Public Comment Period Open for the Certification of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit # SPA-2022-00092-ABQ Los Lunas Channel and Floodplain Maintenance Project at River Mile 163.

This is a public notice that the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has opened a comment period for a certification request under Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401. The certification request is from the United States Bureau of Reclamation for a channel and floodplain maintenance project located two miles north of the NM 6 bridge in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

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 August 27, 2024, and will close September 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. MDT. This public notice and associated information are posted at the NMED Public Notice Webpage. Formal comments for inclusion in the public record must be submitted in writing via the NMED Public Comment Portal, 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-2022-00092-ABQ, please contact:

Alan Klatt

Watershed Protection Section

Surface Water Quality Bureau

New Mexico Environment Department

PO Box 5469

Santa Fe, NM 87502-5469

telephone: 505-819-9623

email: alan.klatt@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:

Alan Klatt

PO Box 5469

Santa Fe, NM 87502

telephone: 505-819-9623

email: alan.klatt@env.nm.gov

TDD or TTY users please access the number via the New Mexico Relay Network, 1-800-659-1779 (voice); TTY users: 1-800-659-8331.

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in the administration of its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. If you have any questions about any of the NMED non-discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact:

Kate Cardenas, NMED Non-Discrimination Coordinator

1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050

P.O. Box 5469

Santa Fe, NM 87502

telephone: (505) 231-9983

email: nd.coordinator@env.mn.gov

If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NMED program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator identified above or visit our Non-Discrimination website to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination.