HB 310  - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2023 SESSION

23-0458

08/05

 

HOUSE BILL 310

 

AN ACT requiring developers to secure hydrology analysis certifying adequate water capacity and potability when building new subdivisions.

 

SPONSORS: Rep. McGhee, Hills. 35; Rep. Grill, Hills. 18; Rep. Spier, Hills. 6

 

COMMITTEE: Resources, Recreation and Development

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

ANALYSIS

 

This bill requires developers to secure certain hydrological analysis for subdivisions.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

23-0458

08/05

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Three

 

AN ACT requiring developers to secure hydrology analysis certifying adequate water capacity and potability when building new subdivisions.

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

1  New Section; Conveyance of Realty; Hydrology Analysis Required.  Amend RSA 477 by inserting after section 4-h the following new section:

477:4-i  Hydrology Analysis Required.

I.  Developers planning to build more than 4 houses in a subdivision shall secure a capacity plan for the area that takes into consideration:

(a)  The water table levels/flow rate in terms of adequacy for multiple additional household use.

(b)  The impact, if any, to other users of the same water supply with whom the additional water will be shared.

(c)  The likelihood that water table losses will create inadequate water supply for the residents planned in the subdivision, and/or surrounding neighborhoods.

(d)  The potential for local resource shortages to be considered in local planning.

II.  Any homebuilder shall secure from a hydrologist calculations of the following and give such calculations to the buyers of the property:  

(a)  The amount of water necessary for an average household's annual use.

(b)  The annual water needs for the subdivision in which the home is located.
(c)  The water availability for the subdivision in which the home is located.

(d)  The level of per and poly fluorinated chemicals present in the water.

III.  Calculations made in paragraph II shall also be made public and shall be available to the municipal planning board and zoning board of adjustment.  

2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.