Guv seeks protection for NM rivers

Nomination of surface waters called 'unprecedented'

Albuquerque -- Gov. Bill Richardson is seeking unprecedented protection for thousands of miles of New Mexico rivers and streams, saying it would ensure water quality far into the future.

The governor on Tuesday — Earth Day — nominated all surface waters within national forest wilderness areas as well within the controversial federal roadless areas in the state — 5,340 miles of waterways in all and covering the entire state, his office says — to be classified as Outstanding National Resource Waters.

That designation is the most protective of three levels available under the Federal Clean Water Act. The nomination would have to be approved by the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission.

In a proclamation issued today, the governor said, “This ensures that these pristine waters — including world-class trout fishing areas and vital drinking water supplies — will remain clean for the next generation to enjoy.”

If approved, the designation would also counter efforts by the Bush administration to weaken environmental protections in national roadless areas, Richardson’s office said in the release. The designation is aimed at protecting water quality in the designated streams. Under the protection, neither existing nor new land uses or activities can degrade water quality, his office said.

A spokeswoman in the New Mexico Environment Department, Marissa Stone, said it appears the governor’s statewide declaration is a first. “It’s always been something he’s wanted to do,” she said, but could not say why the governor made his proposal now.

Lauren Ketcham, an advocate with Environment New Mexico, applauded the nomination. It not only protects water quality, she said, but sends a clear message to federal authorities managing national lands “that we don’t need less protection, we need more.”

“Water quality is really important in New Mexico,” she added. With a growing population and an uncertain water supply, Ketcham said, “Wasting even a single drop through pollution or contamination would be a great mistake.”

Two other New Mexico waterways have been designated as outstanding, the Rio Santa Barbara in the Pecos Wilderness in 2005 and the Valle Vidal in 2006.
 

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