Your area Not set — showing everywhere
Issue · Exeter, NH

Epping Waste Transfer Facility Opposition

Proposed Epping facility poses PFAS contamination and heavy truck traffic risks to Great Bay watershed and local roads, prompting formal town opposition.

Overview

Exeter town bodies have sequentially reviewed and opposed a proposed Epping solid waste transfer facility on grounds of PFAS contamination and watershed impacts. The Select Board authorized a formal letter of opposition to NH DES after initial Conservation Commission discussion.

Background

The proposed solid waste transfer facility in Epping first surfaced for discussion at the Exeter Conservation Commission on April 14, 2026, when members reviewed an expansion proposal by Resource Waste Services (ERCO) and its potential effects on the Lamprey River and regional water quality.

At the Select Board meeting on May 4, 2026, the Conservation and Sustainability Planner requested formal town support for a letter opposing the facility because of risks to the Great Bay watershed; the board authorized submission of such a letter to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

The Conservation Commission returned to the topic on May 12, 2026, citing measured PFAS concentrations exceeding 1,000 nanograms per liter at the site next to the Keefe Superfund site, projected heavy-truck traffic of one vehicle every four minutes, and the hazard of transporting contaminated materials; members also referenced a letter of concern already sent by Newfields and noted the likelihood of heightened public attention.

These sequential discussions established a chain of local government opposition grounded in documented contamination data and watershed-protection priorities, with the Select Board’s authorization providing the formal mechanism for state-level input.

How it unfolded
Reviewed proposed expansion of transfer station at Resource Waste Services (ERCO) in Epping and noted potential impacts on the Lamprey River and regional water quality.
2026-04-14Conservation Commission
Conservation and Sustainability Planner requested support for a letter opposing the Epping facility due to Great Bay watershed impacts; board authorized submission of the letter to NH DES.
2026-05-04Select Board
Discussed high PFAS levels at the proposed site adjacent to the Keefe Superfund site, heavy truck traffic, hazardous-material transport risks, and a letter of concern from Newfields, while noting prospects for increased public scrutiny.
2026-05-12Conservation Commission
Arguments in favor
PFAS concentrations exceeding 1,000 nanograms per liter at the site pose contamination risks.
conservation-commission 2026-05-12
For
Heavy truck traffic estimated at one vehicle every four minutes would create significant logistical impacts.
conservation-commission 2026-05-12
For
Facility would risk transporting hazardous materials near the Great Bay watershed.
conservation-commission 2026-05-12
For
Site’s proximity to the Keefe Superfund site heightens environmental concerns.
conservation-commission 2026-05-12
For
What's next

Letter of opposition submitted to state regulators.

eppingwaste transfer facilitypfasgroundwater