Newfields conservation panel votes to draft comment on proposed Epping transfer-station expansion

The Newfields Conservation Commission voted to draft a comment letter on a proposed expansion at a Resource Waste Services transfer station in Epping, citing potential risks to downstream water resources and local air and litter impacts.

Chair Allison Watts told the commission the facility’s permit application to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) would expand capacity near the Piscasset and could substantially increase truck traffic. "I think the key pieces that we are concerned about [are] water quality due to the proximity to the Piscasset," Watts said, urging the commission to ask for extended review time and stronger monitoring. Members also flagged groundwater contamination and solid-waste litter as priorities.

Commissioners discussed limited public notice to date and the application’s sizable permit record. Watts said available public figures in the filing showed a baseline figure of about "750 tons," which she said may imply a substantial increase in truck traffic if the site is scaled up.

After discussion, the commission moved and approved a resolution to draft a letter outlining concerns and to authorize Commissioner Tom Redberg as the commission’s proxy to attend a follow-up call and prepare a draft. Watts made the motion and said she would circulate the draft for review after the next-day regional call.

Why it matters: The proposed expansion is upstream or adjacent to watersheds used by Newfields residents. The commission intends to press for clarified monitoring plans and to request an extension of the public comment period so towns downstream can evaluate impacts.

The commission asked one or more members to participate in a regional call and to coordinate with area conservation groups; a draft letter will be circulated to the commission for comment before submission to DES.