Multiple NMED programs now offering online payment option 

As part of an agency-wide effort to provide better customer service to New Mexicans and business owners, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) continues to expand online payment services.  

Petroleum storage tank regulations protect public health and the environment and help New Mexico businesses operate safely. 

There are over 900 petroleum storage tanks throughout the state, located at gas stations, schools, government entities, hospitals, health care facilities and airports. Approximately 88% of these petroleum storage tanks are found at small businesses. Owners of petroleum storage tanks pay an annual fee to the state to register tanks and support NMED technical assistance throughout the year.

The fees from this program allow us to continue providing necessary regulatory oversight and technical and compliance assistance – helping owners understand rules and requirements in order to avoid future enforcement or clean-up actions.

In addition, NMED conducts inspections and, when necessary, ensures spills are cleaned up to state standards. By expanding our online payment portal to these businesses, they can quickly and simply pay the annual fee at their convenience. 

In the last two years, NMED revolutionized how businesses, governments and the public interact with the Department by offering online payments for a myriad of important services. Today, drinking water treatment plant operators, owners and operators of medical equipment that uses radioactive materials, communities that use our project loan programs for critical infrastructure work and septic tank program customers have the option to pay program fees online. Allowing online payment for these programs is another example of NMED’s goal to provide New Mexicans with excellent customer service in action. Prior to September 2019, NMED did not offer any online payment options and relied solely on mailed checks or in-person delivery.  

“The Environment Department modernization efforts are making it easier to conduct business in New Mexico,” said NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “Over the next few months, we will expand our online payment options to include restaurants and launch a brand-new website with improved functionality to make it easier for all New Mexicans to stay connected with the Department.” 

As of April 6, NMED is invoicing petroleum storage tank owners through an online system that allows owners to submit payments using credit cards and ACH direct transfers. Annual tank registration fee invoices will be sent to tank owners utilizing this new system on June 1, 2021. Tank owners may continue to pay registration fees though the mail. 

To pay fees online, visit the petroleum storage tank payment portal here. For assistance using the system, contact Antonette Cordova at antonette.cordova@state.nm.us or 505-372-8154.