The bill amends the Water Quality Act in New Mexico to strengthen the regulation of water pollution and enhance water quality management. It introduces new definitions such as "barrier," "compensatory mitigation," and "general permit," while revising existing terms like "gray water" and "new source." A significant addition is the establishment of the Neglected and Contaminated Sites Fund, which will receive penalties collected for violations, and the bill appropriates $50 million from the general fund to support this initiative. The legislation also allows for general permit coverage for multiple dischargers and outlines the conditions under which permits for water use and discharge are issued, including the establishment of pretreatment standards.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes public involvement in the permitting process by mandating public hearings and notifications to affected parties. It requires the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt rules that align with federal regulations and to consider scientific information when developing industry-specific rules. The commission is also tasked with managing the disposal of septage and sludge, as well as handling produced water and treated wastewater for potable reuse. Overall, the bill aims to improve water quality protections, ensure compliance with environmental standards, and promote transparency and public engagement in water management practices.

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