A chromium plume from Los Alamos National Laboratory has moved beyond its boundaries onto Pueblo de San Ildefonso land, exceeding state groundwater standards, according to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Recent tests by NMED and the laboratory detected hexavalent chromium levels between 53 and 72.9 micrograms per liter, surpassing the standard of 50 micrograms per liter.
Bruce Baizel, NMED Director of Compliance and Enforcement, said, "These new results are conclusive evidence that the U.S. Department of Energy's efforts to contain the chromium plume have been inadequate." He emphasized the need for immediate action to protect drinking water supplies.
Currently, there is no threat to drinking water on Pueblo de San Ildefonso or in Los Alamos County as the plume is not near any known wells. However, long-term exposure to hexavalent chromium can increase cancer risk.
The Pueblo de San Ildefonso, New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, and NMED are collaborating on next steps. This includes constructing additional monitoring wells to track the plume's movement. Separately, NMED is pursuing civil enforcement actions against the U.S. Department of Energy regarding this issue.
In related news, the New Mexico Environment Department confirmed that Las Vegas drinking water remains safe despite concerns about post-fire runoff from recent fires affecting water supply safety.
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