Archive for the 'NH Waterfront Regulations' Category

The NH Shorefront Association is really staying on top of the current legislation in Concord. The proposed bill will hopefully change the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection act for the better, including the Name! The proposed name is “Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act.” I really like the name change as it focuses us on what is most important, the water quality of our invaluable lakes.

Here is their latest update.

There are developments regarding two of the shorefront related bills:    Senator Bradley’s bill, SB154, which makes a number of reforms to the Shoreland Protection Act, was amended and approved by the Senate Energy & Environment Committee in a unanimous vote of Ought To Pass (OTP).  Among many other changes, this bill clarifies and simplifies the standards and permitting requirements.

The NHSA Board and membership worked closely with Sen. Bradley and a number of others to edit this amended bill to simplify, clarify, and hopefully gain efficiency in the regulations to protect private property rights balanced with protections for water quality.  This bill also changes the name to the “Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act”.  The full text of the amendment is not yet available on-line, however, we will issue an update soon as this bill will now move to Finance and the House.  More as this develops…

SB142 – which makes changes to the NH DES permit process to allow an “integrated permit process” for those projects which require multiple permits, was voted “re-refer” the bill for further study.  Click here for bill language.  The NHSA Board supports this concept, but believes that more work is necessary to better define the process and procedure.  This concept will be debated in the fall.

Dear NHSA Members,

Things are happening quickly at the NH Legislature and there are a number of shorefront related bills this week.

Of primary importance is Senator Bradley’s bill, SB154, which makes a number of reforms to the Shoreland Protection Act.  While this legislation may require a few more edits, the Board has worked closely with Sen. Bradley to create a number of both minor and significant changes to the CSPA.

This bill clarifies and simplifies the standards and permitting requirements.  You can read the full text here.  The hearing for this bill is scheduled for Thursday 2/17/11 at 9:45am in the Legislative Office Building (LOB) room 102 before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.  Everyone is welcome at the hearing.

If you have any comments, but cannot attend the hearing, you can link to the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee here.  Senator Bob Odell is chairman.

While we believe that SB154 is the best compromise legislation to provide clarity and streamline the shoreland process, there are a couple other bills relating to the CSPA on Thursday:

SB124 – relative to the comprehensive shoreland protection act.  Click here for bill language.  Hearing 2/17/11 9:30am LOB room 102 – Senate E&NR Committee.

HB-470 – repealing the comprehensive shoreland protection act.  Click here for bill language.  Hearing 2/17/11 10:00am LOB room 305 – House RR&D Committee.

Thank you to the many Shorefront Association Members who have renewed their memberships and asked a friend to join.  Please remember we are asking everyone to solicit a friend or neighbor to join our growing membership.  Our on-going lobbying and monitoring efforts depend on members like you. Please get your friends and neighbors involved!

Click here to print a membership form.

Thank You,

Board of Directors

NH Shorefront Association

www.nhshorefront.org