The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has announced the latest results of its Enforcement Watch initiative, which aims to provide transparency regarding enforcement actions across various environmental and safety programs. The program, initiated in May 2023, shares monthly updates on both ongoing and resolved enforcement cases.
In September 2025, the NMED reported 165 new enforcement actions and resolved 145 cases. These updates are categorized into "Active Matters," involving alleged violations under investigation, and "Resolved Matters," where cases have been adjudicated or administratively settled.
A significant development is the integration of the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) into NMED's Compliance and Enforcement Division. This move aims to enhance workplace safety across New Mexico by holding employers accountable for maintaining safe working conditions. In a notable case, OHSB issued a citation to Aliya’s Foods for failing to protect workers from machine hazards, resulting in an employee's arm amputation. Bruce Baizel, Director of NMED's Compliance and Enforcement Division, emphasized that employers must protect workers from preventable hazards.
OHSB inspected 231 worksites over the past year, issuing penalties exceeding $1.8 million for various violations. Employers are encouraged to review their safety programs to ensure compliance.
The September report includes notices of violation across several bureaus: Drinking Water Bureau issued 79 notices; Hazardous Waste Bureau issued 34; Food Safety Program issued 24; Occupational Health & Safety Bureau issued 17; Petroleum Storage Tank Bureau issued five; Air Quality Bureau issued three; Solid Waste Bureau issued two; Public Pools/Spas Bureau issued one.
Highlighted cases include a notice to XTO Energy Inc for air quality regulation violations at Maverick Compressor Station in Eddy County and a notice to Longhorn Estates Water System in Clovis for failing public notification under Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.
NMED provides detailed compliance metrics in its Quarterly Performance Report. The full Enforcement Watch can be accessed at https://www.env.nm.gov/enforcement-watch.
The New Mexico Environment Department confirmed that Las Vegas drinking water remains safe despite concerns about post-fire runoff from the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire affecting the city's water supply. More information is available at https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/officials-say-las-vegas-drinking-water-is-still-safe/.
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