New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 20 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 9 - SOLID WASTE
Part 10 - FINANCIAL ASSURANCE
Section 20.9.10.9 - FINANCIAL ASSURANCE FOR CLOSURE AND NUISANCE ABATEMENT

(1) For landfills, the cost estimate shall be based upon the cost of closing the largest area of all landfill cells ever requiring a final cover at any time during the active life when the extent and manner of its operation would make closure the most expensive, as indicated by its closure plan. Should the owner or operator submit a subsidiary schedule, the amount guaranteed annually may be in accordance with this schedule upon approval by the secretary. If the owner or operator is found to be utilizing acreage in excess of the amount shown in the subsidiary schedule, final closure on the excess acreage shall be completed within sixty days or the subsidiary schedule and the amount of financial assurance shall be increased to reflect the excess acreage.

(2) For all other solid waste facilities, the cost estimate must be a detailed written estimate of the cost of closure to be performed in accordance with the applicable portions of 20.9.6.12 NMAC and also shall include the cost of hiring a third party to clean up and dispose of the largest inventory of material and end product expected at the facility and to clean up and dispose of all fugitive trash, solid waste, or other materials that could potentially create a nuisance at the facility. The cost estimate shall also include costs of an independent project manager and contract administration. For a recycling or composting facility required to provide financial assurance for nuisance abatement pursuant to Subsection C of 20.9.3.28 NMAC or Subsection E of 20.9.3.29 NMAC, the owner or operator shall develop a detailed written estimate, in current dollars, of the cost of hiring a third party to clean up and dispose of the largest inventory of compostable or recyclable material and end product expected at the facility and to clean up and dispose of all fugitive trash, solid waste, or other materials that could potentially create a nuisance at the facility. The cost estimate shall also include the costs of an independent project manager and contract administration.

(3) During the active life of the facility, the owner or operator shall annually adjust the closure cost estimate for inflation, installation of final cover material on any areas at final grade, and any other factors affecting closure costs. A copy of the adjusted closure cost estimate shall be placed in the operating record.

(4) The owner or operator shall increase the amount of financial assurance if changes to the closure plan or facility conditions increase the maximum cost of closure at any time during the remaining active life by over three percent of the current financial assurance amount.

(5) The owner or operator may reduce the amount of financial assurance for closure if the cost estimate exceeds the maximum cost of closure at any time during the remaining life of the facility, upon specific approval by the secretary. To seek approval, the owner or operator shall provide the adjusted cost estimate and supporting documentation to the department. If approved, the owner or operator may revise any financial assurance documents to reflect the adjusted closure cost estimate, and shall file a duplicate original of each financial assurance document with the department within 15 days following approval, and shall place a copy of the estimate and approval in the operating record.