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PA ALBUQUERQUE DRINKING WATER SUPPLY

Release Date: 02/20/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1997

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT ALBUQUERQUE DRINKING
WATER SUPPLY

In a cooperative effort to protect drinking water in Albuquerque, N.M., the United States sued Sparton Technology Inc. on Feb. 19, for violating federal environmental laws including the Safe Drinking Water Act by contaminating part of the Santa Fe Group aquifer system, the city's only source of drinking water. The suit alleges that the contamination was caused by hazardous waste generated by an electronic circuit board manufacturing facility on Coors Road that Sparton operated from 1961 through 1994. Studies conducted by Sparton show that the contaminants have spread at least one-half mile from the facility, extending at least 70 feet below the ground water layer. Commercial and residential developments are within the immediate vicinity of the facility. The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring Sparton to stop the spread of contamination and to clean it up. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque. Similar suits were also filed by the State of Mexico, Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque.

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