Liquid Waste Permitting Process

Application

1. Print and fill out an Application for Liquid Waste Permit
   1. Must include signatures granting authorization by either owner or owner’s authorized representative,
      • Licensed contractors with one of the following licenses (MM-1, MM-98, MS-1, MS-3) are qualified to install septic systems.
      • Homeowners may install simple conventional systems after passing a written test.
   2. Application must be complete, including approved materials, proper sizing, soil characteristics, geological and hydrological conditions, site conditions and:
2. Required Supporting Documentation:
   1. Proof of Ownership – Tax Bill and/or Recorded Warranty Deed, Real Estate Contract or other documentation that may reasonably establish ownership, Section 20.7.3.401E NMAC,
   2. Site Diagram – Showing structures, wells, boundaries, liquid waste systems, and other appropriate setbacks as listed in Table 301.1,
   3. Floorplan – For residential structures show number of bedrooms; for commercial properties show fixtures or other information related to sizing,
   4. Plat or Survey – May be provided to show boundaries, acreage or other relevant features of the lot,

Submit Complete Application Package to the local NMED Field Office for review

1. NMED will notify applicant of actions taken on the permit application.
2. Actions may included granting the permit, granting with conditions, or denial.
3. Conventional Systems may take up to five (5) business days for completeness check and ten business (10) days to return a decision.
4. Advanced Treatment Systems may take up to ten (10) business days for completeness check and twenty business (20) days to return a decision.
5. The Variance Process will take a minimum of twenty (20) days to allow for the public notification process and review.

Pay for Permit

1. Pay for permit only after you are contacted by NMED to inform you that your permit was approved or approved with conditions. Do not submit payment before notice of approval.
2. After the payment is received, a Permit to Construct (PtC) will be issued.
3. The PtC is valid for one year, but that timeline my be extended (in most cases, up to one year) by the Department in writing.
4. After the permit to construct has been issued, you may install the system in accordance with the permit and as long as the permit is valid.

Request Inspection

• Request inspection by NMED a minimum of 48 hours (2 business days) in advance. Do not cover the system before inspection.

After the Final Inspection:

• After the final inspection, if your system is approved, you will receive a copy of the Permit to Operate (PtO).

Notes:

1. Incomplete Applications may delay the permitting process
2. NMED may conduct a pre-inspection of the site by request or if required.
3. Additional information may be required to reasonably establish lot size, boundaries and date of record, easements and other relevant details as per Section 20.7.3.401E NMAC
4. Advanced Treatment Systems (ATS) may require additional documention, including a signed Maintenance Contract, signed Sampling Contract, Statement of site conditions, Sampling Port Details and the reason an ATS is required.
5. The Variance process has special requirements further described in the Variance section of the website.
6. Appeal Process – If your permit application was denied by NMED, or granted with conditions that you object to, you may appeal this decision. Liquid Waste Disposal Regulation 20.7.3.406 (NMAC) provides that any person who is dissatisfied with an action taken by NMED on a permit application or variance petition may appeal to the NMED Secretary. The appeal must be filed in writing with the NMED Secretary within 15 working days after notice of the NMED action is issued.

Useful Tools for filling out your Application for Liquid Waste Permit:

1. Liquid Waste Disposal and Treatment Regulations
2. Approved products: Tanks, Drain field products, advanced treatment systems
3. Office of the State Engineer – Well drilling permits, well logs, depth to ground water, vulnerable waters of the state, etc.
4. Information for Homeowners – Homeowners must pass exam to qualify for homeowner installation
5. Web Soil Survey – May help in soil type determination

Permit Fees (20.7.11 NMAC) Effective 7/1/20

If your permit application was denied by NMED, or granted with conditions that you object to, you may appeal this decision. Liquid Waste Disposal Regulation 20.7.3.406 (NMAC) provides that any person who is dissatisfied with an action taken by NMED on a permit application or variance petition may appeal to the NMED Secretary. The appeal must be filed in writing with the NMED Secretary within 15 working days after notice of the NMED action is issued.