About Protect Tesuque

Tesuque residents organize after learning Bishop’s Lodge plans to discharge partially treated wastewater into Little Tesuque Creek.

In response to over 140 public comments and 80+ formal hearing requests, Bishop’s Lodge pivots to a new plan: discharge via a leach field within 100 feet of the creek, in a FEMA flood zone, above a shallow aquifer.

Protect Tesuque formally challenges the draft discharge permit issued by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), arguing the plan violates the Environmental Improvement Act and Liquid Waste Regulations.

Protect Tesuque files its final reply brief, consolidating its legal argument and demanding permit denial.

An NMED hearing officer denies Protect Tesuque’s motion without a hearing or rationale, allowing the permit process to continue unchecked.

Protect Tesuque files a petition for a writ of mandamus with the New Mexico Supreme Court, asking the Court to intervene and require NMED to enforce state law.

A public hearing on the draft permit took place and Hearing Officer Orth’s decision is expected within 60 days of the date of the hearing.

The Supreme Court  of New Mexico temporarily stops the NMED hearing process on Bishop’s Lodge Resort’s permit while making a decision to determine if the more stringent regulations apply as asserted by Protect Tesuque. Read Supreme Court stay order and court filings.

Protect Tesuque files a petition calling for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and NMED Secretary James Kenney to protect waters of New Mexico by urging NMED to follow the Liquid Waste Disposal Regulations and deny Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resort’s permit to discharge.

Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resort files lawsuit against Protect Tesuque, neighbors and community members seeking to block protests. Read Protect Tesuque press release here.

Donate to support those who have peacefully protested a wastewater plan that threatens Tesuque’s drinking water and are now being sued by Bishop’s Lodge Resort.

The Supreme Court  of New Mexico hears oral argument from lawyers for Protect Tesuque, NMED and Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resort. Read Protect Tesuque’s response to the Supreme Court Ruling here.

Protect Tesuque, NMED and Bishop’s Lodge Resort submit their Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to Hearing Officer Orth for consideration on the Bishop’s Lodge permit to discharge.

Protect Tesuque files opposition to Bishops Lodge motion for attorneys’ fees with the  Supreme Court of New Mexico.

Hearing Officer Orth sends report with recommendations to NMED Secretary James Kenney recommending the permit be approved. Because of Protect Tesuque’s efforts, NMED added one time testing requirement for an additional 58 contaminants within 90 days after granting of the permit.

The NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney grants wastewater discharge permit to Bishop’s Lodge Resort.

Court Judge Francis Mathew denies Bishop’s Lodge Resort’s lawsuit against Protect Tesuque, neighbors and community members seeking to block protests.