The bill amends the Water Quality Act in New Mexico to strengthen the regulation of water pollution through the introduction of new definitions such as "barrier," "compensatory mitigation," "general permit," and "responsible party," while also revising existing terms like "gray water" and "water contaminant." It establishes the Neglected and Contaminated Sites Fund, allows for general permit coverage for multiple dischargers, and revises the Water Quality Management Fund, including the distribution of penalties. The bill empowers the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt rules aimed at preventing water pollution, managing septage and sludge disposal, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. It also allows for the denial of permits that would exceed state or tribal water quality standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the use of gray water in residential settings without requiring permits, mandates the commission to develop rules for state-led responses to water pollution, and emphasizes public participation in the permitting process. It specifies that penalties for surface water violations will fund remediation efforts through the newly created fund, while penalties for groundwater violations will also support the neglected and contaminated sites fund. The bill appropriates $50 million from the general fund to support these initiatives and is designed to take effect immediately to address pressing public health and safety concerns.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 74-6-2, 74-6-4, 74-6-5, 74-6-5.2, 74-6-10, 74-6-12