A hearing officer has recommended the state Environment Department approve Bishop's Lodge's permit to discharge treated wastewater into a low-pressure dosed dispersal field.

A hearing was held in May over the permit, which generated significant public outcry from Tesuque-area residents who oppose the project due to concerns about the proximity of the new leach field to Little Tesuque Creek.

"No substantial evidence was presented at the public hearing that the Application should be denied," wrote hearing officer Felicia Orth in her Monday report.

Now, it's up to Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney to make the final call.

Following the May hearing, the bureau added conditions to permit approval: Within three months of approval, Bishop's Lodge will have to collect sample

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