Brentwood board to monitor Epping transfer‑station DES filing, seeks brief legal clarification on ordinance options

Board members discussed emails and a Department of Environmental Services notice that a company (Resco) applied to DES for a permit to add to an existing transfer‑station facility in neighboring Epping. Staff said the DES notice was an application, not an approval, and that Epping had not yet submitted a formal site‑plan application to its planning board. Members said the proposed addition is near the Lamprey River and that Exeter’s concern centers on downstream estuary impacts; staff noted the work appears to be an addition to an existing processing operation with existing Route‑101 access.

The board agreed there is no immediate action for Brentwood until Epping files a site plan, and staff said the town would get Epping’s site plan when it is filed. Members asked staff to keep the board and public informed of any filings or technical documents.

Separately, members debated whether to seek guidance from NHMA or town counsel on the consequences if Brentwood voters reject the proposed multifamily ordinance and whether the planning board retains any effective review authority. After discussion about budget lines for legal advice and what constitutes an authorization to spend, the board agreed to have Glenn make a brief, factual phone call to town counsel to clarify the process and to state clearly that the call should not commit the town to any extended research without separate approval.

Next steps: staff will monitor Epping’s filings, circulate any site plans to the board, and Glenn will contact town counsel for a short clarification about counsel access and the process for authorizing legal work.