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Conservation Committee to weigh water, air concerns as Epping transfer-station expansion moves forward
Summary
The Conservation Committee voted to draft a letter pressing state regulators and project managers for more detail and monitoring after learning of a major expansion proposal for Resource Waste Services’ transfer station in Epping, citing proximity to the Piscassic River and possible PCB handling.
The Conservation Committee voted Jan. 19 to draft a letter raising water-quality and air-quality concerns about a proposed large expansion of Resource Waste Services’ transfer station in Epping and to seek an extension of the public-comment period.
Chair A. Watts said the committee would capture concerns about groundwater, airborne contamination, and truck traffic in a letter to the state and project reviewers and authorized T. Rettberg to attend a regional call as the committee’s proxy. The committee approved the motion unanimously.
T. Rettberg told members the applicant filed a municipal solid-waste permit with the Department of Environmental Services in July 2024 and that the proposal would increase throughput relative to the company’s other facilities; he said project documents the committee had seen compared operations to the Hudson facility and indicated truck traffic could rise substantially. Rettberg also said the application includes a supplemental amendment that might address acceptance or processing of PCBs.
Mark Casper and other committee members flagged the project’s proximity to the Piscassic River and downstream uses. Committee member C. Fields and others noted that nearby conserved properties and farm wells could be affected if monitoring and controls are insufficient. Allen Morrow, who identified himself as a chemist during the discussion, said of PCBs: “I’m a chemist that’s nasty stuff.”
The committee resolved to have Rettberg participate in the scheduled regional call, to draft a concise letter outlining the committee’s concerns and to request more time for review. Rettberg said he would draft the committee’s letter after the call and circulate it for review. Members indicated they would consider joining existing comments by the Lamprey River Conservation organization and other regional partners.
Next steps: Rettberg will attend the regional call, draft the letter, and circulate it to committee members for revision; the committee also plans to ask for an extension of the comment deadline.
