N.M. Code R. § 20.6.2.3110 – Public Hearing Participation

A. The secretary may appoint an impartial hearing officer to preside over the hearing. The hearing officer may be a department employee other than an employee of the bureau evaluating the application.
B. The hearing shall be at a place in the area affected by the facility for which the discharge permit proposal, modification or renewal is sought.
C. Any person who wishes to present technical evidence at the hearing shall, no later than ten (10) days prior to the hearing, file with the department, and if filed by a person who is not the applicant, serve on the applicant, a statement of intent to present evidence. A person who does not file a statement of intent to present evidence may present a general non-technical statement in support of or in opposition to the proposed discharge plan, modification or renewal. The statement of intent to present technical evidence shall include:
1. (1) the name of the person filing the statement;
2. (2) indication of whether the person filing the statement supports or opposes the proposed discharge plan proposal, modification or renewal;
3. (3) the name of each witness;
4. (4) an estimate of the length of the direct testimony of each witness;
5. (5) a list of exhibits, if any, to be offered into evidence at the hearing; and
6. (6) a summary or outline of the anticipated direct testimony of each witness.
D. At the hearing, the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure, SCRA 1986, 1-001 to 1-102 and the New Mexico Rules of Evidence, SCRA 1986, 11-101 to 11-1102 shall not apply. At the discretion of the hearing officer, the rules may be used as guidance. Any reference to the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence shall not be construed to extend or otherwise modify the authority and jurisdiction of the department under the Act.
E. The hearing officer shall conduct a fair and impartial proceeding, assure that the facts are fully elicited, and avoid delay. The hearing officer shall have authority to take all measures necessary for the maintenance of order and for the efficient, fair and impartial adjudication of issues arising in the proceedings.
F. At the hearing, all persons shall be given a reasonable chance to submit data, views or arguments orally or in writing and to examine witnesses testifying at the hearing.
G. Unless otherwise allowed by the hearing officer, testimony shall be presented in the following order:
1. (1) testimony by and examination of the applicant or permittee proving the facts relied upon to justify the proposed discharge plan, renewal or modification and meeting the requirements of the regulations;
2. (2) testimony by and examination of technical witnesses supporting or opposing approval, approval subject to conditions, or disapproval of the proposed discharge plan, renewal or modification, in any reasonable order;
3. (3) testimony by the general public; and
4. (4) rebuttal testimony, if appropriate.
H. The secretary may provide translation service at a public hearing conducted in a locale where the Department can reasonably expect to receive testimony from non-English speaking people.
I. If determined useful by the hearing officer, within thirty (30) days after conclusion of the hearing, or within such time as may be fixed by the hearing officer, the hearing officer may allow proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and closing argument. All such submissions, if allowed, shall be in writing, shall be served upon the applicant or permittee, the department and all persons who request copies in advance in writing, and shall contain adequate references to the record and authorities relied on. No new evidence shall be presented unless specifically allowed by the hearing officer.
J. The department shall make an audio recording of the hearing. If the applicant or permittee, or a participant requests a written transcript or certified copy of the audio recording, the requestor shall pay the cost of the transcription or audio copying.
K. The hearing officer shall issue a report within thirty (30) days after the close of the hearing record. The report may include findings of fact, conclusions regarding all material issues of law or discretion, as well as reasons therefore. The report shall be served on the applicant or permittee, the department, and all persons who request copies in advance in writing. The report will be available for public inspection at the department's office in Santa Fe and at the field office closest to the point of the proposed discharge.
L. The secretary shall issue a decision in the matter no later than thirty (30) days of receipt of the hearing report. The decision shall be served and made available for inspection pursuant to Subsection K of this section.
M. Any person who testifies at the hearing or submits a written statement for the record will be considered a participant for purposes of Subsection 20.6.2.3113 NMAC and NMSA 1978, Section 74-6-5.N.
[2-18-77, 12-1-95, 11-15-96; 20.6.2.3110 NMAC - Rn, 20 NMAC 6.2.III.3110, 1-15-01; A, 12-1-01]