Santa Fe-The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has issued a notice of violation to Helena Chemical Co. for failing to correct deficiencies in its clean-up plan for the fertilizer company’s facility in Mesquite, N.M. If uncorrected, the violations can result in penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation. NMED claims Helena violated the state water quality laws by failing to submit a modified Stage 2 Abatement Plan that includes monitoring for fluoride, chloride, and total dissolved solids contaminating groundwater at the facility above regulated water quality standards. Marcy Leavitt, water and waste management division director, warned that the “state is disappointed with Helena’s refusal to monitor groundwater contaminants underneath its facility.” Leavitt added, “The company, which is under the abatement plan because of groundwater impacts from its operations in the area, must immediately address this issue to protect groundwater and to meet its responsibilities to the surrounding community.” If Helena fails to address the deficiencies in its abatement plant, NMED could assess a civil penalty or commence civil action in district court for violations of the New Mexico Water Quality Act, regulations promulgated under the act, or water quality standards adopted pursuant to the act.
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