New Mexico Register / Volume XXIX, Issue 13 / July 10, 2018

NOTICE OF RULEMAKING HEARINGS

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has scheduled rule hearings for:

* Friday August 10, 2018 at 9:00am at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, at 3190 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM, on the corner of Espina and Gregg.

* Monday August 13, 2018 at 2:30 pm at the Agnes Kastner Community Center, at 200 E. Park St, Hobbs, NM 88240.

* Tuesday August 14, 2018at 9:00am at the Artesia Public Schools Administrative Office, at 301 Bulldog Boulevard, Artesia, NM.

Formal hearings will be held to receive public input on the newly developed rule 21.17.36 NMAC - Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine.

Purpose: Pecan Weevil is considered the most significant insect pest of pecan producers. Previous periodic introductions of pecan weevil into New Mexico have triggered grower specific quarantines and eradication procedures. Pecan weevil was recently confirmed in approximately 200 residential pecan trees in several eastern New Mexico pecan growing counties and several commercial pecan orchards. This recent widespread establishment of pecan weevil in eastern New Mexico’s residential areas has dictated a more comprehensive approach to maintaining New Mexico’s Pecan weevil-free status. In order to address the pecan weevil infestation the department proposes the establishment of an interior quarantine.

Rule Summary: Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine establishes quarantine areas, restrictions and treatment options on regulated articles, disposition protocol, and fees.

Legal Authority authorizing the rule: Granted to the board of regents of New Mexico state university under the Pest Control Act, Chapter 76, Article 6, Sections 1 through 9, NMSA 1978 Compilation.

Interested individuals may provide comments regarding the proposed rulemaking actions at the rule hearing and/or submit written comments via email at comments@nmda.nmsu.edu. Written comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 14, 2018. The submission of written comments as soon as possible is encouraged. Persons offering written comments at the meeting must have 2 copies for the hearing officer.

The full text of the proposed rules is available on the webpage at www.nmda.nmsu.edu and available at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture located at 3190 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88003.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact the Department at (575) 646-3702 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible.