New Mexico Dairy Discharge Regulations

Location: Statewide

Opposing Parties: Dairy industry

Initiation Date: October 2009

Status: On-going

Clients/Partners: Amigos Bravos, Caballo Concerned Citizens, Citizens for Dairy Reform, Food and Water Watch, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter

Attorneys: Jonathan Block

Issues:

Represent clients at an New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) hearing to advocate for strong discharge standards for dairies.

Latest News:

11/16/2011 - WQCC adopts the proposed amendments to dairy discharge regulations.

02/14/2011 - The Coalition enters its opposition to the Motion for Stay pending appeal of the dairy rules.

01/13/2011 - The NMELC filed a Petition for Writ of Mandamus for its clients in NM Supreme Court over Governor’s halt of printing of dairy discharge rule.

12/23/2010 - The dairy rule was filed with the State Records Center today. The effective date will be January 31, 2011. It is codified as 6.2.6 NMAC and will be published on Jan. 14.

12/16/2010 - The Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) passes New Mexico’s first industry-specific regulations for the dairy industry.

11/08/2010 - Coalition files Exceptions to the Hearing Officer’s Report.

08/23/2010 - Coalition files its Reasons for Decision and Conclusion on final rule with the WQCC.

06/08/2010 - Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) resumes its hearing on proposed groundwater regulations for dairies.

01/04/2010 - Currently awaiting response from the hearing officer regarding our clients Motion to Intervene in the opposing parties appeal to the Water Quality Control Commission. This hearing is scheduled for mid April 2010.

Case Files:

11/16/2011 - WQCC Statement of Reasons for Adopted Changes to the Regulations.

02/14/2011 - Coalition Opposition to Motion for Stay.

01/13/2011 - Coalition’s NM Supreme Court Petition for Writ of Mandamus

11/08/2010 - Coalition’s Exceptions to the Hearing Officer’s Report.

08/23/2010 - Coalition’s Reasons for Decision and Conclusion.