Sludge Hauling in New Hampshire

What is a Sludge Hauler?

The Department of Environmental Services defines a sludge hauler as any person or entity engaged in the removal or transportation of sludge. Sludge is defined by RSA 485-A:2,XI-a as “the solid or semisolid material produced by water and wastewater treatment processes, excluding domestic septage; provided, however, sludge which is disposed of at solid waste facilities permitted by the department is considered solid waste and regulated under RSA 149-M.” Sludge also includes industrial sludge and sludge mixed with another sludge or another material.

What Permits are Required?

Any person or entity wishing to haul sludge that has been generated, processed transferred, stored, used or disposed in the State of New Hampshire must first apply for a permit through the DES Wastewater Engineering Bureau. One permit is required for each vehicle that will be used to transport sludge on public roads. A permit is not required for the interstate hauling of sludge that does not originate or is not disposed of in New Hampshire.

What Are Permit Applicants Required to Submit?

1) General Applicant Information. This includes the name, address and home telephone number of the applicant and owner (if an individual), the name, address and telephone number of the applicant’s business and contact person, and any telephone numbers to be used in case of emergency.

2) Vehicle Information. This includes the vehicle identification number and license plate number for each vehicle that will be used to transport containers carrying sludge.

3) Applicant Signature. This certifies that the applicant (a) has not been convicted of a misdemeanor under any statute administered by the department within five years prior to the date of application, or of a felony in any state or federal court during the 10 years prior to the date of application; (b) assumes responsibility for ensuring that all persons who will be transporting sludge with the applicant’s vehicle(s) are familiar with Env-Wq 800 (Sludge Management Rules); and (c) states that all vehicles and tanks proposed to transport sludge have met all federal and state motor vehicle requirements for sludge transportation.

4) Sludge Hauler Permit Fee. A fee of $100 per vehicle used to carry sludge shall accompany each application for issuance or renewal of a sludge hauler permit. Make checks payable to “Treasurer - State of New Hampshire.”

The Permit Process

Applications are reviewed for completeness. Issued sludge hauler permits have a term of two years or less and expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years. Persons wishing to renew a sludge hauler permit shall submit an application to DES at least 30 days prior to expiration of the permit.

Contact Information

The Sludge Management Rules, Env-Wq 800, can be obtained by visiting the department’s website at www.des.nh.gov/rules/desadmin_list.htm and a hauler application can be obtained at www.des.nh.gov/wwe/septslud.htm or by calling the DES sludge hauling coordinator at (603) 271-2492.