’26 Article 12 – Copper Compliance and Outfall Study Phase II – $100,000

To see if the Town of Hampton will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000 for the purpose of performing a Copper Compliance and Outfall Study Phase II to include additional investigation and studies in accordance with the Phase I Copper Compliance and Outfall Study recommendations. The Town was issued an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) in March 2022 by the EPA to address non-compliance with the total copper WWTF discharge limits. As a result of the AOC and based on the results of the original pilot test using chemicals, and the Phase I findings, the Town has been evaluating other alternatives for compliance with total copper WWTF discharge limits.  Phase II will include dye studies and additional investigation in an outfall relocation.

Said appropriation to be offset by $100,000 in principal loan forgiveness under the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF); and to authorize participation in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) (RSA 486:14) established for the purpose, and to authorize the Select Board to accept and expend such monies as they become available from the Federal and State Governments. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the project is completed or by March 31, 2031, whichever occurs sooner.  (3/5^ths Ballot vote required)

What it Means: Hampton was issued an Administrative Order of Non-Compliance from EPA in 2022 regarding Wastewater Treatment Facility discharge of total copper beyond allowable limits. This is damaging to aquatic life.  The Town is required to take corrective action.  This study allows the Town to understand the causes of the higher amount of copper, and to investigate potential solutions. Phase 1 was completed and approved in 2025. Phase 2 will include dye studies and additional investigation regarding the possibility of outfall relocation. To be offset by $100K in principal loan forgiveness under the NH Dept. of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

No one spoke for or against this Article at Deliberative Session, other than to explain it. However, someone asked – if funds are being raised for this purpose, and then we get reimbursed, what happens to the funds at the time of reimbursement?  The answer is that if the funds come in the same year, then it is a “wash” – meaning that the extra revenue does not have to be raised by taxes.  If the reimbursement is in a subsequent year, the reimbursement revenue is added to the General Fund to offset taxes in the subsequent year.

Fiscal impact: The estimated tax rate impact in 2026 is $0.02 per thousand. The estimated tax impact for a home valued at $600,000 is $9.85.