The Bethlehem Landfill Expansion
The North Country’s forests, rivers, lakes, and open spaces define who we are. They sustain our health, our communities, and our economy. Today, that legacy faces a serious threat. The proposed expansion of the North Country Environmental Services (NCES) landfill in Bethlehem would extend operations for years, importing even more waste into our region and putting our water, air, and quality of life at further risk.
At the heart of this concern is water, our most precious resource. The Ammonoosuc River flows past the landfill, through the center of our towns and our lives. Leachate from the site, containing harmful PFAS “forever chemicals,” has already been detected in nearby monitoring wells and the River. Expanding the landfill would increase both the volume of waste and the danger of contamination to groundwater, rivers, and private wells that residents rely on. Once polluted, these waters are nearly impossible to restore.
Against the Will of Residents
Local control is another issue. Bethlehem has long been clear about its wishes, repeatedly opposing landfill growth. Residents and local officials have consistently voted and spoken out against further expansion. Ignoring the voice of the people and public sentiment would deny the community its right to determine its own future. The town and its residents deserve respect, not to be treated as New England’s dumping ground.
This is not about being against progress. It’s about demanding the right kind of progress: one that respects our environment, our economy, and the will of the people who live here. Together, we can chart a better path forward for the North Country and all of New Hampshire, one that safeguards our natural resources, protects land and water, and builds a truly sustainable future.
Truck Traffic & Safety
Routing heavy trucks through town. Residents and town officials have opposed routing trucks via Main Street/Route 302 and Route 116, citing concerns about safety, crashes, spills, odor, noise, and the impact on the tourism-based downtown.
Compliance History & Oversight
NCES has faced decades of citations for toxic wastewater mismanagement and operational violations. In 2026, the NH Department of Justice issued a $1.9 million penalty, raising concerns about the company’s ability to operate the landfill safely.
Quality-of-Life Impacts
Tourism and outdoor recreation drive the North Country economy. Residents face pollution, odors, litter, noise, and visual impacts that will damage the region’s clean water, natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and tourism-based character.