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EnglishWhat Is the NH Department of Environmental Services Website (des.nh.gov)?
Updated
des.nh.gov is the official website of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), the state agency responsible for environmental regulation, permitting, and public information in New Hampshire. You can use it to find agency programs, permit applications and forms, regulatory guidance, and agency updates. It is a government information and services portal, not a commercial site.
What the Site Is For
NHDES is the state's environmental agency. Its website serves three main functions:
- Regulation and permitting — the rules the agency administers and the permits or approvals a person or business may need for activities that affect air, water, land, or waste.
- Public information — program descriptions, guidance documents, data, and notices about environmental conditions and agency decisions.
- Agency operations — forms, contacts, meeting information, and updates on programs and rulemaking.
What Visitors Can Expect to Find
| Resource type | What it typically covers |
|---|---|
| Programs | Air quality, water resources, waste management, wetlands, shoreland, and related environmental topics |
| Permits and forms | Applications, checklists, and instructions for regulated activities |
| Guidance and rules | Program guidance and links to applicable regulations |
| News and updates | Agency announcements, public notices, and program changes |
| Contacts | Program-specific contacts for questions about permits or requirements |
How to Use It Effectively
- Start with the program area that matches your activity (for example, water, air, or waste) rather than searching the whole site.
- Check the permitting section for the specific application, form, and instructions before submitting anything.
- Confirm current requirements with the program contact listed on the page, since forms and guidance can change.
- Watch for public notices if your project or interest involves a pending agency decision.
A common pitfall is assuming a general guidance page is the final word on requirements; permit-specific instructions and program contacts are the more reliable source for a given activity.
When This Site Is the Right Place to Start
Use des.nh.gov when you need to understand New Hampshire environmental requirements, locate a permit or form, or find agency contact information. If you are looking for federal environmental rules or another state's requirements, start with the relevant federal or state agency instead.