Catharine FarkasOpposeSanbornton, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
We must protect our lakes! And our groundwater.
HR13
House · 2025 sessionBipartisanAdoptedOpposing landfill near Forest Lake
AIStates the House of Representatives' position that no landfill should be permitted or located near Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, New Hampshire, and urges the department of environmental services to deny such permitting.
opposing the permitting of a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, New Hampshire.
Environment - ConservationParks and RecreationEnvironment - Administration
Status
Adopted · March 20, 2025- ✓Introduced
- ✓House
- ✓Adopted
Division of testimony
314 submissionsSupport 306Oppose 7Neutral 1
Argument digest · AI-generated
from 107 of 107 written submissionsHR13 asks the House to go on record opposing the permitting of a landfill (Casella's proposed 'Granite State Landfill') next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, NH. Nearly all of the 107 submissions in the record urge support for the resolution, citing risks to water quality, the North Country's tourism economy, and the operator's track record; no submissions were found defending the landfill proposal itself, and a small number of entries in the record concern unrelated bills.
- Porous gravel-pit soil risks leachate contaminating the lakeSupport38 of 107 reviewed
Submitters argue the proposed site's sandy, porous soil would allow leachate leaks or spills to migrate quickly into Forest Lake, groundwater, drinking wells, and the Ammonoosuc River watershed.
“The proposed site is on a gravel pit, with soil that allows rapid transit of leachate leaks or spill to surrounding watersheds, including the Ammonoosuc River.”
— Jo Beth Dudley, Dalton · #369156 — read full submission →
“there is significant potential for migration of leachate toward Forest Lake, especially if any defects develop in the proposed liner.”
— Gillian Gregory, Bethlehem · #366524 — read full submission →
- No demonstrated need; much of the waste is from out of stateSupport19 of 107 reviewed
Submitters contend New Hampshire does not need additional landfill capacity, that existing in-state capacity (e.g., Berlin) suffices, and that a large share of the waste would come from Massachusetts and Connecticut.
“it is my understanding that a very high percentage of this waste is trucked in from Massachusetts and, in fact, there is no need for such a facility to serve the state of NH.”
— LUCY WYMAN, LANCASTER · #364119 — read full submission →
“intended to be the home for Casella’s waste collection routes in Massachusetts and Connecticut.”
— Lynne Grigelevich, Franconia · #366270 — read full submission →
- Landfills should not be sited next to parks and lakesSupport16 of 107 reviewed
Submitters argue as a general matter of policy that siting a large landfill adjacent to a state park and lake is inherently wrong and would set a bad precedent for future landfill siting near other water resources.
“You cannot put toxic waste dumps adjacent to parkland and lakes, befouling what belongs to the People of NH.”
— William Connolly, Franconia · #366656 — read full submission →
“Siting a landfill near this precious state resource could permanently degrade its health and set a bad precedent for the siting of landfills near other water resources throughout out the state.”
— Andrea, NH LAKES LaMoreaux, Concord · #373406 — read full submission →
- Casella's track record at other landfills is untrustworthySupport14 of 107 reviewed
Submitters point to Casella's operations at its existing Bethlehem (NCES) landfill, including reported permit violations and leachate leaks, as evidence the company cannot be trusted to safely operate a new site near Forest Lake.
- Threat to the North Country's tourism-based economySupport12 of 107 reviewed
Submitters argue that odor, noise, truck traffic, and potential contamination from a landfill would damage the tourism and outdoor-recreation economy that the North Country depends on.
“The odors, increased truck traffic, and potential environmental contamination would disrupt the serene atmosphere and natural beauty that draw thousands of tourists each year.”
— Robert Grosholz, Littleton · #376072 — read full submission →
“This is a very necessary bill to protect the environment, tourist appeal and rural character of the North country.”
— Elmer Lupton, Whitefield · #367239 — read full submission →
- Personal and generational connection to Forest LakeSupport11 of 107 reviewed
Many submitters describe decades of family history, memories, and personal use of Forest Lake and its state park, arguing the landfill would destroy something deeply meaningful to them and future generations.
“My family lived in Whitefield and has owned a camp on Forest Lake for over 75 years. I have many wonderful memories over the years of family time spent at the camp and learning to swim at Forest Lake State Park.”
— Denise St Jean, Dalton · #378068 — read full submission →
“I have 73 years of joyful memories of enchanted days at Forest Lake and its surrounds - including the ambient aroma of clear, pure sun-warmed water.”
— Lois Cote, Manchester · #371953 — read full submission →
- Wildlife and habitat impacts, including bird-driven pollutionSupport6 of 107 reviewed
Submitters raise concerns about destruction of wetlands and wildlife habitat, and specifically that landfills attract scavenger birds whose droppings can introduce nutrients and pathogens into nearby water.
- Cites Governor Ayotte's opposition as validationSupport6 of 107 reviewed
Several submitters invoke Governor Kelly Ayotte's public opposition to the landfill as support for their own position and for passage of HR13.
“In the words of Gov. Ayotte, ”Our North Country is a gem….and we have to ensure it stays that way…there will be no landfill at Forest Lake in Dalton.””
— Laurie Boswell, Franconia · #364459 — read full submission →
“As many have stated, and Governor Ayotte has concurred, there should be no landfill in Dalton, next to Forest Lake State Park.”
— Jo Beth Dudley, Dalton · #369156 — read full submission →
- Legislature has authority and reason to direct DES on this permitSupport6 of 107 reviewed
A few submitters make a process argument: that the legislature has given DES broad discretion and it is legitimate for the House to state its view on how that discretion should be exercised in this case, countering industry claims that HR13 would bias the permitting process.
- Increased truck traffic and noise nuisanceSupport5 of 107 reviewed
Submitters point to the daily volume of trash trucks that would pass through Dalton, Whitefield, and neighboring towns, raising concerns about traffic safety, noise, and general nuisance.
“The intersection at Rte 3 and 116 is already very busy and the added traffic with the large trucks could potentially result in traffic accidents.”
— Sally Roberts, Whitefield · #366740 — read full submission →
“the daily influx of trash trucks through surrounding towns will create a nuisance (traffic, noise, odor, etc.)”
— Gillian Gregory, Bethlehem · #366524 — read full submission →
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
Edith TuckerSupportRandolph, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Coos County would be greatly harmed by the construction and operation of a landfill near Forest Lake in Dalton, which is the lovely location of one of the state's first state parks. I agree with Gov. Kelly Ayotte: No! NEVER!
Kathleen MalsbendenSupportNewmarket, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, NH offers family and visitors a great place to enjoy all NH has to offer. Any landfill near this park can contaminate it beyond use. I support opposing any landfill neat this or any lake or waterway.
Sue VatnickOpposeMadison, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
I am strongly opposed to siting a landfill next to Lake Forest State Park. This proposed landfill would have a negative impact on the local environment and tourist economy.
Kristen PetricolaSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Thank you
Jessica LaMontagneSupportDover, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Let's not make a NH a dumping ground for the rest of New England and beyond.
Joanne LazarusSupportNewmarket, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Do not allow a landfill next to a state park!!
Nicole DillonSupportLancaster, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Please support this bill and keep New Hampshire safe!
Vicki HerzogSupportWhitefield, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
I do not want a major Casella facility causing leachate into Forest lake. Nor do I want the increased truck traffic in my town.
Taylor BarrySupportNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
No matter the location, the pollutants- carcinogens, toxins, metals, etc- of a landfill will find its way into both ground and surface water. This is especially true in water-laden areas such as those by lakes. In order to preserve the water quality of the popular, recreational Forest Lake, the permit to construct a landfill in Dalton, NH must be opposed. Vote "No" on HR13.
Joanne LindenSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
I do not want 10 MILLION GALLONS of toxic, PFAS-laden leachate that will eventually be produced annually, requiring it be trucked hundreds of miles for disposal at a wastewater treatment plant (if they will accept it due to its toxicity)
John MeisseSupportLaguna Beach, CAfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Brought up in Bethlehem, NH and returning yearly for the past 45 years I feel very strongly that we must maintain and protect New Hampshire's natural environment. Please support this resolution to keep this pristine lake and Forest Lake State Park the treasure it is. Thank you for your service and consideration, John Meisse
Wesley SimonsonSupportPortland, ORfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Brought up in Bethlehem, NH and returning yearly for the 40 years I feel very strongly that we must maintain and protect New Hampshire's natural environment. This resolution is a win-win for the residents, tourists and NHs economy! Please support this resolution, looking to the future to keep this pristine lake and Forest Lake State Park the treasure it is, serving so many. Thank you for your service and consideration, Wesley Simonson
William StifflerSupportNewport, ORfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Living part time in NH and part time in Oregon, I have been drinking Forest Lake water, fishing, swimming, boating and enjoying this incredibly beautiful place for over 40 years. Maintaining and protecting New Hampshire's natural environment is a win-win for the residents, tourists, NHs economy! Please support this bill, looking to the future to keep this pristine lake and Forest Lake State Park the treasure it is, serving so many. Thank you for your service and consideration, William Stiffler
Nancy MittlemanSupportDalton, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Maintaining and protecting New Hampshire's natural environment is a win-win for the residents, tourists, NHs economy! Please support this bill, looking to the future to keep this pristine lake and Forest Lake State Park the treasure it is, serving so many. We have been drinking Forest Lake water, fishing, swimming, boating and enjoying this incredibly beautiful place for over 60 years. Thank you for your service and consideration, Nancy Mittleman
Martha Jane RichSupportEnfield, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Siting a landfill next to a lake and state park makes no sense to me as a longtime advocate for watershed and lake protection. I urge you to support this bill opposing the landfill permit. The risks of environmental damage are too great for such a permit. Our lakes are a vital and vulnerable resource, both for local communities and the tourism industry. We must do all we can to protect them, and this bill will do that for the Forest Lake area.
Susan RichmanSupportDurham, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
A landfill should not be situated on porous ground in the vicinity of a pristine lake. We need to have clear scientifically justified policies on the placement of landfills. In the meantime, HR13 would protect an environmental jewel.
Sharon RacusinSupportHanover, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
SAVE OUR WATERSHEDS AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES FROM DISGUSTING LANDFILLS
Denise St JeanSupportDalton, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
My family lived in Whitefield and has owned a camp on Forest Lake for over 75 years. I have many wonderful memories over the years of family time spent at the camp and learning to swim at Forest Lake State Park. My adult children are now the third generation to enjoy the beauty of this special part of NH. It doesn't make any sense to potentially destroy this beautiful spot with a landfill situated on the worst possible type of soil. The wildlife that we enjoy watching at the lake and that live in the nearby fragile wetlands could be destroyed by development and the potential of a leachate spill. Also, tributaries that lead to the Ammonoosuc River could carry PFA's further downstream to communities that pull their water from the river. A need for a new landfill to support NH waste has not been proven. I urge you to not allow this landfill to be built.
Maggie ParatoreSupportNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
It is so important to protect our natural resources, especially freshwater and groundwater. The house should prevent the construction of unneccesary sources of pollution, such as a landfill for example, in such close proximity to our beautiful lakes.
Susan AlmySupportLebanon, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
The system is working. Children should not be seduced into marriage before they are old enough to understand what it means.
Joan TulkSupportNOTTINGHAM, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Dear House Judiciary Committee members, I am opposed to bill HB476 that would further restrict abortion, reproductive healthcare, in New Hampshire. As you may know, 78% of New Hampshire citizens believe there should be a right to get an abortion, in every state of the U.S. Also, the great majority - I believe it is 68% - of us here in New Hampshire oppose a 15-week abortion ban. Therefore, your opposition to this bill would be representing the will of the people you represent. On a personal note, my niece was able to obtain an abortion after a rape that she would never have been able to prove, before Roe V. Wade was overturned. She went on to have to beautiful healthy boys. I believe all women and families should have that opportunity. Please oppose HB476 and support the health and welfare of New Hampshire families. Thank you for your service to the people of our State.
Margaret GaleSupportBethlehem, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Good morning Madame Chair and Committee Members, I am writing in enthusiastic support of HR13. I have been a resident of the Littleton, NH area for more than 70 years. I am fortunate to have been a regular visitor to Forest Lake for more than six decades, swimming, boating, watching--and listening to--Loons, ducks, cormorants, and even Bald Eagles!. The lake is a gem of the North Country, with a community of local residents and visitors that is dedicated to its preservation. It deserves to remain unspoiled for long into the future. I have been a homeowner in Bethlehem, NH since 1981, where I have become all too familiar with the underhanded tactics of Casella Waste Systems as it regularly seeks to expand its landfilling operations at North Country Environmental Services (NCES). This part of Grafton County should not have to pay the price so that for=profit landfills can make millions on out-of-state trash. I appreciate the opportunity to comment, and I especially appreciate Chair Aron and the Committee for considering this resolution. Sincerely, Margaret Gale
Lee RashkinSupportDALTON, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
Do the right thing and vote to support this bill. NH is better off if you support this bill!
Angelina DonahueSupportDalton, NHfor MyselfJan 28, 2025
The arguments for this bill - waste capacity needed, employment, etc - blatantly disregard the negative effects on our local water supply, economy driven by natural resources e.g. Forest Lake State Park, the Ammonoosuc and Johns Rivers, the terrible track record of incompetent waste management by the proposed landfill company. Put a landfill in the middle of one of the most important economic drivers of the North Country? NO. This landfill is not needed and is terribly sited.