2009 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 72 - Water Law.
Article 5A - Ground Water Storage and Recovery
Section 72-5A-6 - State engineer; powers and duties; permit; monitoring requirements.

72-5A-6. State engineer; powers and duties; permit; monitoring requirements.

A.     The state engineer shall issue a permit to construct and operate a project if the applicant has provided a reasonable demonstration that:   

(1)     the applicant has the technical and financial capability to construct and operate the project;   

(2)     the project is hydrologically feasible;   

(3)     the project will not impair existing water rights or the state's interstate obligations;   

(4)     the project will not be contrary to the conservation of water within the state;   

(5)     the project will not be detrimental to the public welfare of the state;   

(6)     the applicant has completed applications for all permits required by state and federal law;   

(7)     the applicant has a valid water right quantified by one of the following legal processes:   

(a)     a water rights adjudication;   

(b)     a consent decree;   

(c)     an act of congress, including a negotiated settlement ratified by congress;   

(d)     a contract pursuant to 43 USC 620 et seq.; or   

(e)     an agreement with an owner who has a valid water right subject to an application for a change in purpose, place of use or point of diversion; and   

(8)     that [sic] the project will not cause harm to users of land and water within the area of hydrologic effect;   

B.     A permit for a project shall include:   

(1)     the name and mailing address of the person to whom the permit is issued;   

(2)     the name of the declared underground water basin in which the project will be located;   

(3)     the capacity and plan of operation of the project;   

(4)     any monitoring program required;   

(5)     all conditions required by or regulations adopted pursuant to the Ground Water Storage and Recovery Act; and   

(6)     other information the state engineer determines to be necessary.   

C.     The permit shall not become effective until the applicant obtains all other required state and federal permits.   

D.     The state engineer shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of the Ground Water Storage and Recovery Act, including monitoring the operation of projects and their effects on other water users in the area of hydrologic effect, including an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo. In determining monitoring requirements, the state engineer shall cooperate with all government entities that regulate and monitor the quality of water, including the department of environment.