Bill > SB21

This bill enacts comprehensive updates to New Mexico's water quality and pollution discharge regulations, creating the New Mexico Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act. The bill updates definitions related to water quality, establishes new funds for investigating and remediating contaminated sites, and creates a comprehensive permit system for discharging pollutants into waters of the United States. Key provisions include creating the Neglected and Contaminated Sites Fund to support water pollution investigation and remediation, establishing detailed liability frameworks for water contamination, and setting up a robust permitting process that requires entities to obtain permits before discharging pollutants. The bill provides specific exemptions for certain types of discharges, such as agricultural return flows and storm water runoff, and establishes both administrative and criminal enforcement mechanisms with potential fines and penalties ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per day for violations. The legislation also ensures public transparency by requiring public notice and hearings for permit applications, creating appeal processes for permit decisions, and maintaining publicly accessible records while protecting certain confidential business information. Additionally, the bill gives the Water Quality Control Commission and Department of Environment broad powers to investigate, regulate, and enforce water quality standards, with the ultimate goal of protecting human health and the environment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=21&year=25