including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program.

This bill updates New Hampshire's Clean Lakes Program to include specific authority for managing cyanobacteria blooms, which are harmful algal growths that can degrade water quality. It empowers the Department of Environmental Services to take short-term actions like chemical or physical treatments to control these blooms and to reduce the nutrient inputs that cause them. The legislation also allows the department to provide financial grants to local groups and individuals for managing both exotic aquatic weeds and cyanobacteria, while requiring consultation with other state agencies before implementing certain treatments. Effective September 1, 2024, the program will focus on diagnosing water issues, implementing long-term solutions, and ensuring safe conditions for public recreation.