Epping transfer station expansion

The commission will get an update on a permit application from Resource Waste Services.

How it happened

Jan 6 · AgendaFirst mention

The Select Board will review the 2026 contract with the Newmarket Transfer Station and may sign it. This is listed under review, approve and signature.

Jan 19 · MinutesDecided

Neighboring towns contacted the commission about an expansion of a transfer station in Epping, run by Resource Waste Services, which handles construction and demolition waste near Route 27. The company applied to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) in July 2024 for a municipal solid waste permit. A member said the site is already within a quarter mile of the Piscassic River, and Newfields is downstream. The Anderson easement draws water from the river for a farm. Members raised concerns about water quality, airborne material, groundwater, litter, truck traffic and a possible request to accept PCBs (a toxic chemical). A call on the application was set for the next day at 1:30 PM, and comments were due Thursday. The chair said an extension of the comment period can be requested. The letter would ask for more time, for best practices to protect resources, and for monitoring.

Passed a motion to draft a letter expressing concerns, with details to be worked out, and to approve a member as proxy. The member will draft the letter after the call. All in favor.

Jan 27 · MinutesDecided

A Conservation Commission representative told the Board about a proposed expansion of Resource Waste Services, a waste transfer facility in Epping. The Commission had already sent a comment letter to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES). The letter raised concerns about the facility's size, effects on groundwater, surface water, air and traffic, and poor notice to nearby towns. The Board heard that the town does not draw drinking water from the Piscassic River, but most town wells are shallow and can be easily contaminated. A speaker said the facility handles waste from several states, including hazardous materials such as PCBs, and that its tonnage equals all of Rockingham County's solid waste. The Board discussed limits on local and state power over interstate commerce. It also noted a possible conflict because Newfields' town counsel also represents Epping. The chair and other Board members agreed to work with the Commission on a more detailed letter to DES asking for better notice. The Board also discussed consulting Bill Meserve for technical and regulatory advice and checking for state-level legislation. The Commission's representative urged the Board to recruit members for the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and the Exeter-Squamscott Advisory Committee.

Board members agreed to draft a more detailed letter to DES with the Conservation Commission. No formal vote was recorded.

Feb 16 · MinutesDecided

Resources Services Inc. applied to the state to add municipal (household and business) waste handling at an Epping site it uses for construction waste. The site is next to the Piscassic River. The Commission sent a letter in mid-January, along with the Select Board, Exeter, Newmarket, SELT, the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and others, sharing concerns. The state Department of Environmental Services (DES) will respond, and its decision date is April 12. A member said the plan would add 750 tons of waste per day. A member said the Epping Planning Board could send the case to a regional planning commission, and that it has twice chosen not to. If it does not at its April meeting, it likely will not. A member is working to get more information and to make it a regional effort. Next steps are to contact the Lamprey River Advisory Committee, ask Resource Services for a full presentation, and work with Newmarket, Brentwood and Exeter on a joint plan. A member said it could affect future development, depending on what happens with the Rugg property. The Commission agreed it is important and discussed ways to get the public involved, such as emailing DES or a petition to the Epping Planning Board.

The Commission agreed this is important and that a member will keep working to regionalize the effort. No formal vote was recorded.

Feb 16 · Agenda

The commission will hear an update on the Resource Waste Services application. This is listed under updates on the agenda.

Feb 17 · Minutes

The chair said an objection letter about the Epping waste disposal permit was mailed to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES). A draft was also to be posted on the Town website for residents who want to respond to DES. The chair said Newfields produces about 600 tons of waste per year, while the proposed transfer station would process about 750 tons per day. A Select Board member said the facility would be 90 feet from the river. The chair said the Board agreed to closely monitor the matter because of possible environmental and water effects. Another member said the aim is to slow the project so safety measures are in place, and she encouraged residents to contact DES. The chair said the Executive Councilor is engaged on the issue.

Mar 16 · Minutes

Members said more information has come out about Resource Waste's plans for its Epping site, including two news articles. The Lamprey River Advisory Committee sent a letter to the Epping Planning Board suggesting the issue be handled as a regional one. Great Bay Steward Org learned from the company's environmental engineer that there may be another public meeting and that the April 12 decision deadline may be pushed back. Brentwood, a neighboring town, sent a letter to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) asking for a delay. A member said a possible public meeting would likely be with DES. A member said next steps are to work out what the public would like to see and what Newfields wants from the project. No vote was taken.

Apr 7 · Minutes

A resident said a public hearing on the proposed expansion of the Resource Waste Services transfer station in Epping will be held on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 232 Calef Highway, Epping. The Select Board has sent a letter. The resident said it would help for Newfields residents to attend.

Apr 20 · Minutes

The Commission was updated on the Resource Waste Services application. A public hearing is set for April 28, and anyone can attend. Several Commission and Select Board members plan to attend, and some plan to speak. The Select Board liaison said he wants to hear from the company why the project is needed and why the expansion is as large as proposed. The chair thanked a commissioner for the time he spent following the project and encouraging people to take part.

Apr 20 · Agenda

The commission will hear an update on the Resource Waste Services application. This is listed as part of the updates section of the agenda.

May 5 · Minutes

Comments to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) on the proposed Resource Waste permit are accepted through May 12. A board member reported on a DES informational meeting. About 25 people asked questions or raised concerns, and no one spoke in favor of the project. Many attendees were from Newfields. Concerns included about 150 more trucks per day, the site being about 75 to 100 feet from a Class A river (a river with the highest water quality rating), and a nearby Superfund site (a polluted site under federal cleanup). Speakers worried these could lead to groundwater contamination affecting Newfields. The board member encouraged residents to send comments.

Jun 15 · Minutes

The commission was told that the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) plans to give its decision on June 30. The commission was referred to its February 16 and March 16 minutes for background. Issues raised at the last public hearing included groundwater, traffic, air quality and smell. The minutes say the site will take regular household garbage. This was an update only.

Jul 20 · Minutes

The chair said DES approved the permit for Resource Waste Services in Epping, but at one-third limited capacity. He said public involvement may have helped limit it. A commissioner asked about an emergency response plan. The chair said the company said it would follow the regulations that apply.

Jul 20 · Agenda

The commission will get an update on a permit application from Resource Waste Services.