Executive Summary: 
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) petitioned the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) at its July 8, 2014 regular public meeting to conduct the triennial review of New Mexico’s Water Quality Standards, 20.6.4 NMAC.  A review of the Standards on a three-year basis is required by Section 303(c) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA).  Along with the petition, NMED presented its proposed amendments and narrative explanation.  The Boards & Commissions Administrator docketed the matter as WQCC 14-05(R).  The changes made during this Triennial Review included: 

  • Segment-specific standards for aquatic life protections in the Mimbres and San Juan River basins;
  • A new temporary standards provision in 20.6.4.10 NMAC;
  • Updates to the piscicide provision in 20.6.4.16 NMAC for applications under the EPA permit program and for public input or hearing requests when applications are not covered under an EPA permit;
  • Listing of ephemeral waters under Section 20.6.4.97 NMAC pursuant to Subsection C of Section 20.6.4.15 NMAC; and
  • Clarifications of criteria applicability, updates to methods and corrections of grammatical errors.
DocumentAuthorDate
Public NoticeSWQBApril 28, 2014
Public Comment Draft SWQBApril 28, 2014
WQCC Hearing Petition RequestSWQBJune 25, 2014
Order for HearingWQCCJuly 8, 2014
Scheduling OrderWQCCJuly 10, 2014
Procedural OrderWQCCJuly 10, 2014
Hearing Notice in NM RegisterSWQBOctober 30, 2014
Pleading Log for WQCC 14-05(R)WQCCVarious Dates of Filing
Scheduling Order ModifiedWQCCJanuary 30, 2015
Hearing Notice for Newspaper SWQB~August 1, 2015
Hearing Transcripts (Vol. 123 and 4)WQCCOctober 13-16, 2015
Final Order and Statement of ReasonsWQCCJanuary 10, 2017
Integrated Rule 20.6.4 NMAC SWQBMarch 2, 2017
Submittal Letter to EPASWQB 
EPA’s Response and Technical Support Document (TSD)EPAJune 8, 2017
EPA’s Approval for CWA and Revised TSDEPAAugust 11, 2017
WQCC Response to TSDWQCC 

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