New Mexico Administrative Code Title 20 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Here’s an updated overview of Title 20 – Environmental Protection within the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC):
📖 Structure of Title 20
Title 20 is comprised of 12 chapters addressing comprehensive environmental protection topics:
Chapter 1 – Environmental Protection General
Chapter 2 – Air Quality (Statewide)
Chapter 3 – Radiation Protection
Chapter 4 – Hazardous Waste
Chapter 5 – Petroleum Storage Tanks
Chapter 6 – Water Quality
Chapter 7 – Wastewater and Water Supply Facilities
Chapter 8 – Nuisance Abatement
Chapter 9 – Solid Waste
Chapter 10 – Hemp Post-Harvest Processing
Chapter 11 – Albuquerque–Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board
Chapter 12 – Sanitary Projects (law.cornell.edu)
🛠 Chapter Highlights
Chapter 1: Environmental Protection General
Defines rulemaking and adjudicatory procedures for the Environmental Improvement Board, Water Quality Control Commission, and Environment Department.
Outlines permitting processes, hearing protocols, and public meeting requirements. (regulations.justia.com)
Chapter 2: Air Quality
Governs statewide air quality standards and regulations, including open burning rules.
Part 60 restricts open burning of household and vegetative materials, with specific conditions and bans to safeguard public health. (epa.gov)
Chapter 3: Radiation Protection
Sets standards and licensing requirements for radiation sources.
(Details available in Parts 1–20.)
Chapter 4: Hazardous Waste
Controls management of hazardous waste—this includes permitting, storage, corrective action, and enforcement fees.
For example, Part 2 specifies fees for hazardous waste permits and closures, effective since 1998. (srca.nm.gov)
Chapter 5: Petroleum Storage Tanks
Establishes regulations for installation, operation, and closure of underground/aboveground storage systems.
Contains detailed requirements across numerous parts (1–125).
Chapter 6: Water Quality
Covers water quality standards, discharge permits, and protection of state waters.
Chapter 7: Wastewater & Water Supply Facilities
Regulates design, operation, and permitting for wastewater and public water systems.
Chapter 8: Nuisance Abatement
Focuses on eliminating environmental nuisances that affect public welfare.
Chapter 9: Solid Waste
Governs solid waste management, including landfill permitting, recycling, and disposal standards.
Chapter 10: Hemp Post‑Harvest Processing
Addresses rules for processing hemp after harvest, aligning with agricultural and environmental safeguards.
Chapter 11: Albuquerque–Bernalillo Air Quality Control Board
Implements localized regulations specific to Albuquerque and Bernalillo County air quality.
Chapter 12: Sanitary Projects
Covers regulations for public sanitary infrastructure and related project standards.
🌐 Oversight & Authority
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), supported by entities like the Environmental Improvement Board and Water Quality Control Commission, administers the provisions of Title 20. These departments are responsible for issuing permits, conducting hearings, and enforcing compliance across environmental domains (en.wikipedia.org, srca.nm.gov, law.cornell.edu, srca.nm.gov).
✅ In Summary
Title 20 organizes New Mexico’s environmental rules into 12 key chapters—from air and water quality to hazardous waste and radiation safety.
Each chapter includes rulemaking authority, procedural guidance, permitting frameworks, and compliance requirements.
Notable rules include open burning controls (Chapter 2), hazardous waste permitting and fee structure (Chapter 4), and petroleum storage tank regulation (Chapter 5).
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