Environment Department takes initial steps toward clean-up of PFAS plumes in eastern New Mexico

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Effects of Exposure to PFASs a Clear Danger to Human Health

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

June 4, 2021

Contact: Maddy Hayden, Communications Director New Mexico Environment Department

505.231.8800 | maddy.hayden@state.nm.us

OTERO AND CURRY COUNTIES — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is making progress in its investigation of two plumes of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in groundwater near Cannon and Holloman Air Force Bases.

Groundwater contamination near Holloman and Cannon caused by decades of use and improper disposal of a PFAS-containing firefighting foam by the U.S. Department of Defense contains levels of PFAS that exceed lifetime health advisory levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not degrade in the environment and can contaminate groundwater. When ingested, PFAS can have adverse effects on human health, including decreased vaccine response in children, increased cholesterol levels, low birth weights and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers. While there are thousands of other types of PFAS, the EPA established a Lifetime Health Advisory level for two types of PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).

“We are now several months into our technical assessment of the PFAS contamination of land and water in Clovis and Alamogordo caused by the U.S. Department of Defense,” NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said. “Our proactive efforts demonstrate our commitment to moving quickly to protect communities while aggressively pursuing the science needed for public health decision-making.”

The investigation will provide greater insight into the size of the plumes, identify public and private water sources that may be affected, investigate how local wildlife may be impacted, and establish regular groundwater monitoring programs. To ensure the best method of clean-up is selected, this work should be completed before any clean-up activities begin. NMED will provide updates as these projects progress.

To date, NMED has completed data reviews, conducted site visits and drafted analysis and sampling plans at both sites. Work at both sites is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2022. Once the study concludes, NMED will evaluate next steps based on the risk to public health, the level of action taken by the DOD at that point and available funding.

NMED is in ongoing litigation with the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure they address the impacts to communities and the environment caused by PFAS contamination.

More information about this and NMED’s other PFAS-related activities is available here.