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EPA reports end-of-year enforcement results for New Mexico

Release Date: 11/15/2007
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(Dallas, Texas – November 15, 2007) Enforcement activities by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency produced historic results from industry, government, and other regulated entities to protect the nation’s air, water, and land in fiscal year 2007. The record $10.6 billion in pollution controls and environmental projects to achieve compliance with federal environmental laws exceeds the previous record of $10.2 billion set in FY2006.

In New Mexico, EPA achieved more than 15 million pounds of pollution reductions, more than $4 million in penalties and environmental improvements, and concluded 85 enforcement cases with facilities in the state.

“EPA is committed to safeguarding our nation’s environmental health through effective compliance assistance and a strong enforcement program,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “Today’s report shows that we continue to make significant progress in protecting people and the environment.”

EPA’s enforcement numbers were released today by its Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance as part of its end-of-year report for FY2007, which ended September 30.

Among the Agency’s enforcement achievements for New Mexico is working with its state counterparts to address water pollution issues. In coordination with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), EPA issued 11 administrative orders to dairies located in the southeast part of the state involving pollution prevention planning and disposal of animal waste. Compliance assistance and training was provided to the facilities to ensure protection of surface and groundwater in the area.

EPA also issued formal credentials to NMED staff to perform inspections under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. NMED staff will conduct compliance evaluation, compliance sampling, concentrated animal feeding operation and stormwater inspections on behalf of EPA. The credentials will result in more facilities being inspected, and NMED staff will have the authority to assess federal provisions not covered by state law.

Total enforcement results for EPA Region 6 included more than 92 million pounds of pollution reductions, more than $237 million in environmental improvements, and 674 enforcement cases concluded with facilities across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In addition, EPA provided help to 11,839 regional businesses and individuals in understanding and complying with environmental responsibilities.

The EPA enforcement program is a vital tool in ensuring compliance with the nation’s environmental laws and inspiring businesses, governments, and others to focus on pollution prevention. More information on the EPA FY2007 enforcement and compliance program is available at https://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6en/07-axns.htm.

To learn more about activities in EPA Region 6, please visit https://www.epa.gov/region6.