New Mexico Department of Ag hosts public hearings regarding pecan weevil quarantine on Aug. 26, Aug. 29, Sept. 9
Pecan weevil larval exit holes. (Photo by Pat Porter, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
The proposed repeal and replacement of the Exterior Quarantine primarily updates the list of Texas pecan weevil quarantined counties to correspond with those identified in Texas law and adds a cold-storage treatment post-entry requirement.
The proposed amendments to the Interior Quarantine primarily add an additional cold-storage treatment and a post-entry treatment option, and clarifies the state’s actions regarding non-compliant pecans. Due to the confirmation of pecan weevil in two Otero County commercial orchards, amendments also propose to add Otero County to the list of quarantined counties. The rule and amendments are part of the state’s continued effort to slow the spread of pecan weevil to uninfested pecan-growing areas of the state.
The public hearings will be held as follows:
Friday, Aug. 26, 3 p.m.
NMDA will host a public video/telephonic and in-person hearing in Las Cruces on the New Mexico State University campus at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture building, located at 3190 S. Espina, at the corner of Espina and Gregg. Visit the NMSU website to view a parking map and to download a free, one-day parking pass. Visitors should park in lots 69 and 71 on Gregg Street or lot 70 on Sam Steel Way.
Monday, Aug. 29, 4 p.m.
NMDA will host an in-person public hearing in Artesia at the Artesia Public Schools Administration Building Board Room, located at 1106 W. Quay.
Friday, Sept. 9, 3 p.m.
NMDA will host an in-person public hearing in Tularosa at the Tularosa Community Center, located at 1050 N. Bookout Rd.
Oral comments will be accepted at the hearings from members of the public and any interested parties. Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12. Comments may be submitted via email to comments@nmda.nmsu.edu or may be filed by sending original copies to:
New Mexico Department of Agriculture
Office of Director
MSC 3189
PO Box 30005
3190 S. Espina
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8005
Only signed statements, proposals, or comments will be accepted. Scanned or electronic signatures conforming to federal and state court requirements will be accepted with the understanding that if there is any dispute regarding a signature, NMDA reserves the right to require that original signatures be provided to verify the electronic or facsimile signature. The director will consider all oral comments and will review all timely-submitted written comments and responses.
Individuals with a disability who need a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to participate in the hearings should contact NMDA at 575-646-3702 at least one week prior to the hearing or as soon as possible.
Copies of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, proposed rule amendments, and technical information are available on the NMDA website.
Legal authority authorizing the rule amendments is granted to the board of regents of New Mexico State University under the Pest Control Act, Chapter 76, Article 6, Sections 1 through 9, New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978 Compilation and the Pecan Act, Chapter 76, Article 16, Sections 1 through 9, NMSA 1978 compilation.
