine changes in ownership and unanticipated…
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