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Conservation commission backs 15‑foot no‑disturb buffer for landfill cap, requests design reviews
Summary
CMA Engineers presented options for capping the old Epping landfill; the Commission voted 4–0 to support a reduced 15‑foot no‑disturb buffer and asked engineers to share construction documents as designs progress. The firm said a full 50‑foot buffer would require relocating about 10,000 cubic yards of waste (~$150,000).
The Epping Conservation Commission voted 4–0 on June 17 to support a reduced 15‑foot no‑disturb buffer from the delineated wetland boundary for the town’s old landfill cap, while requiring engineers to share updated construction documents as substantial development proceeds.
CMA Engineers told the Commission that 30–35 test pits show the landfill will require a capping system with a geomembrane liner. The firm presented two options: comply with a 50‑foot vegetative wetland buffer that would require relocating an estimated 10,000 cubic yards of waste (an estimated expense of about $150,000), or extend the cap to the wetland edge with a 5‑foot working space that would require relocating roughly 1,000 cubic yards.
Adam Sandahl of CMA said the State Department of Environmental Services requires an engineered capping system. "A cap will restrict stormwater infiltration and make a big difference in improving the current environmental situation," he said, adding that the project will include a geomembrane liner and that the site holds a groundwater management permit with annual well testing and five‑year permit renewals.
Chair Liz Wilson asked whether any leachate seeps had been detected and whether the wetland might connect to the Lamprey River; the wetland scientist advised the wetland "may be" connected, prompting Wilson to highlight concerns about possible mobilization of iron and hydrologic connections even after a cap is installed.
Commissioner Joe Trombley moved that the Commission support a wetland buffer impact with an area of no disturbance within 15 feet of the delineated wetland boundary, require that substantial development documents be shared with the Commission for review, and note no objection to disturbance of the man‑made low area identified on site; the motion passed 4–0. CMA was asked to continue coordinating with the Commission as grading and final design advance.
Next steps include finalizing the grading plan after the Commission confirms the extent of relocated waste and continuing permit work with NHDES; CMA indicated it will not take the project before the Town under the current agreement but will proceed through final design.
