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Environmental Agencies Propose Abandoned Site for National Superfund List

Release Date: 8/3/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced today that contaminated ground water near Española has been proposed for the federal Superfund program’s National Priority List (NPL).

     Established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, Superfund is our country’s program for cleaning uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

     "By listing this area on the NPL, we expedite the cleanup needed to restore the community. Now, federal dollars can be made available to help fund 90 percent of the cleanup with the state of New Mexico paying 10 percent," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

     "The Española community, Santa Clara Pueblo, the state and EPA have worked together cooperatively and expeditiously to characterize the site so that cleanup activities can begin. All of the parties working on this project should be commended for thinking creatively and working diligently toward restoration of this valuable ground water resource," said Ed Kelley, Director of NMED’s Water and Waste Management Division.

     Chlorinated solvents, such as those used in dry cleaning, were found in two water supply wells in 1989. Those wells were immediately closed to prevent potential health risks.

     Tests were performed recently on area wells used for drinking water to ensure that the public health is protected. Samples from other area wells seem to indicate that the plume of toxic chemicals extends over 16 acres. However, no drinking water wells are affected by the plume.

     EPA will seek public comments for 60 days on adding this site to the NPL. Those comments will be addressed when the Agency makes the final decision about adding the site to the NPL. During this period, the Agency will continue to develop cleanup plans so that actual work may begin as quickly after NPL listing as possible.

     Send comments to Superfund Docket, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 520 IG, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460.

     Additional information about this site is available on the regional web site at www.epa.gov/region6/6sf/6sf-nm.htm