Saint-Gobain Notice of August 5, 2020, Public Hearing and Opening of Public Comment Period
On June 4, 2020, Saint Gobain Performance Plastics (SGPP) submitted a request for a variance of the February 11, 2021 deadline for completing construction and installation of the PFAS air emission controls as required in RSA 125-C:10-e and the air permit TP-0256 issued by NHDES on February 11, 2020. In the variance request, SGPP cited the Town of Merrimack’s appeal of the permit and the COVID-19 pandemic as the underlying reasons for the request. Specifically, SGPP requested that the variance be granted until February 11, 2022, or one year from the date of the final, non-appealable order disposing of the Town of Merrimack’s appeal of the air permit, whichever is earlier.
The request was submitted in accordance with RSA 125-C:16 Variances and the procedures detailed in Env-A 202, Variances.
Notice Requesting Public Comments and
Announcement of August 5, 2020 Public Hearing
In accordance with Env-A 202.05, NHDES is issuing a public notice of receipt of the variance request, for the purpose of receiving public comments. Also, in accordance with Env-A 202.06 Public Hearing, NHDES has scheduled a public hearing to receive comments on the variance request. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Due to the State of Emergency declared by the Governor as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with the Governor’s Emergency Order #12 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, the public hearing will be held using virtual meeting software. Participants may also participate via telephone. Details for participating in the August 5, 2020 public hearing will be forthcoming and will be posted to the NHDES PFAS webpage.
See a copy of the public notice.
The variance request is on file with the Director, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Air Resources Division, 29 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03302-0095. Information may be reviewed at the office during working hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Please note that, since there is currently limited public access to the NHDES office at 29 Hazen Drive due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an appointment is strongly encouraged. However, for your convenience, the variance request and associated cover letter have also been posted to the NHDES website and are available for download. The cover letter and variance request can be found at:
Comments received at the August 5, 2020 public hearing, in addition to written comments filed with the Director in accordance with Env-A 203.02 (Public Participation in Non-Adjudicative Hearings) and received no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2020, shall be considered by the Director in making a final decision.
If you require special accommodations for the public hearing, or need additional information, please contact Catherine Beahm by phone at (603) 271-6793, or via email at Catherine.Beahm@des.nh.gov.