New Mexico cites Las Cruces businesses for environmental and safety violations
State report details enforcement actions in Doña Ana County and beyond
Organ Mountain News report
SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Environment Department issued multiple enforcement actions in February, including violations against businesses in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, according to its latest Enforcement Watch update.
Enforcement Watch tracks active and resolved cases related to alleged violations of state and federal regulations covering air quality, drinking water, food safety and workplace safety. The department reported 157 new enforcement actions statewide and resolved 104 cases.
“The Environment Department’s compliance staff was hard at work in February,” said Bruce Baizel, NMED compliance and enforcement director. “This month’s violations span the full range of our department’s oversight, including a major Department of Defense facility.”
Las Cruces and Doña Ana County violations
Among the enforcement actions were violations issued to two businesses in Las Cruces:
- Hampton Inn & Suites received a notice of violation from the Food Safety Program for operating without a valid food establishment permit.
- 24 Total Balance, a fitness and wellness facility, was cited by the Public Pools and Spas Program for failing to obtain a construction permit under the New Mexico Public Aquatic Venues Regulation.
Statewide enforcement actions
The February report included:
- 115 violations from the Drinking Water Bureau
- 27 violations from the Food Safety Program related to late permit payments
- Seven violations from the Air Quality Bureau
- Four violations from the Occupational Health and Safety Bureau
- Two violations from the Public Pools and Spas Bureau
- One violation each from the Hazardous Waste Bureau and the Petroleum Storage Tank Bureau
Notable cases statewide
The Air Quality Bureau cited the U.S. Army for violations at White Sands Missile Range, including exceeding air pollution limits and failing to provide required records.
Spur Energy Partners LLC received a violation notice for alleged air quality violations at a facility in Eddy County.
The Drinking Water Bureau cited the Carrizozo Water System for failing to notify the public about unresolved system deficiencies.
The Hazardous Waste Bureau issued a violation notice to Electric Clouds E-Cigs in Albuquerque for failing to conduct weekly inspections and other waste management violations.
The Hazardous Waste Bureau resolved a case with HollyFrontier Sinclair Asphalt Co. in Albuquerque related to hazardous waste storage violations. The company paid a $60,182 penalty and corrected the issues.
Compliance efforts and public reporting
The NMED updates its Enforcement Watch regularly, listing organizations cited for violations until they meet compliance requirements. The full report is available at https://www.env.nm.gov/enforcement-watch.
Organizations unclear on regulatory requirements are encouraged to seek compliance assistance to avoid enforcement actions, according to NMED.