The Mining Environmental Compliance Section (MECS) conducts all of the permitting, spill response, abatement and public participation activities for mining facilities in New Mexico pursuant to the Ground and Surface Water Protection Regulations (20.6.2 NMAC) and the Supplemental Permitting Requirements for Copper Mine Facilities (20.6.7 NMAC). In addition, the MECS participates in the implementation of the New Mexico Mining Act and Non-Coal Mining Regulations by reviewing and commenting on mine permits and closeout plans, coordinating environmental protection requirements at mine sites with the Mining and Minerals Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, and providing determinations that environmental standards will be met after closure of New Mexico mining operations. Currently, the MECS manages over 55 active mining permits.
In addition, the MECS participates in the implementation of the New Mexico Mining Act and Non-Coal Mining Regulations by reviewing and commenting on mine permits and closeout plans, coordinating environmental protection requirements at mine sites with the Mining and Minerals Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, and providing determinations that environmental standards will be met after closure of New Mexico mining operations.
Contact Info
For questions regarding MECS, please email mecs.general@env.nm.gov or call 505-827-2900.