Specifications include, but are not limited to: The purpose and goal of this Scope of Work is the provision of technical support services to assist the Agency in obtaining authorization for a state-led surface water quality permit program in New Mexico. The Agency seeks to obtain: 1) delegated authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program for waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), and 2) regulatory approval from the NM Water Quality Control Commission to regulate discharges to non-WOTUS surface waters of the state, which include wetlands. Contractor will support this effort by providing technical expertise, including analysis and testimony, related to surface water discharge permitting, wetland protection permitting, and EPA’s program approval process. Contractor Activities: Specifically, the Contractor shall perform the following tasks on an as-needed basis: 1. review state and federal statutes, rules, policies, and practices regarding NPDES delegation and state-authorized surface water quality permit programs; 2. advise NMED regarding the options for implementing a permit program for non-WOTUS surface waters of the state; 3. evaluate technical, economic, and regulatory impacts of NPDES delegation and a permit program for non-WOTUS surface waters of the state 4. prepare documents and conduct analyses related to NPDES delegation and a permit program for non-WOTUS surface waters of the state; 5. assist in preparing for and participate in meetings with stakeholders and the public; 6. draft permit language and permit program implementation documents; 7. provide technical assistance for drafting statutory amendments and rules to obtain NPDES delegation and to establish a permit program for non-WOTUS surface waters of the state; 8. prepare and present testimony, rebuttal testimony, and exhibits at a rulemaking hearing before the NM Water Quality Control Commission; evaluate and advise NMED regarding the testimony and exhibits submitted by other persons; advise NMED during the preparation of post-hearing submittals; and perform related tasks in support of NMED’s petition to adopt rules to obtain NPDES delegation and to establish a permit program for non-WOTUS surface waters of the state.
