Agency sets deadline of 10 days for plans to correct the problem

City disagrees with ruling and may go to court


By Eric Maddy
The SCORE

The New Mexico Environment Department issued a formal notice of violation to the city of Rio Rancho on Thursday, saying the city is responsible for discharges into ponds at Chamisa Hills Country Club that resulted in the death of several ducks.

The notice gives the city 10 days to come up with plans to fix the problem or potentially face fines of $40,000 per day - $15,000 each for two violations plus $10,000 for not responding to the notice.

City manager Jim Payne and city councilor Delma Petrulo both spoke at the meeting and said they do not agree with NMED’s interpretation of the law. After the 45-minutue meeting, which was open to the public, Payne said he was not sure if the city would be able to comply with the deadline or if it would go to court to prevent the agency from imposing its ruling.