NH Department of Environmental Services – Concord, NH

Protecting the Granite State Environment

Mission and Core Functions

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) serves as the state’s primary agency dedicated to protecting environmental quality and public health. Established in 1987 through the consolidation of multiple separate agencies, NHDES operates with a mission to sustain a high quality of life for all citizens by ensuring clean air, pure water, and the proper management of waste. Headquartered on Hazen Drive in Concord, the department implements state and federal environmental laws, relying on rigorous science and engineering to guide policy and permitting decisions. NHDES is not just a regulatory body; it is a resource for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities, providing grants, technical assistance, and educational outreach to foster environmental stewardship across the state.

Organizational Divisions

The department is organized into three primary divisions: Air Resources, Water, and Waste Management. The Air Resources Division monitors air quality, regulates emissions from industrial sources, and manages programs to reduce pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter. The Water Division is responsible for watershed management, dam safety, wastewater engineering, and the protection of drinking water sources, including the administration of the Wetlands Bureau which oversees land development permits. The Waste Management Division governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, coordinates oil spill responses, and manages the remediation of contaminated sites (Superfund and Brownfields) to return them to productive use.

Laboratory and Data Services

NHDES operates a sophisticated Environmental Laboratory that analyzes samples from public water systems, private wells, and surface waters to detect contaminants like PFAS, arsenic, and bacteria. The agency also manages the ‘OneStop’ data retrieval system, a comprehensive online portal that allows the public and professionals to access environmental data, permit statuses, and site remediation files. This commitment to transparency ensures that developers, researchers, and concerned citizens have direct access to critical environmental information.

Permitting and Compliance

A significant portion of the department’s work involves issuing permits for activities that impact the environment. This includes septic system approvals, shoreland protection permits for construction near lakes and rivers, and air emissions licenses. The department enforces compliance through inspections and monitoring, working cooperatively with regulated entities to correct violations while holding polluters accountable when necessary to protect New Hampshire’s natural resources.

• Water Quality: Protection of lakes, rivers, and groundwater sources.
• Air Standards: Monitoring and permitting to ensure healthy air.
• Waste Regulation: Oversight of landfills, hazardous waste, and recycling.
• Emergency Response: Managing oil spills and hazardous material incidents.
• Public Grants: Funding for water infrastructure and exotic species control.