NH Department of Environmental Services

NH Department of Environmental Services Our mission is to protect, maintain and enhance environmental quality and public health in NH.

Social Media Policy:https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/nhdes-social-media-policy.pdf

Today we're kicking off Septic Smart Week! Keep an eye out this week for quick tips on how to stay "septic smart" year-r...
09/14/2026

Today we're kicking off Septic Smart Week! Keep an eye out this week for quick tips on how to stay "septic smart" year-round.

Septic Systems are important for wastewater treatment for many properties in New Hampshire. Properly designed and installed systems provide years of reliable service, however they must be pumped out periodically! Septic systems should be pumped every 3-5 years, or more frequently where necessary. When was the last time your tank was pumped?

NHDES was proud to partner with the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire on today's New Hampshire Environm...
09/09/2026

NHDES was proud to partner with the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire on today's New Hampshire Environmental Regulatory Conference!

The annual conference kicked off this morning with remarks by NHDES Commissioner Bob Scott and BIA President and CEO Michael Skelton, followed by updates from Air Resources Division Director Craig Wright, Waste Management Division Director Michael Wimsatt and Water Division Director Rene Pelletier.

NHDES staff gave presentations at several afternoon breakout sessions on an array of environmental topics, including the launch of our new online permitting platform (NHEnviro), administrative rules updates, regional water studies, compliance topics, and more.

It’s turtle hatching season! When hatchlings begin migrating, they can become trapped by obstacles like vertical curbs a...
09/04/2026

It’s turtle hatching season! When hatchlings begin migrating, they can become trapped by obstacles like vertical curbs and stormwater drains. That’s why we work with project owners proposing projects in Blanding's turtle habitat to install turtle-friendly curbing and finer drain grates to prevent falls. Smart design features help turtles and people travel safely.

Coffee, which some people consider to be one of nature’s greatest gifts, has woven its way into our daily routines. Did ...
09/03/2026

Coffee, which some people consider to be one of nature’s greatest gifts, has woven its way into our daily routines. Did you know that nearly 70% of American adults drink coffee each week, making it America’s most popular beverage?

While many consider it to be a beneficial part of their day, what’s not so great is its ecological footprint. But don’t fret! There are many ways you can help reduce the amount of waste produced by coffee consumption while still sipping the drink you hold so close to your heart. Learn more in our latest GREENWorks article: https://www.des.nh.gov/news-and-media/blog/august-2026-sustainable-coffee-game

Nominations are open for the 2026 John Jackman Asset Management Award!This award is a great opportunity to highlight a N...
08/27/2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 John Jackman Asset Management Award!

This award is a great opportunity to highlight a New Hampshire drinking water, stormwater or wastewater community or system you believe is leading the way in asset management and deserves to be recognized for their exemplary asset management program.

Nominations for the award are due on August 31, 2026. For more information, see the nomination form: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/nform?formtag=nhdes-w-09-056

Congratulations to the Town of Salem, NH on receiving Municipal Green SnowPro Certification! Municipal Green SnowPro is ...
08/25/2026

Congratulations to the Town of Salem, NH on receiving Municipal Green SnowPro Certification! Municipal Green SnowPro is a voluntary certification program that recognizes municipalities in the state that are working towards reducing their winter salt application and preventing increasing concentrations of chlorides in surface water and groundwater in their communities. Municipal Green SnowPro certification requires comprehensive training, detailed documentation, and winter salt reduction best management practices to improve water quality while maintaining a high level of public safety. Learn more about the NHDES Voluntary Municipal Green SnowPro certification program at https://www.des.nh.gov/land/roads/road-salt-reduction/municipal-green-snowpro-certification

This morning NHDES Commissioner Bob Scott and Executive Councilor Janet L. Stevens  joined members of the Coastal Progra...
08/18/2026

This morning NHDES Commissioner Bob Scott and Executive Councilor Janet L. Stevens joined members of the Coastal Program and representatives from the Town of Hampton, New Hampshire on a tour of the Meadow Pond Resiliency Project. This project addresses years of concerns surrounding chronic flooding issues in the state's lowest lying and most vulnerable coastal community.

In 2021, a multi-year Flood Mitigation Analysis confirmed that flooding of the Meadow Pond neighborhood was the result of increasing high tides and stormwater drainage issues due to flat land, deteriorating infrastructure and nowhere for the water to drain.

With the support of NHDES and Executive Councilor Stevens, the Town received $3.3 million dollars in grant funding through the NHDES Critical Flood Risk Infrastructure Grant Program and contributed an additional $1 million dollars of Town funds to complete the project.

To address the flooding issues, a new closed drainage and pumping system was installed for the Meadow Pond neighborhood, including a portion of Kings Highway, Gentian Road, Green Street and Meadow Pond Road. Installation of catch basins at key low points and a new pump station to redirect drainage downstream has proved to be successful in alleviating the routine and dangerous flooding of the area.

To learn more about the Meadow Pond Resiliency Project, visit: https://www.hamptonnhpd.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/411

In ribbon-cutting photo L-R: Jeff Grip (Selectman, Town of Hampton), Tom Bassett (Neighborhood Advocate), Bob Scott (NHDES Commissioner), Janet Stevens (NH Executive Councilor), Jen Hale (Hampton Director of Public Works), Joe Lynch (Hampton Deputy Director of Public Works), Bryan Granese (Contractor, N. Granese and Company).

Calling all winter management professionals! Join NHDES and the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) at the annual...
08/13/2026

Calling all winter management professionals! Join NHDES and the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) at the annual New Hampshire Salt Symposium on September 15 in Concord.

This event features dual educational tracks tailored specifically for contractors and municipalities, live equipment demos and an indoor/outdoor vendor showcase. It’s the region's go-to event for smart and sustainable winter management!

To learn more and register, visit: https://www.sima.org/NHSS

Have you registered yet? Join us at the 2026 New Hampshire Environmental Regulatory Conference in Concord on September 9...
08/12/2026

Have you registered yet? Join us at the 2026 New Hampshire Environmental Regulatory Conference in Concord on September 9!

Produced in partnership with the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, this annual conference provides business and environmental professionals with the opportunity to connect with NHDES staff and key regulators.

Hear from NHDES Division Directors on the State of the Air, Waste and Water in New Hampshire, keynote address from U.S. EPA New England Region Administrator Mark Sanborn, and other environmental topics.

To register or view the event agenda, see: https://members.biaofnh.com/event-grid/Details/2026-new-hampshire-environmental-regulatory-conference-1722174?sourceTypeId=Website

Address

29 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH
03301

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

(603) 271-3503

Website

,https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/nhdes-social-media-policy.pdf

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