Notification of Spills and Unauthorized Discharges

Who Must Provide Notification? The owner, operator, or person in charge of any facility where a discharge has occurred must provide notification of such release to the New Mexico Environment Department.

What Kinds of Discharges Must be Reported? Any amount of any material in such quantity as may with reasonable probability injure or be detrimental to human health, animal or plant life, or property; or may unreasonably interfere with the public welfare or the use of property must be reported. This includes chemical, biohazardous, petroleum-product, and sewage spills and incidents. In addition to recent spills, the discovery of evidence of previous unauthorized discharges, such as contaminated soil or ground water, also must be reported.

Are There Reportable Quantities? New Mexico has not established reportable quantities.

When Must Notification Be Provided? Verbal notification must be provided as soon as possible after learning of a discharge, but in no event more than twenty-four (24) hours thereafter.

How Should Notification be Provided?

• For emergencies, call 505-827-9329 twenty-four hours a day.
• For non-emergencies, call 866-428-6535 (voice mail, twenty-four hours a day).
• For non-emergencies, and to reach an on-duty NMED staff member during normal business hours, call 505-476-6000.