ROS State Cleanup Program

SCP Team

Our State Cleanup Program (SCP) administers those portions of the New Mexico Ground and Surface Water Protection Regulations, 20.6.2 NMAC, that require the cleanup of contaminated soil, soil vapor, and groundwater to protect human health and the environment.

The regulations require corrective actions to mitigate any damage caused by an unauthorized discharge, and investigation and abatement of subsurface contamination in order to attain groundwater standards.

SCP Resources:

• Ground and Surface Water Protection Regulations (20.6.2 NMAC)
• Cleanup Standards & Guidelines
• Active State Cleanup Sites
• Closed State Cleanup Sites

Report a Spill

Abatement of Water Pollution:

Unauthorized Discharges – Corrective Action Oversight

In the event of an unauthorized discharge (spill) of oil or other water contaminant, the responsible party is required to report the incident and take corrective actions to clean up the damage caused. Where ground water is impacted or threatened, the SCP often takes the lead in approving and overseeing the corrective actions required of the responsible party pursuant to 20.6.2.1203 NMAC. The SCP addresses recent spills as well as the discovery of unauthorized discharges that occurred in the past.
For information about spill reporting requirements, see Notification of Spills and Unauthorized Discharges.

Abatement of Water Pollution

Sections 4100-4115 of  20.6.2 NMAC require the abatement of subsurface pollution so that groundwater is protected for use. Responsible persons are required to design and implement Stage 1 and Stage 2 Abatement Plans, following NMED approval and after a public notice and participation process. Abatement plans must address pollution in the vadose zone and in groundwater with the goal of attaining groundwater quality standards and applicable screening levels.    

The first stage of the abatement process consists of a site investigation to provide the data necessary to select and design an effective abatement option. The investigation typically includes a review of the site’s history, characterization of the hydrologic and geologic conditions, environmental sampling, and a monitoring program. The purpose of the Stage 2 abatement plan is to select and design an abatement option that will result in attainment of abatement standards. Upon successful completion of the abatement, NMED provides written notification that the abatement plan is being terminated and that no further action is required.

The SCP identifies and notifies responsible parties of abatement plan requirements, reviews abatement plan proposals and reports, and makes recommendations regarding NMED approval of abatement actions. The SCP encourages voluntary compliance and is committed to seeking collaborative solutions whenever possible.

Responsible persons have the option of cleaning up a site under voluntary abatement if they have not yet been notified of an abatement plan requirement. Please contact the SCP to discuss undertaking voluntary abatement under the Ground and Surface Water Protection Regulations (see 20.6.2.4106 NMAC). Responsible persons or prospective purchasers may also clean up a site under the Voluntary Remediation Program prior to being notified of an abatement plan requirement.

Note: Oversight of Dairy facilities is handled by the Agriculture Compliance Section; contact Nancy McDuffie with questions.