reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:9 - Hearing.

482-B:9 Hearing. –
I. Before taking any action under RSA 482-B:8, the board or department shall give notice of its intention to do so by certified mail to the person against whom the proposed action is to be taken. Upon receipt of such notice, the person affected may within 30 days request a hearing. If a hearing is requested, the board or department shall not act until such hearing is completed.
II. Hearings held by the board shall be held in the county in which the person affected has his or her place of business or in the office of the board, whichever the board may decide. At least 10 days prior to the date of hearing, the board shall send written notice of the time and place of such hearing to the applicant for, or holder of, such license by certified mail to the last known address of such person. The testimony presented and the proceedings of such hearing shall be recorded and preserved as the records of the board. The board shall as soon after the hearing as possible, and not later than 90 days after the date of such hearing, make its findings and determination on the license and shall send a copy of its decision to each interested party by certified mail return receipt requested or by personal service. Revocation or suspension of a license shall be effective upon receipt of such board decision.
III. Appeal from a decision of the board may be made in accordance with RSA 541.
IV. Hearings held by the department shall be held in accordance with the rules of practice and procedure of the department.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1998, 89:14, eff. July 18, 1998.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:10 - Record of Wells; Monitoring Wells.

482-B:10 Record of Wells;  Monitoring Wells. –
I. Within 90 days after completion of a well, the water well contractor shall provide the board with a record of the well containing the following information:
(a) Name of the owner of the property on which the well is situated.
(b) Name of the building contractor, if applicable.
(c) Location of the well by:
(1) Coordinates provided by global positioning technology in units of degrees and decimal minutes of latitude and longitude, with at least 3 decimal places of precision and referenced to the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) datum or its successor;
(2) Street address of the property as listed in the enhanced 911 street address guide to the extent it is publicly available on the date of submission of the report;
(3) Tax map and lot number of the property; and
(4) A drawing indicating the position of each well, if more than one well is located within the lot, relative to significant permanent man-made or natural features at a given site.
(d) Date well was completed.
(e) Proposed use of well.
(f) Reason for constructing well.
(g) Type of well.
(h) Total depth of well.
(i) Casing details.
(j) Method or methods of sealing casing into bedrock, if applicable.
(k) Screen details, if applicable.
(l) Results, method, and duration of yield test or tests conducted.
(m) Static water level, if encountered.
(n) Depth to bedrock.
(o) Description and depth intervals of unconsolidated surficial deposits encountered during the well drilling process.
(p) Yield test at various depths, if performed.
(q) Hydro fracturing or other well development details, if applicable.
(r) Name of water well contractor or technical driller.
(s) Additional well seals installed, if applicable.
(t) A statement specifying whether a water quality sample was collected by the driller.
(u) If the well location does not comply with setback requirements for wells under New Hampshire law or rules of the water well board, a statement identifying the law or rule with which the wells do not comply.
(v) Date of the report.
(w) Any other information required by rules adopted by the water well board.
II. At a minimum, the technical drillers shall comply with the requirements of paragraph I for the deepest monitoring well installed at each property or place of business and for each monitoring well installed into the bedrock at each property or place of business.
III. If the technical driller does not comply with the requirements of paragraph I for all the monitoring wells the driller installs at a single property or place of business, then the technical driller shall prepare and submit a map showing the location of each monitoring well installed by the technical driller relative to significant permanent man-made or natural features at a given site and relative to wells located with GPS coordinates in accordance with paragraph I.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1998, 89:15. 2007, 89:1, eff. Dec. 8, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:11 - Wells Constructed for Oil, Gas, Brine, or Mining.

482-B:11 Wells Constructed for Oil, Gas, Brine, or Mining. –
Drilling, excavating and pumping associated with the oil, gas or brine well industries and the construction, quarrying, and mining industries and the disposal of any materials shall be subject to this chapter only insofar as they relate to the pollution and depletion of underground water resources.
Source.
1989, 339:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:12 - Wells Constructed for Farming or Private Use.

482-B:12 Wells Constructed for Farming or Private Use. –
Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a person from constructing a well on the person's own or leased property if the well is intended for use only for noncommercial farming purposes or if the waters to be produced are not intended for use by the public or by persons in any residence other than the person's own permanent residence. Such person shall submit records as required under RSA 482-B:10 and shall comply with any applicable rules.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1998, 89:16, eff. July 18, 1998.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:13 - Exemptions.

482-B:13 Exemptions. –
Where the board finds that compliance with all the requirements of this chapter or rules adopted under RSA 482-B:4 would result in undue hardship, an exemption from any one or more of such requirements may be granted by the board to the extent necessary to ameliorate such undue hardship and to the extent such exemption can be granted without impairing the intent and purpose of this chapter.
Source.
1989, 339:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:14 - Fees.

482-B:14 Fees. –
Fees received under this chapter shall be paid over to the state treasurer and deposited in the general fund.
Source.
1989, 339:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:15 - Maintenance and Repair of Wells and Pumps.

482-B:15 Maintenance and Repair of Wells and Pumps. –
All wells shall be maintained in a proper condition to conserve and protect groundwater resources and shall not be a source or cause of contamination or pollution of the water supply of any aquifer. All materials and construction practices used in the construction of a new well or new pump installation or in the maintenance, repair, or replacement of any well or pump installation shall conform with rules adopted by the board. All maintenance and repair work shall be done only by a licensed water well contractor, licensed pump installer, licensed plumber or licensed electrician.
Source.
1989, 339:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:17 - Exceptions.

482-B:17 Exceptions. –
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to a person who regularly employs a maintenance person whose duties include replacement and maintenance of pump installations on the property of that person when such employee is actually so engaged or to an owner or an owner's agent who does pump installation repairs or replacement on property owned by him or her; provided, however, that said repairs, replacements, and maintenance shall conform to rules relative to such repairs, replacements, and maintenance adopted by the board.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1998, 89:18, eff. July 18, 1998.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 482-B - New Hampshire Water Well Board › Section 482-B:18 - Complaints.

482-B:18 Complaints. –
Written complaints filed with the board against a licensed water well contractor or a licensed pump installer shall be public records. The board may maintain a registry of written complaints. If such a registry is established, the board shall establish, by rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A, a procedure for providing information contained in the registry to the public. Written complaints shall be removed from the registry upon the request of the licensee, provided that the board has not received a written complaint for 3 consecutive years prior to the date of the request.
Source.
1998, 89:19, eff. July 18, 1998.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:1 - Statement of Policy.

483:1 Statement of Policy. –
New Hampshire's rivers and streams comprise one of its most important natural resources, historically vital to New Hampshire's commerce, industry, and tourism, and the quality of life of New Hampshire people. It is the policy of the state to ensure the continued viability of New Hampshire rivers as valued ecologic, economic, public health and safety, and social assets for the benefit of present and future generations. The state shall encourage and assist in the development of river corridor management plans and regulate the quantity and quality of instream flow along certain protected rivers or segments of rivers to conserve and protect outstanding characteristics including recreational, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, hydropower, cultural, historical, archaeological, scientific, ecological, aesthetic, community significance, agricultural, and public water supply so that these valued characteristics shall endure as part of the river uses to be enjoyed by New Hampshire people. If conflicts arise in the attempt to protect all valued characteristics within a river or stream, priority shall be given to those characteristics that are necessary to meet state water quality standards.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1990, 233:21. 2009, 201:3, eff. July 15, 2009.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:2 - Program Established; Intent.

483:2 Program Established;  Intent. –
There is established within the department of environmental services the New Hampshire rivers management and protection program. It is the intent of the legislature that the New Hampshire rivers management and protection program shall complement and reinforce existing state and federal water quality laws, and that in-stream flows are maintained along protected rivers, or segments thereof, in a manner that will enhance or not diminish the enjoyment of outstanding river characteristics pursuant to RSA 483:1. It is also the intent of the legislature that, through said program, the outstanding characteristics including recreational, fisheries, wildlife, environmental, hydropower, cultural, historical, archaeological, scientific, ecological, aesthetic, community significance, agricultural, public water supply, instream public uses, and riparian rights of such rivers shall be restored, protected, and maintained, and notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 483-B, that nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to preempt any land and zoning authority granted to municipal bodies under RSA title LXIV.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1990, 233:1, eff. June 26, 1990. 2016, 287:1, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:3 - Rivers Coordinator.

483:3 Rivers Coordinator. –
There is established in the department of environmental services, a state rivers coordinator, who shall be a classified employee qualified by reason of education and experience, and who shall administer the New Hampshire rivers management and protection program.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 2007, 285:1, eff. Sept. 1, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:5 - Coordination With Federal Statutes.

483:5 Coordination With Federal Statutes. –
For the purposes of section 10(a)(2)(A) of the Federal Power Act, those rivers or segments designated under this chapter and any state or local river corridor management plans developed pursuant to this chapter shall constitute one element of the state comprehensive plan for river conservation and development. Designated rivers or segments shall constitute protected waterways under the provisions of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act, section 210(j)(2), 16 U.S.C. section 824a-3(j)(2).
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1990, 233:3, eff. June 26, 1990. 2016, 287:8, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:7 - Legislative Designation.

483:7 Legislative Designation. –
I. Any nomination approved by the commissioner shall require review and approval by the general court prior to inclusion in the program. Such action shall be filed as a bill in the next legislative session following the nomination.
II. Any nomination which is forwarded to the general court for review and approval shall include:
(a) A map showing the boundaries of the river or segment;
(b) A report which specifies the values and characteristics which qualify the river or segment for designation; and
(c) The classifications of the proposed designation pursuant to RSA 483:7-a.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1990, 233:4, eff. June 26, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:10 - River Corridor Management Plans.

483:10 River Corridor Management Plans. –
I. The rivers coordinator shall provide technical assistance to local river management advisory committees, regional planning commissions, and municipalities, and shall encourage the development and implementation of local river corridor management plans pursuant to RSA 483:8-a, III(c). In developing these plans, the department shall coordinate with the department of natural and cultural resources, the department of fish and game, the office of planning and development, the department of agriculture, markets, and food, the department of transportation, the department of safety, and the division of historical resources.
II. River corridor management plans developed pursuant to paragraph I shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Permitted recreational uses and activities.
(b) Permitted non-recreational uses and activities.
(c) Existing land uses.
(cc) Aquatic connectivity.
(d) Protection of flood plains, meander belts, wetlands, wildlife and fish habitat, and other significant open space and natural areas.
(e) Dams, bridges, and other water structures.
(f) Access by foot and vehicles.
(g) Setbacks and other location requirements.
(h) Dredging, filling, mining, and earth moving.
(i) Prohibited uses.
(j) State-owned lands within the corridor and tributary drainage areas thereof. The plan shall include a description of the importance of those lands to the characteristics for which the river was designated.
(k) Fluvial geomorphology and risk reduction.
III. River corridor management plans developed according to this section may include tributary drainage areas as determined by the local river management advisory committee.
IV. State agencies shall collaborate with and assist the rivers coordinator and the local river management advisory committee with the implementation of river corridor management plans.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 2003, 319:9. 2004, 257:44. 2007, 285:6. 2009, 201:11, 12, eff. July 15, 2009. 2016, 287:31, eff. Aug. 20, 2016. 2017, 156:14, I, 64, eff. July 1, 2017. 2021, 91:198, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:10-a - Repealed by 2016, 287:38, I, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.

483:10-a Repealed by 2016, 287:38, I, eff. Aug. 20, 2016. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:10-b - Withholding of Section 401 Certification.

483:10-b Withholding of Section 401 Certification. –
The general court finds that the development of any dam or channel alteration activities within a natural river or segment or the development of any new dam within a rural, rural-community, or community river or segment, except as provided in RSA 483:9-a, II, RSA 483:9-aa, II, and RSA 483:9-b, II, will alter the physical and chemical characteristics of that river and will constitute violation of the water quality standards established under RSA 485-A:8. The commissioner shall deny certification of any federally licensed or permitted activity on such designated rivers or segments under section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, P.L. 92-500, as amended.
Source.
1990, 233:12, eff. June 26, 1990. 2016, 287:32, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:11 - Rulemaking.

483:11 Rulemaking. –
The commissioner, with the advice of the advisory committee, shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to the following:
I. Content and submission of nominations, including requirements and criteria for river segments whose salinity, flow, or level is influenced by tides at its tidal mouth, under RSA 483:6, I.
I-a. Determination of the downstream extent for river segments whose salinity, flow, or level is influenced by tides at their tidal mouths.
II. Criteria for acceptance of nominations by the commissioner, including criteria listed in RSA 483:6, IV(a).
III. Preparation for legislative designation of nominated rivers or segments of such rivers under RSA 483:7.
IV. Development of standards, criteria, and procedures for establishment and enforcement of protected instream flow levels for designated rivers and segments under RSA 483:9-c.
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1990, 233:13. 1991, 338:15. 2009, 201:17, eff. July 15, 2009.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:12 - Consistency of State Action.

483:12 Consistency of State Action. –
Upon enactment of this chapter, all state agency actions affecting rivers or segments of such rivers which may be designated for protection under this chapter shall conform to the provisions of this chapter.
Source.
1989, 339:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:12-a - State Action; Notification of Rivers Coordinator; Petition for Review.

483:12-a State Action;  Notification of Rivers Coordinator;  Petition for Review. –
I. Any state agency considering any action affecting any river or segment designated under this chapter shall notify the rivers coordinator and the local river management advisory committee prior to taking any such action. Such agency shall forward to the rivers coordinator and the local river management advisory committee for review and comment copies of all notices of public hearings, or, where a public hearing is not required, a copy of the application for issuance of a permit, certificate, or license within the designated river or corridor under RSA 485-C, RSA 485-A, RSA 483-B, RSA 12-E, RSA 270:12, RSA 482, RSA 482-A, except notifications for minimum impact activities under RSA 482-A:3, V and XII and for routine roadway maintenance under RSA 482-A:3, XVI on land used for agricultural purposes, RSA 149-M, RSA 430, or RSA 147-A. If an agency is notified by the rivers coordinator that a proposed activity would violate a protection measure under RSA 483:9, 483:9-a, 483:9-aa, or 483:9-b, such agency shall deny the application.
I-a. State agencies shall develop, in conjunction with the rivers coordinator and the local river management advisory committees, the procedure by which the state shall notify the appropriate local river management advisory committee when state action is being considered which affects a designated river.
II. If an application is denied solely because the proposed activity would violate a protection measure under RSA 483:9, 483:9-a, 483:9-aa, or 483:9-b, the applicant may petition the commissioner for a review. Within 30 days of receiving such a petition, the commissioner, in consultation with the advisory committee and the appropriate local rivers management advisory committee, shall review the application. If the commissioner determines that the proposed activity is consistent with the character of the designated river or segment or that the proposed activity would provide a public benefit sufficient to outweigh the public benefit of a protection measure under this chapter, the commissioner shall submit to the speaker of the house and the president of the senate a recommendation that the proposed activity be allowed to proceed. Such recommendation shall require review and approval by the general court and shall be filed as a bill in the next legislative session following the petition.
Source.
1990, 233:14. 1995, 219:3. 2007, 285:8. 2009, 201:13, eff. July 15, 2009. 2016, 287:33, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:12-b - Subject to Other Laws; Existing Hydroelectric Facilities.

483:12-b Subject to Other Laws;  Existing Hydroelectric Facilities. –
I. Any activities permitted under this chapter shall be subject to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
II. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the continued operation, repair and maintenance of hydroelectric storage and generation facilities existing on the effective date of this paragraph.
Source.
1990, 233:24. 1992, 261:3, eff. July 14, 1992.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:13 - Acceptance and Expenditure of Funds.

483:13 Acceptance and Expenditure of Funds. –
I. The commissioner may apply for and accept, from any source, gifts; donations of money; grants; federal, local, private, and other matching funds and incentives; and interests in land for the purposes of this chapter. The moneys collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the fund established under paragraph II.
II. There is hereby established in the office of the state treasurer a fund to be known as the rivers management and protection fund. The fund shall be nonlapsing and continually appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of this chapter, RSA 487:38 through RSA 487:42, and RSA 483-A.
III. The commissioner may expend any funds deposited in the rivers management and protection fund for the purposes of this chapter, RSA 487:38 through RSA 487:42, and RSA 483-A, and such funds are hereby continually appropriated.
IV. [Repealed.]
Source.
1989, 339:1. 1995, 219:4. 2009, 201:14. 2010, 269:1, eff. July 6, 2010. 2015, 259:31, II, eff. July 1, 2015.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483 - New Hampshire Rivers Management and Protection Program › Section 483:14 - Disposition of State Property.

483:14 Disposition of State Property. –
I. No state-owned property adjacent to or providing access to a river shall be disposed of by the state except upon the review and recommendation of the advisory committee.
II. [Repealed.]
Source.
1990, 118:4. 2009, 201:15, eff. July 15, 2009. 2016, 287:38, II, eff. Aug. 20, 2016.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:1 - Statement of Policy.

483-A:1 Statement of Policy. –
New Hampshire's lakes are one of its most important natural resources; vital to wildlife, fisheries, recreation, tourism, and the quality of life of its citizens. It is the policy of the state to insure the continued vitality of New Hampshire lakes as key biological, social, and economic assets, while providing that public health is ensured for the benefit of present and future generations. The state shall encourage and assist in the development of management plans for the waters as well as the shoreland to conserve and protect valued characteristics, including recreational, aesthetic, and those of community significance, so that these valued characteristics shall endure as part of lake uses to be enjoyed by the citizens of New Hampshire. If conflicts arise in the attempt to protect the valued characteristics of a lake, priority shall be given to those characteristics that are necessary to meet state water quality standards.
Source.
1990, 118:2. 2010, 269:2, eff. July 6, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:2 - Definitions.

483-A:2 Definitions. –
In this chapter:
I. "Commissioner" means the commissioner, department of environmental services.
II. "Advisory committee" means the lakes management advisory committee established in RSA 483-A:6.
III. "Lake" means the bodies of fresh water as defined in RSA 271:20.
IV. "Valued characteristics" means the uses and values that lakes provide including, but not limited to: passive and active recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and use of appropriate watercraft; aesthetic values such as scenic beauty, wilderness experiences, and educational opportunities; public uses such as drinking water supplies and flood control; ecosystem values such as providing ecological diversity and wildlife habitat; economic values such as revenue generated for the local, regional, and state economies; and social experiences and the opportunity to use our lakes for public enjoyment.
Source.
1990, 118:2. 2010, 269:3, eff. July 6, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:3 - Program Established; Intent.

483-A:3 Program Established;  Intent. –
There is established the New Hampshire lakes management and protection program within the department of environmental services. It is the intent of the legislature that the New Hampshire lakes management and protection program shall complement and reinforce existing state and federal water quality laws. It is also the intent of the legislature that, through said program, the scenic beauty and recreational potential of lakes shall be maintained or enhanced, that wildlife habitat shall be protected, that opportunity for public enjoyment of lake uses be ensured, and that littoral interests shall be respected.
Source.
1990, 118:2, eff. June 18, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:4 - Lakes Coordinator.

483-A:4 Lakes Coordinator. –
There is established in the office of the commissioner, department of environmental services, a state lakes coordinator, who shall be a classified employee qualified by reason of education and experience, and who shall administer the New Hampshire lakes management and protection program.
Source.
1990, 118:2, eff. June 18, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:5 - Management.

483-A:5 Management. –
I. The lakes coordinator, in consultation with the advisory committee, with cooperation and assistance from each of the relevant divisions and bureaus within the department of environmental services, shall prepare every 10 years state level management recommendations for consideration by state agencies in their decision-making regarding lakes management and protection. The purpose of such recommendations shall be to ensure that:
(a) Water quality shall not be degraded from existing water quality standards established in RSA 485-A.
(b) Potential sources of pollution, whether point or non-point sources on the land or deriving from activity on the lake, shall be managed in such a way as to minimize their adverse impact on water quality. No significant adverse impact or cumulative adverse impact on water quality shall be permitted.
(c) The environment for wildlife, particularly waterfowl and aquatic life, shall be maintained or improved.
(d) The use of lakes and their drainage areas for flood protection and water supply shall be recognized and protected.
(e) Public access shall be provided and maintained appropriate to suitable uses of the lakes.
(f) Recreational uses of lakes shall be consistent with the carrying capacity and valued characteristics of each lake. Recreational uses shall provide opportunity for the safe enjoyment of a variety of lake experiences within the state as a whole.
II. No state-owned property adjacent to or providing access to a lake shall be disposed of by the state except upon the review and recommendations of the advisory committee.
Source.
1990, 118:2. 2010, 269:4, eff. July 6, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:7 - Lakes Management and Protection Plans.

483-A:7 Lakes Management and Protection Plans. –
I. The lakes coordinator, in consultation with the advisory committee and the office of planning and development, shall monitor and oversee guidelines for coordinated lake management and shoreland protection plans together with recommendations for implementation, if necessary. Upon acceptance of the guidelines or substantive changes to the guidelines by the advisory committee, the lakes coordinator and members of the advisory committee shall hold public hearings regarding the guidelines or changes to the guidelines. At least one hearing shall be held in each executive council district.
II. The lakes coordinator in consultation with the office of planning and development, with the help of appropriate council on resources and development agencies, shall provide technical assistance and, within the limits of legislative appropriations, award financial grants to regional planning commissions established under RSA 36:45 through RSA 36:53 in support of lake management and shoreland protection planning. The commissioner, with the advice of the lakes coordinator and the advisory committee, shall adopt rules, pursuant to RSA 541-A, relative to awarding financial grants under this paragraph.
III. The lakes coordinator in cooperation with the office of planning and development, regional planning agencies, and appropriate council on resources and development agencies, shall provide technical assistance and information in support of lake management and local shoreland planning consistent with the guidelines established under RSA 483-A:7, I, compatible with the recommendations under RSA 483-A:5, and consistent with state and federal water quality laws.
IV. Whenever more than one municipality borders a lake, all such municipalities shall be encouraged to cooperate in the development and implementation of a coordinated lake management and shoreland protection plan.
V. Lake management and shoreland protection plans developed pursuant to paragraphs I, II, and III shall address, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Recreational uses and activities.
(b) Non-recreational uses and activities.
(c) Existing and future land uses.
(d) Protection of wetlands, wildlife, fish habitats, and other significant natural areas.
(e) Dams, bridges, and other water structures.
(f) Public access by foot and vehicle.
(g) Setbacks and other location requirements.
(h) Dredging, filling, mining, and earth moving.
(i) Prohibited uses.
(j) Factors controlling water levels and flowage rights.
(k) Facilities appropriate to support approved lake uses.
(l) Water safety.
(m) Other factors affecting water quality.
Source.
1990, 118:2. 2003, 319:9. 2004, 257:44. 2010, 269:6, eff. July 6, 2010. 2017, 156:64, eff. July 1, 2017. 2021, 91:198, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:8 - Acceptance and Expenditures of Funds.

483-A:8 Acceptance and Expenditures of Funds. –
I. The commissioner may apply for and accept, from any source, gifts; donations of money; grants; federal, local, private, and other funds and incentives; and interests in land for the purposes of this chapter. The moneys collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the rivers management and protection fund established under RSA 483:13.
II. The commissioner may expend any funds deposited in the rivers management and protection fund for the purposes of this chapter, in addition to those purposes established under RSA 483:13.
Source.
1990, 118:2. 2010, 269:7, eff. July 6, 2010.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-A - New Hampshire Lakes Management and Protection Program › Section 483-A:9 - State Agency Cooperation.

483-A:9 State Agency Cooperation. –
Affected state agencies shall cooperate with and assist the lakes coordinator and the advisory committee in the development and implementation of lakes management plans established under RSA 483-A:7.
Source.
1990, 118:2, eff. June 18, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:1 - Purpose.

483-B:1 Purpose. –
The general court finds that:
I. The shorelands of the state are among its most valuable and fragile natural resources and their protection is essential to maintain the integrity of public waters.
I-a. A natural woodland buffer, consisting of trees and other vegetation located in areas adjoining public waters, functions to intercept surface runoff, wastewater, subsurface flow, and deeper groundwater flows from upland sources and to remove or minimize the effects of nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides, and other pollutants and to moderate the temperature of the near-shore waters.
I-b. Scientific evidence has confirmed that even small areas of impervious surface coverage can have deleterious impacts on water quality and the aesthetic beauty of our lakes and rivers if not properly contained or managed within each watershed. These impacts are known to reduce recreational opportunity, reduce property values, and pose human health risks.
II. The public waters of New Hampshire are valuable resources held in trust by the state. The state has an interest in protecting those waters and has the jurisdiction to control the use of the public waters and the adjacent shoreland for the greatest public benefit.
III. There is great concern throughout the state relating to the utilization, protection, restoration and preservation of shorelands because of their effect on state waters.
IV. Under current law the potential exists for uncoordinated, unplanned and piecemeal development along the state's shorelines, which could result in significant negative impacts on the public waters of New Hampshire.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 2002, 263:1. 2008, 171:15, eff. July 1, 2008.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:2 - Minimum Standards Required.

483-B:2 Minimum Standards Required. –
To fulfill the state's role as trustee of its waters and to promote public health, safety, and the general welfare, the general court declares that the public interest requires the establishment of standards for the subdivision, use, and development of the shorelands of the state's public waters. The development standards provided in this chapter shall be the minimum standards necessary to protect the public waters of the state of New Hampshire. These standards shall serve to:
I. Further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions.
II. Provide for the wise utilization of water and related land resources.
III. Prevent and control water pollution.
IV. Protect fish spawning grounds, aquatic life, and bird and other wildlife habitats.
V. Protect buildings and lands from flooding and accelerated erosion.
VI. Protect archaeological and historical resources.
VII. Protect commercial fishing and maritime industries.
VIII. Protect freshwater and coastal wetlands.
IX. Control building sites, placement of structures, and land uses that may potentially damage the public waters.
X. Conserve shoreline cover and points of access to inland and coastal waters.
XI. Preserve the state's lakes, rivers, estuaries and coastal waters in their natural state.
XII. Promote wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, and scientific study.
XIII. Protect public use of waters, including recreation.
XIV. Conserve natural beauty and open spaces.
XV. Anticipate and respond to the impacts of development in shoreland areas to the extent they may potentially damage the public waters.
XVI. Provide for economic development in proximity to waters.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 1992, 235:1, 2. 1994, 383:1. 2011, 224:383, 384, eff. June 29, 2011.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:3 - Consistency Required.

483-B:3 Consistency Required. –
I. All state agencies shall perform their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the intent of this chapter. State and local permits for work within the protected shorelands shall be issued only when consistent with the policies of this chapter.
II. When the standards and practices established in this chapter conflict with other local or state laws and rules, the more stringent standard shall control.
III. All agricultural activities and operations in the state as defined in RSA 21:34-a and as governed by RSA 430, including the use of animal manure, lime, wood ash, irrigation, and the clearing of land for agricultural utilization, and other agricultural technologies, shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter, provided such activities and operations are in conformance with the most recent best management practices determined by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and the department of agriculture, markets, and food. Persons carrying out such agricultural activities and operations in the protected shoreland shall work directly with the local representatives of the above agencies for their particular property.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 1992, 235:21. 1995, 130:8, eff. July 23, 1995; 206:2, eff. Aug. 11, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:5 - Enforcement by Commissioner; Duties; Woodland Buffer.

483-B:5 Enforcement by Commissioner;  Duties;  Woodland Buffer. –
I. The commissioner, with the advice and assistance of the office of planning and development, department of natural and cultural resources and department of agriculture, markets, and food, shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
II. The commissioner or his or her designee may, for cause, enter upon any subject land or parcel at any reasonable time, provided he or she has obtained the oral or written permission of the property owner, attempted to notify the property owner or his or her agent either orally or in writing 24 hours prior to entry, or has observed, or received credible evidence of, the occurrence of activities regulated by this chapter that may impact water quality, to perform oversight and enforcement duties provided for in this chapter.
III. [Repealed.]
IV. To encourage coordination of state and local enforcement measures, the commissioner shall notify, at the time of issuance or filing, the local governing body of enforcement action undertaken by the state in respect to protected shoreland within the municipality by sending it copies of relevant administrative orders issued and pleadings filed.
V. The commissioner may issue an order to any person in violation of this chapter, of rules adopted under this chapter, or of any condition of a permit issued under this chapter.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 1992, 235:8, 9. 1994, 383:6, 22, II. 1995, 130:4. 2003, 319:9. 2004, 257:44. 2011, 224:394, eff. June 29, 2011. 2013, 153:3, eff. Aug. 27, 2013. 2017, 156:14, I, 64, eff. July 1, 2017. 2021, 91:198, eff. July 1, 2021.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:5-a - Repealed by 2008, 5:5, I, II, eff. May 1, 2008.

483-B:5-a Repealed by 2008, 5:5, I, II, eff. May 1, 2008. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:6 - Other Required Permits and Approvals.

483-B:6 Other Required Permits and Approvals. –
I. Within the protected shoreland, any person intending to:
(a) Engage in any earth excavation activity shall obtain all necessary local approvals in compliance with RSA 155-E.
(b) Construct a water-dependent structure, alter the bank, or construct or replenish a beach shall obtain approval and all necessary permits pursuant to RSA 482-A.
(c) Install a septic system as described in RSA 483-B:9, V(c) shall obtain all permits pursuant to RSA 485-A:29.
(d) Conduct an activity resulting in a contiguous disturbed area exceeding 50,000 square feet shall obtain a permit pursuant to RSA 485-A:17.
(e) Subdivide land as described in RSA 483-B:9, V(e) and (f) shall obtain approval pursuant to RSA 485-A:29.
(f) Conduct an activity regulated under a local zoning ordinance shall obtain all necessary local approvals.
II. In applying for approvals and permits, pursuant to paragraph I, applicants shall demonstrate that the proposal meets or exceeds the development standards of this chapter. The department shall develop minimum standards for information to be required on or with all applications under paragraph I. The department or municipality shall grant, deny, or attach reasonable conditions to approvals or permits listed in subparagraphs I(a)-(f) and RSA 483-B:5-b, to protect the public waters or the public health, safety, or welfare. Such conditions shall be related to the purposes of this chapter.
III. The commissioner shall have the sole authority to issue variances and waivers of the provisions of this chapter as specifically authorized by this chapter.
IV. No variance, permit, or approval issued by a municipality shall exempt the owner from obtaining any other necessary permit or approval from the department as required by this chapter.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 1992, 235:10. 1996, 17:3. 2002, 263:8. 2007, 267:7. 2008, 5:8, eff. May 1, 2008; 5:19, eff. July 1, 2008. 2019, 346:287, eff. July 1, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:7 - Reporting; On-Site Inspections; Local Participation.

483-B:7 Reporting;  On-Site Inspections;  Local Participation. –
The department may devise a system whereby municipal officials may voluntarily assist with the permitting process under RSA 483-B:6 and the subsequent enforcement of permit conditions, by performing certain reporting functions relative to on-site inspections. Utilization of such reports shall be at the department's discretion, but may, when appropriate, obviate the need for further on-site review by department staff.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 1992, 235:23, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:7-a - Repealed by 2017, 256:2, eff. Nov. 1, 2017.

483-B:7-a Repealed by 2017, 256:2, eff. Nov. 1, 2017. –
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:8 - Municipal Authority.

483-B:8 Municipal Authority. –
I. Municipalities may adopt land use control ordinances relative to all protected shorelands which are more stringent than the minimum standards contained in this chapter.
II. Municipalities are encouraged to adopt land use control ordinances for the shorelands of water bodies and water courses other than public waters.
III. Municipalities in which protected shoreland is situated may enforce the provisions of this chapter by issuing cease and desist orders and by seeking injunctive relief or civil penalties as provided in RSA 483-B:18, III(a) and (b). Civil penalties and fines collected by the court shall be remitted within 14 days to the treasurer of the municipality prosecuting said violations, for the use of the municipality. Any municipality electing to enforce the provisions of this chapter shall send copies of any pleading to the attorney general at the time of filing. Municipalities bordering the same water body are encouraged to employ jointly a single code enforcement officer to monitor compliance.
IV. The authority granted to municipalities under this chapter shall not be interpreted to extend to RSA 430:28-48.
V. Municipalities bordering the same water body are encouraged to employ jointly a single code enforcement officer to monitor compliance.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 1992, 235:11, eff. Jan. 1, 1993.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title L - Water Management and Protection › Chapter 483-B - Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act › Section 483-B:10 - Nonconforming Lots of Record.

483-B:10 Nonconforming Lots of Record. –
Nonconforming, undeveloped lots of record that are located within the protected shoreland shall comply with the following restrictions, in addition to any local requirements:
I. Except when otherwise prohibited by law, present and successive owners of an individual undeveloped lot may construct a single family residential dwelling and appurtenant accessory structures on it, notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter. Conditions may be imposed which, in the opinion of the commissioner, more nearly meet the intent of this chapter, while still accommodating the applicant's rights.
II. Building on nonconforming lots of record shall be limited to single family residential structures and related facilities, including, but not limited to, appurtenant accessory structures such as walkways and driveways, and water dependent structures such as docks, piers, and breakwaters consistent with state law.
III. Consistent with RSA 674:39-a, a municipality shall not merge adjacent nonconforming lots in common ownership without the consent of the owner.
Source.
1991, 303:1. 1992, 235:19. 1994, 383:15. 2009, 218:20. 2011, 224:402, 403, eff. June 29, 2011.