NHDES Decision on Variance Petition from Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has denied a Variance Petition (Petition) submitted by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics (SGPP), asking for an extension of the February 11, 2021 deadline for completing construction and installation of the regenerative thermal oxidizer at their Merrimack facility. The NHDES Air Resources Division Director, after considering the information submitted in the Petition, written comments, and oral testimony received at an August 5, 2020, public hearing, denied the petition based on the requirements of  RSA 125-C:16, Variances. The statute states that no variance shall be granted to any person applying for a variance under the statute who is causing air pollution which creates a danger to public health, welfare or safety. The current emission of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and precursors continue to contribute to an exceedance of ambient groundwater quality standards. Therefore, granting a variance would create a danger to public health. Read More