New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 19 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE
Chapter 8 - COAL MINING
Part 20 - PERFORMANCE STANDARDS - SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS
Section 19.8.20.2016 - HYDROLOGIC BALANCE: ACID-FORMING AND TOXIC-FORMING SPOIL
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
Drainage from acid-forming and toxic-forming spoil into ground and surface water shall be avoided by:
A. identifying, burying, and treating where necessary, spoil which, in the judgment of the director, may be detrimental to vegetation or may adversely affect water quality if not treated or buried;
B. preventing water from coming into contact with acid-forming and toxic-forming spoil in accordance with 19.8.20.2056 NMAC, and other measures as required by the director; and
C. burying or otherwise treating all acid-forming or toxic-forming spoil within 30 days after it is first exposed on the mine site, or within a lessor period required by the director. Temporary storage of the spoil may be approved by the director upon a finding that burial or treatment within 30 days is not feasible and will not result in any material risk of water pollution or other environmental damage. Storage shall be limited to the period until burial or treatment first becomes feasible. Acid-forming or toxic-forming spoil to be stored shall be placed on impermeable material and protected from erosion and contact with surface water.
