Santa Fe - The New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes to Water Quality Standards on December 11, 2012 in Room 307 of the State Capitol Building, Santa Fe, NM 87501. The WQCC will begin its regular monthly meeting at 9:00 am, and the hearing will begin at the conclusion of its regular business.
The New Mexico Environment Department proposes to change the classification of Nichols and McClure Reservoirs, classify the Santa Fe River through the city of Santa Fe, modify criteria that apply to the Santa Fe River below the wastewater treatment facility, and change the classification of a portion of the Galisteo Watershed.
To present technical testimony at the hearing, a person must file a notice of intent to present technical testimony in WQCC No. 12-07 (R) with the WQCC Administrator no later than November 19, 2012 at 5:00 pm. The notice shall:
1. Identify the person for whom the witness(es) will testify;
2. Identify each technical witness the person intends to present and state the qualifications of that witness including a description of their educational and work background;
3. Attach the full direct testimony of each technical witness;
4. State the anticipated duration of the direct testimony of each technical witness;
5. Include the text of any recommended modifications to the proposed regulatory change and a statement of basis;
6. Identify and attach all exhibits to be offered by the person at the hearing in their direct case; and
7. Identify whether the person supports or opposes the nomination to be considered by the WQCC and the basis for the position.
Any member of the public may present non-technical testimony and exhibits at the hearing. No prior notification is required. Persons desiring to present non-technical testimony may be heard at the end of each technical case, and at other times as the hearing officer allows. A member of the public may submit a written non-technical statement for the record to the WQCC Administrator in lieu of oral testimony at any time prior to the hearing or at the hearing at any time prior to the close of the hearing.
The hearing will be conducted in accordance with Section 74-6-6 of the Water Quality Act, the Guidelines for WQCC Regulation Hearings, and the Procedural Order and Scheduling Order issued by the WQCC Hearing Officer. These documents are available at: www.nmenv.state.nm.us/wqcc/ or by contacting the WQCC Administrator. The Hearing Officer shall enforce the above requirements through the exclusion of technical testimony, exhibits or recommended modifications, as appropriate. At the conclusion of the hearing, the WQCC may make a final decision or may provide information regarding post-hearing submittals and a timeframe for its final decision.
On August 3, 2012 NMED filed a Petition of Hearing, Statement of Reasons and Proposed Regulatory Change. These documents are available at http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/swqb/. NMED may revise the proposal in response to public comments. NMED's revised proposal, including revised Statement of Reasons and Proposed Regulatory Change will be available at the same web site after November 19.
The proposal may also be obtained electronically or reviewed in person by contacting:
Pam Castaneda
WQCC Administrator
1190 S. St. Francis Drive
PO Box 5469
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Tel (505) 827-2425, Fax (505) 827-2836, E-mail
If any person requires assistance, an interpreter or auxiliary aid to participate in this process, please contact Connie Joseph at least ten days prior to the hearing date at NMED, Personnel Service Bureau, Room N-4071, 1190 S. St. Francis Drive, PO Box 5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502, (505) 827-9769. TDY users may access Ms. Joseph's number through the New Mexico Relay Network at 1-800-659-8331.
