UVLSRPCorner

Join us every month in the UVLSRPCorner to learn more about our projects and the staff behind them! This month: USDA Waste Management!

Unlined Landfills: Most Towns Have At Least One

UVLSRPC currently currently has funding through a USDA Solid Waste Management grant to provide waste management technical assistance and training to UVLS communities. As part of this funding, UVLSRPC will provide training on unlined landfills.

Most towns have at least one unlined landfill. Each one requires regular maintenance and repair to keep the groundwater safe and ensure there is no risk of methane gas. These landfills also require permits, two inspections per year, and annual report submittals to NHDES. In the past, this process was not enforced, but that has changed.

In July, UVLSRPC will provide an on-site training to municipalities in our region to make clear the responsibilities of municipalities in maintaining and reporting the status of their landfills every year. These landfills are a public utility that must be included in the annual budget. Permit acquisition, monitoring and maintenance, financial assurance, inspection requirements, and annual reports can all cost the municipality money.  

Three economic reasons to receive training: 1. Train staff to help perform the annual inspection—instead of a consultant or engineer; 2. Learn the requirements to avoid potential fines in the future; and 3. Learn what actions to take for maintenance to avoid bigger problems.

The training will be presented by NHDES trainers Jaime Colby and Emily Jones. Eddie Galvin, P.E. at Sanborn, Head & Associates in Concord will provide training from an inspector’s perspective. We provided a classroom training with Tara Mae Albert and Karl Karlsson of NHDES on April 20, 2023. We initially anticipated that the on-site training would be provided a couple months later, but it was canceled due to staffing changes at NHDES. 

We have rescheduled the on-site training for July 9, 2024 (rain/mud date July 16).  The on-site training for a mock inspection will be at the New London closed landfill. This is a free training that can ultimately save you money. 

Click here for a flyer with the registration link to post. Feel free to share this invitation with your municipal engineer. These trainings are paid for by the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission and USDA grant programming.

Don’t miss this great opportunity! Limit of 30 registrants so as to not damage the landfill cap. 

Landfill On-Site Training: Registration Link

Contact Vickie Davis, Senior Planner, with any questions. 

More UVLSRPC News

UVLSRPC Accepting Letters of Intent for Ten-Year Transportation Improvement Plan

Letters of Intent Due by March 25, 2024

UVLSRPC is requesting non-binding letters of intent from municipalities that are interested in proposing transportation infrastructure projects for inclusion in the FY 2027-2036 Ten-Year Plan. The letters of intent will allow UVLSRPC staff to review potential projects for readiness and eligibility. After the letter of intent round is complete, applicant municipalities will be contacted with instructions for completing full project proposals. To learn more about funding eligibility and letter of intent requirements, click here.

Household Hazardous Waste Collections to Begin This Spring

First Collection on May 4, 2024

It's that time of year again – clean out your garage, empty your shed and get those Household Hazardous Wastes out of here! UVLSRPC is once again holding 5 HHW collections across the region with our season kickoff on Saturday, May 4 from 9am-noon at our new collection site in Lebanon at 52 Labombard Road. There will be bright green signs directing you where to go. Thanks to our new partners at DHMC for providing the location. We hope to see you there! For more information, download the flyer here, visit hhw.uvlsrpc.org or contact Tim Josephson.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? UVLSRPC needs volunteers for projects this summer – could it be you? We need people to take water samples from the Connecticut River between June and September as well as a few people to help out at our Household Hazardous Waste collections, surveying people as they arrive. Water samples are biweekly and HHW collections take place over five days throughout the summer. Express your interest here, and for more information, reach out to Tim Josephson, Associate Planner, or call the UVLSRPC office.

We're Hiring! Seeking an Intern

Flexible Start Date Spring/Summer

UVLSRPC is hiring for a highly motivated individual that is willing to learn and interested in community planning, GIS, transportation, and/or environmental issues. Position is 30-40 hours per week and starts at $18/hour commensurate with skills and experience. Read the full description here.

NH Housing Homeownership Conference Registration Open

Conference on March 26, 2024

NH Housing will be hosting the 2024 Homeownership Conference in Concord on March 26 from 8:00a.m. through 12:30 p.m. Learn about the current housing landscape, solutions for increasing inventory, and ideas on affordability, availability, and access. Learn more and register here.

FHWA Bridge Investment Program, Planning and Bridge Project Grants Available

Applications Due March 19, 2024

USDOT is accepting applications for two funding categories: (1) Planning and (2) Bridge Project grants (a project with total eligible costs not greater than $100 million) for awards under the Bridge Investment Program (BIP). The goals of the program are to 1) improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over bridges; 2) improve the condition of bridges in the United States; and 3) provide financial assistance that leverages and encourages non-Federal contributions from sponsors and stakeholders involved in the planning, design, and construction of eligible projects. To learn more, visit here.

USDOT Climate Change 2024 Webinar Series Running Through June

Next Webinar on March 25, 2024

The USDOT Climate Change Center is hosting a 2024 webinar series on climate change and transportation topics, ranging from greenhouse gas reduction strategies to climate resilience activities to research and technology advancements. To learn more, register for the webinars, and view materials from past presentations, click here.

USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding Now Open for Applications

First Application Deadline on April 4, 2024

The USDOT's Safe Streets and Roads for All grant opportunities are now open. The program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives to prevent deaths and serious injuries on our nation's roadways. Planning and Demonstration Grant applicants have three deadlines: April 4, May 16, and August 29, and Implementation Grants are due May 16, 2024. For more information, visit the Safe Streets for All site.

Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission (SNHPC) Releases Climate Action Toolkit for Roadway Adaptations

SNHPC recently published a Climate Action Toolkit that focuses on roadway adaptations. SNHPC convened various stakeholders and subject matter experts to address roadway vulnerability concerns, resulting in a toolkit that includes strategies, data, and implementation insights to help communities start taking action to tackle roadway needs. Visit here to learn more about and download the toolkit.

FHWA Every Day Counts GHG Webinar Series Launches

FHWA recently launched its 2024 Every Day Counts GHG webinar series, which shares information on the Every Day Counts initiative and highlights lessons learned from agencies working to address greenhouse gas emissions in their planning processes. Visit the Every Day Counts site to stay updated on upcoming webinars and other planning resources.

NHDES to Host Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop

Workshop April 8-12, 2024

NHDES will host the online 2024 Water Infrastructure Funding workshop to review NHDES funding updates, PFAS and emerging contaminants, asset management, and other topics across several sessions. The workshop is geared toward municipal staff, planners, operators, engineers, and others interested in the NHDES-administered funding programs. View the flyer here. Registration will be available at a later date.

NH Department of Education School Garden Grants Available

Applications Due May 3, 2024

The NH Department of Education will be distributing $6,000 school garden grants aimed at improving student understanding and consumption of fruits and vegetables via promoting school-generated produce. To learn more about the grant, click here.

EPA Community Change Equitable Resilience Technical Assistance Available

The Community Change Equitable Resilience Technical Assistance program provides free design and project development assistance for climate resilience projects to eligible applicants for Community Change grants in disaster-prone areas. Interested applicants can complete this form for consideration.

Plan NH Offering Webinar on Community Design Charrette Program

Webinar on March 28, 2024

Does your community face a challenge that needs addressing? The Plan NH Community Design Charrette Program brings together professionals, community leaders, and community members to discuss a particular need within a community, using local input to help develop recommendations that can contribute to health solutions. Learn more and register here.

Food Waste Diversion and Composting Workshop Series Registration Open

Sessions April 16-17, 2024

NHDES, the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), and Mark King of the Maine Compost School will host a series of workshops on food waste diversion and composting. The sessions are geared toward facility or organization decisionmakers and operators. The workshops will be held in person in Concord, NH. More details and registration available here.

NH OPD 2023 Planning and Zoning Handbooks and Case Law Book Now Available

The NH Office of Planning and Development recently published the 2023 editions of three handbooks: 1) The Planning Board in New Hampshire: A Handbook for Local Officials, 2) The Board of Adjustment in New Hampshire: A Handbook for Local Officials, and 3) Federal and State Planning and Zoning Case Law for New Hampshire Local Officials.

USDA Seeking Applications to Support Regional Economic and Community Development Planning

USDA is seeking applications to implement regional and economic and community development projects to create thriving communities for people in rural America. The Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) initiative supports projects that help rural people and economies prepare for the future, and reserved SECD funding is currently available via Community Facilities Direct Loan Grant Program, Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and Grant Program, Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees, and Rural Business Economic Grants. Learn more here.

Sustainable Living Tea and Talk Discussions

Next Discussion on March 17, 2024

The local Tea and Talk Winter Discussion Series 2024 will focus on Sustainable Living. Every other Sunday through April 28, the group will introduce a topic of discussion inspired by articles, podcasts, and other free resources. To learn more, read suggested resources, and access the Zoom link, visit the series' Google sheet.

Celebrate the Week of the Young Child in Lebanon

Kick-Off Event on April 6, 2024

Celebrate the Week of the Young Child with a Kick-Off Celebration at Colburn Park in Lebanon from 10:00a.m.-noon on April 6, 2024. Enjoy fun activities for all ages, child safety resources, live music, a fire truck tour, and special activities for early childhood education staff and providers. The Week of the Young Child gives attention to the needs of young children and their families, additionally recognizing the early childhood programs and services that support children and their families.

Upcoming Earth Day EV Expo in West Lebanon

Event on April 21, 2024

Talk to owners of different electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes at the free Earth Day EV Expo on Sunday, April 21 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. in West Lebanon at 10 Benning Street (the Shaw's supermarket parking lot). Get all your questions answered. What is the right EV or e-bike for you? How do you charge it? What financial incentives are available to lower the sticker price? How much do EVs save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Pre-register at NHEV.org to get a free raffle ticket. Organized by the Lebanon Energy Advisory Committee.

Town Meeting Best Practices Handbook Released

The Town of Hanover recently worked with state and local officials to create a handbook that helps source best practices for creating and sustaining engaging Town Meetings. The handbook acts as a nonpartisan guide for local officials, staff, media, and citizens to help sustain well-attended, engaging, and effective Town Meetings. The document is available here.

CT River Watershed Best Management Practices Survey for Farmers

Are you a farmer in VT or NH who farms in the Connecticut River Watershed? Take 10-15 minutes to complete a survey on which best management practices you use or would be most willing to implement. Even if you aren’t a farmer, please share this survey to farmers that you know! Respondents are 100% confidential and will not be used for reporting or regulatory purposes, and respondents are eligible to receive a $50 gift card.

Windham NRCD and project partners throughout VT and NH are working to identify best management practices (BMPs) for reducing nitrogen runoff into the CT River Watershed. Interested in engaging further? Producer stipends are available, and participants can engage in three subcommittees: Survey Design Subcommittee, Producer Outreach Subcommittee, and Secondary Source Review Subcommittee. Learn more about the program here and contact windhamcountynrcd@gmail.com with any questions or to join a subcommittee.

New London Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment Survey Open

Are you a resident of Andover, Bradford, Croydon, Danbury, Goshen, Grantham, Lempster, New London, Newbury, Newport, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Washington, or Wilmot? The New London Hospital and Newport Health Center are currently conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment, which includes a Community Health survey for community members in the aforementioned municipalities. Take the survey to help inform the initiatives of New London Hospital and Newport Health Center for the next several years.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Chris at 603-448-1680.

Upper Valley Lake Sunapee

Regional Planning Commission

Suite 225

10 Water Street

Lebanon, NH 03766

https://www.uvlsrpc.org

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