Neglected Contamination Sites are properties where unaddressed contamination threatens, or has already impacted, soil and groundwater and viable responsible parties do not exist to fund investigation and cleanup.
Contamination at neglected contamination sites is associated with former auto service/repair, dry cleaning, wood treating, oil processing, power generation, manufacturing, agricultural practices, electroplating, research facilities, natural gas plants, chemical handling, and other operations.
Numerous spills, old (pre-regulatory) landfills, and illegal dumps are also neglected contaminated sites. These sites pose environmental, human health, social, economic, and safety risks to their communities.
Reports
- Orphan Sites in New Mexico (October 2021)
- Orphan Site Investigation and Remediation Program Gap Analysis Report (May 2022)
- Neglected Contamination Sites Implementation Plan (November 2023)
Legislation
Amendments to the Water Quality Act during the 2025 legislative session gave authority to NMED to investigate and remediate neglected contamination sites.
Excerpt from WQA (Section 74-6-9(D))
Amendments to the Water Quality Act during the 2025 legislative session created a fund for addressing neglected contaminated sites.
Legislative Updates
List of Neglected Contaminated Sites
- Neglected Contamination Sites Limited Hazardous Waste Information
- Neglected Contamination Sites
Site Activity
- Tucumcari Truck Terminal
- Environmental Investigation Report summary (includes attachments of all prior site investigations and reports).
- Reports generated by NCS program.
- Aerex Refinery-East Parcel, Bloomfield
- Environmental Investigation Report summary (includes attachments of all prior site investigations and reports).
- Reports generated by NCS program.