Public Notice: NMED Surface Water Quality Bureau opens comment period for Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit #SPA-2026-086-ABQ.
The certification request is from the Cibola National Forest for the Shush Kin Fen Restoration project located in the Zuni Mountains of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District in Cibola County, New Mexico. The proposed action aims to restore hydrologic function and re-wet the wetlands where trampling, trailing, and gullies have removed soils and wetland vegetation and reduced the water-holding capacity of the fen. The design is expected to preserve the remaining wetland habitat and support its expansion.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues CWA Section 404 permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material. The purpose of CWA Section 401 is to ensure the discharge will comply with state water quality standards. NMED has authority under CWA Section 401 to certify, certify with conditions, or deny certification of the permit. Procedures for certification of Section 404 permits are found at 20.6.2.2002 New Mexico Administrative Code.
The 30-day comment period on this certification request will open July 20, 2026, and will close August 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MDT. This public notice and associated information are posted at: https://www.env.nm.gov/public-notices. Formal comments for inclusion in the public record must be submitted in writing via the NMED Public Comment Portal at: https://nmed.commentinput.com/comment/search, or alternately in writing to:
Program Manager Watershed Protection Section
Surface Water Quality Bureau
New Mexico Environment Department
PO Box 5469
Santa Fe, NM 87502-5469
Email (preferred): wpsprogram.manager@env.nm.gov
For more information on SPA-2026-086-ABQ, please contact:
Jocelyn Harimon
Watershed Protection Section
Surface Water Quality Bureau
New Mexico Environment Department
PO Box 5469
Santa Fe, NM 87502-5469
telephone: 505-629-2140
email: Jocelyn.harimon@env.nm.gov
Persons who need language services (e.g., assistance for an interpreter) or persons with disabilities who need services to participate in this public process should contact:
Jocelyn Harimon
PO Box 5469
Santa Fe, NM 87502
telephone: 505-629-2140
email: Jocelyn.harimon@env.nm.gov
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