Environment Promises
Grow Regulatory Teeth
State regulators are putting enforcement teeth into Gov. Bill Richardson's promise to protect New Mexico's environment.
The state Environment Department has proposed a record $2.4 million fine against the U.S. Department of Energy in response to drums of radioactive waste that had not been properly tested in Idaho before shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad.
DOE stopped the Idaho shipments in mid-July after discovering that a contractor had added untested drums to a properly tested batch of WIPP-bound waste. But at least 100 untested drums are now buried at the WIPP.
According to WIPP manager Paul Detwiler, the questionable drums are safe for WIPP disposal based on previous tests.
Besides the fine, the state is calling on the Department of Energy to set up a computer database of waste records to allow public monitoring. Both measures will help promote compliance with the state/federal agreements under which WIPP operates.
In another environmental case, the state Oil Conservation Division has fined Saba Energy of Texas Inc. $270,000 for not properly plugging six old wells in Lea County.
Improperly sealed wells can allow oil, gas or saltwater to move through the well bore and contaminate ground or surface water.
The largest previous fine was $53,000, although the largest amount actually collected by the division, part of the Energy, Mineral and Natural Resources Department, was $13,000. OCD is moving in the right direction.
Environment Secretary Ron Curry and Energy Secretary Joanna Prukop are sending clear messages that New Mexico is serious about environmental regulation.
opinion 
State regulators are putting enforcement teeth into Gov. Bill Richardson's promise to protect New Mexico's environment.
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