The NMED’s Statewide Water Quality Management Plan and Continuing Planning Process (WQMP/CPP), provides a concise summary of the water quality management system in New Mexico (NM) and the roles of the major participants in that system as required by Sections 208 and 303 of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and Section 74-6-4.B of the New Mexico Water Quality Act (WQA).
The WQMP is used to direct implementation and draw upon the water quality assessments to identify priority point and nonpoint water quality problems, consider alternative solutions and recommend control measures, including the financial and institutional measures necessary for implementing recommended solutions while the CPP describes the processes used to manage its water quality program.
The Statewide WQMP/CPP results in a consistent approach for protecting and improving water quality by ensuring that water quality standards are established to protect designated uses, the quality of water in the environment is periodically assessed, and prioritizing point and nonpoint sources of pollution that may adversely impact water quality are identified and controlled.
Current WQMP/CPP
Approved 2020 WQMP/CPP (with Appendices)
Approved 2020 WQMP/CPP (no Appendices)
- Appendix A Antidegradation Policy
- Appendix B TMDL List (updated 9-28-2022)
- Appendix C
Updates to the WQMP/CPP
The WQMP/CPP involves a public review and comment period before it can be submitted to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review and approval.
The WQMP/CPP was recently approved by the WQCC on September 23, 2020 and EPA on October 23, 2020. The next update is tentatively planned for October 2022.
References and Links
- Previously Approved WQMPs and CPPs
- Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act of 1977)
- Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR 130.5
- Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR 130.6
- SWQB’s Hydrology Protocol