The Surface Water Quality Bureau invites Tribal Environmental Directors and a staff member to a discussion about the development of NMED’s Surface Water Quality State Permitting Program.
Rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and other surface waters are the lifeblood of the state’s culture, economy, quality of life, and environment. Yet despite the importance of these freshwater resources, New Mexico is one of only three states not authorized to administer the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program that protects surface waters from discharges of pollution. What’s more, relying on federal programs alone is no longer sufficient. Supreme Court decisions have scaled back the scope of the federal Clean Water Act, leaving many surface waters in New Mexico without regulation and protection from pollution.
The state legislature and the Governor’s 50-Year Water Action Plan have directed the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to develop a state surface water discharge permitting program. A state-administered permitting program will protect all waters of the state and the communities and ecosystems that rely on them.
The program will not apply to discharges originating within tribal lands, it will apply only to discharges under state jurisdiction. NMED will be responsive to tribal concerns and ensure that permits protect tribal water quality.
NMED is inviting tribal representatives to state-tribal coordination meetings now to gather input for the development of the State Surface Water Quality State Permitting Program. Communication and coordination with Tribes, Nations and Pueblos will be an essential component of the program.
We hope you will join us and bring your question, comments and concerns for discussion.
The Surface Water Quality Bureau invites Tribal Environmental Directors and a staff member to a discussion about the development of NMED’s Surface Water Quality State Permitting Program.
Rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and other surface waters are the lifeblood of the state’s culture, economy, quality of life, and environment. Yet despite the importance of these freshwater resources, New Mexico is one of only three states not authorized to administer the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program that protects surface waters from discharges of pollution. What’s more, relying on federal programs alone is no longer sufficient. Supreme Court decisions have scaled back the scope of the federal Clean Water Act, leaving many surface waters in New Mexico without regulation and protection from pollution.
The state legislature and the Governor’s 50-Year Water Action Plan have directed the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to develop a state surface water discharge permitting program. A state-administered permitting program will protect all waters of the state and the communities and ecosystems that rely on them.
The program will not apply to discharges originating within tribal lands, it will apply only to discharges under state jurisdiction. NMED will be responsive to tribal concerns and ensure that permits protect tribal water quality.
NMED is inviting tribal representatives to state-tribal coordination meetings now to gather input for the development of the State Surface Water Quality State Permitting Program. Communication and coordination with Tribes, Nations and Pueblos will be an essential component of the program.
We hope you will join us and bring your question, comments and concerns for discussion.
For more information, please visit our web page at Surface Water Quality State Permitting Program (nm.gov)
The meeting will be held from 10:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.
at the New Mexico Environment Department, 121 Tijeras Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
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