NMED October Report: Water Quality Concerns Spark Enforcement Action in New Mexico
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) released its Enforcement Watch updates for October 2024, highlighting significant water quality concerns in Alamogordo and Otero County. According to AlamogordoTownNews.org, eight enforcement cases were reported in Alamogordo, with seven of those linked to water quality issues. Across Otero County, 42 cases were documented, 41 of which were related to drinking water, with a particular concentration in the Thunder Road area and Tiberon in Alamogordo.
The Enforcement Watch provides a detailed listing of both active and resolved enforcement cases. Active cases indicate alleged violations of regulations, rules, permits, or licenses, while resolved cases have either been adjudicated in court or administratively settled.
The NMED also offers a platform for the public to report potential environmental or workplace safety violations.
Bruce Baizel, Director of NMED’s Compliance and Enforcement Division, commented on the recent developments, stating, “The increased number of resolved drinking water cases this month shows the importance of our heightened enforcement efforts. We applaud the operators who are dedicated to providing safe drinking water to New Mexico residents.”
October’s updates included 197 new entries in the Active Matters listing, with 53 cases moved to the Resolved Matters listing. Notably, the report included 105 notices of violation issued by the Drinking Water Bureau and 74 violations issued by the Food Safety Program to retail food establishments that failed to pay their permit fees on time, resulting in $25 late fees.
