This report is designed to satisfy the statutory requirements of Section (§) 303(d) and the reporting requirements of §§ 305(b) and 314 of the federal Water Pollution Control Act [33 U.S.C. 1251], commonly known as the Clean Water Act (CWA). It also designed to serve as a source of basic information on water quality and water pollution control programs in New Mexico. Accordingly, the intended audience includes but is not limited to the general public, stakeholders, interest groups, consultants, state legislators, governmental agencies at all levels, as well as universities and other educational entities.
CWA § 303(d)(2) requires that each state submit to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) a listing of water quality limited segments requiring wasteload allocations, load allocations and total maximum daily loads. CWA § 305(b) (1) requires that each state submit a biennial report to the United States Congress through the US EPA. In accordance with the above stated statutory requirements, this report contains:
 |
an assessment of water quality; |
|
An analysis of the extent to which the CWA §101(a)(2) goal of surface water quality which provides for protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on the water is being achieved; |
|
an overview of progress in water pollution control and recommendations for further action; and |
|
a description of the nature of nonpoint source pollution and of programs for nonpoint source pollution control. |
Appendix A of the current report is the active State of New Mexico CWA §303(d)/§305(b) Integrated List of Assessed Waters. The Integrated List identifies whether or not a particular surface water of the state is currently meeting its designated uses as detailed in the Standards for Interstate and Intrastate Surface Waters (20.6.4 NMAC) through application of the State's Assessment Protocols. “Category 5” waters on the Integrated List specifically constitute the CWA Section §303(d) List of Impaired Waters.
To access archival versions of the Assessment Protocols by Integrated Report cycle, please visit our Monitoring, Assessment & Standards page. |
