New Mexico

'Forever Chemicals' Found in Water Sources Around New Mexico, Studies Find

Published

7 months ago

April 17, 2024

'Forever Chemicals' Found in Water Sources Around New Mexico, Studies Find

So-called forever chemicals have been found in water sources across New Mexico, according to recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and state environment officials.

The federal agency detailed the findings last week, around the same day the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Used in everyday products from nonstick pans and firefighting foam to waterproof clothing, PFAS have been linked to cancer and other health problems in humans. They are known as forever chemicals because they don’t degrade in the environment and remain in the bloodstream.

The research in New Mexico detected PFAS in all major rivers in the arid state, with the highest concentrations downstream of urban areas.

USGS researchers looked more closely at water quality in the Rio Grande as it flows through Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, and found PFAS levels downstream that were about 10 times higher than at upstream locations.

Dozens of samples also were taken from groundwater wells and surface water sites as part of an initial statewide survey between August 2020 and October 2021, with officials saying the majority of wells sampled did not turn up PFAS. The work began after contamination was discovered at military installations.

Andy Jochems of the Environment Department’s water protection team said the latest findings will be helpful as regulators make decisions about protecting drinking water resources in the future.

Kimberly Beisner, a USGS hydrologist and lead author of the studies, said the work highlights the complex nature of chemicals in urban areas and their effects on river systems. She noted that concentrations near cities are constantly changing due to wastewater discharges and stormwater runoff, for example.

The utility that serves the Albuquerque area has not seen any PFAS concentrations in the drinking water system approaching the EPA limits, so officials said Wednesday they aren’t anticipating that the new regulations will require any action other than continued monitoring and reporting.

As for contaminants from Albuquerque going into the Rio Grande, utility spokesman David Morris said it’s possible that at some point there may need to be enhancements at the city’s sewage treatment plant.

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New Mexico

Winter Storm Ensnarls Colorado, New Mexico | WeatherBug

Published

4 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Press Room

Winter Storm Ensnarls Colorado, New Mexico | WeatherBug

A multi-day snow storm continues to slowly move across New Mexico and Colorado today into Saturday.

Snow fell throughout much of the day Wednesday in the Front Range of Colorado. Snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches have been seen along the I-25 cooridor from Denver to Colorado Springs. Localized snow amounts near a foot have also been reported.

Farther south, developed during Wednesday afternoon and has continued to fall this morning. Snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches have also been reported around Santa Fe, N.M.

Moderate to occasionally heavy snow will continue to fall over portions of northern New Mexico into eastern Colorado today. Snow may briefly ease overnight tonight, but another burst of moderate to heavy snow will return for Friday and last into the day Saturday.

When all is said and done, snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet will be possible over the higher elevations of southern Colorado and far northern New Mexico.

An additional 2 to 5 inches of snow will fall across Denver, bringing storm totals to near or just over a foot. In Colorado Springs, Colo. additional snow amounts of 5 to 10 inches will drive snow accumulations to nearly 10 to 20 inches! Snow totals of 10 to 15 inches will be possible around Santa Fe, N.M.

Difficult travel conditions are expected throughout the region over the next few days due to the early season snow storm. As a result, Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are found across large portions of Colorado and New Mexico as well as northwestern Kansas and parts of the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles. This includes Colorado Springs, Colo., Santa Fe and Albuquerque, N.M., and Goodland, Kan.

It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid travel in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.

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New Mexico

Winter storm brings snow, rain and cold to New Mexico

Published

11 hours ago

November 6, 2024

Press Room

Winter storm brings snow, rain and cold to New Mexico

A significant winter storm is currently making its way into New Mexico and will drop snow over large swaths of the state.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A significant winter storm is currently making its way into New Mexico and will drop snow over large swaths of the state, particularly for areas in and around the central mountain chain.

An east canyon wind will affect the Rio Grande Valley later Tuesday night, with up to 50 mph gusts possible.

On Thursday, large snowfall accumulations and blowing snow will create hazardous driving conditions and possible power outages over the northern part of the state.

Watch the video above for a live look at the winter conditions, or follow Meteorologist Brandon Richards.

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New Mexico

ACLU Vows to Protect New Mexican’s Civil Rights and Constitutional Freedoms

Published

20 hours ago

November 6, 2024

Press Room

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — As the nation faces increased threats to civil rights under a second Trump presidency, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico announced immediate action to protect constitutional freedoms in the state.

“While Donald Trump may have been democratically reelected, the ACLU of New Mexico is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead,” said Leon Howard, Interim Executive Director of the ACLU of New Mexico. “We are done with handwringing—we are ready to act. New Mexico has established itself as a stronghold for civil rights, and we will use every available tool to maintain these protections and even expand them. We will defend our communities in the courts and in the legislature against any attempts to roll back fundamental rights.”

The ACLU of New Mexico pointed to several immediate priorities:

Protecting immigrant communities by preventing state resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement and fighting the expansion of immigration detention;
Safeguarding reproductive rights by protecting reproductive freedom in New Mexico and defending those targeted for providing or seeking reproductive care in the state;
Fighting against censorship and attempts to limit our First Amendment rights, including the right to protest;
Protecting LGBTQ+ rights by ensuring access to gender-affirming care and defending our privacy;
Continuing to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion and fight for the dignity of all New Mexicans, including our unhoused neighbors, people facing police violence, and people who are incarcerated.

“We know many are feeling fear and processing these results in different ways,” said Howard. “But when you’re ready, we urge New Mexicans to join us in this fight. The ACLU has successfully defended civil liberties for over 100 years, and together, we will ensure New Mexico remains a beacon for civil rights and freedoms.”

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