EPA Orders N.M. Dairies Into Compliance With CWA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued 11
administrative orders to dairies located in southeast New Mexico
requiring them to keep proper records in their Pollution Prevention
Plans indicating properly lined waste lagoons. The orders also require
that animal waste generated at the dairies be properly handled and
disposed of without causing any environmental harm.
The dairies named in these orders are the Mountain View Dairy,
Bright Star Dairy, Big Sky Dairy, Desert Land Dairy, Sunset Dairy,
Buena Vista I Dairy, Gonzalez Dairy, Daybreak Dairy, River Valley
Dairy, Dominguez Dairy, and D & J Dairy, all located between the
cities of Las Cruces and Anthony, New Mexico.
"EPA will continue to vigorously enforce our nation's
environmental laws through effective compliance assistance and a strong
enforcement program," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E.
Greene. "Environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility."
During the week of August 13, 2007, EPA staff provided
compliance assistance training to the Las Cruces area dairies. EPA
staff also provided information on the requirements of the EPA Region 6
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation general permit, the Pollution
Prevention Plan elements and recordkeeping requirements.
EPA discussed with the dairy owners and managers proper animal
waste handling and disposal, surface water quality, and hydrologic
connections with surface waters.
Based on these findings, the owners and operators of these
dairies have been ordered to take action to bring the dairies into
compliance with the Clean Water Act. EPA will continue to work with the
dairies and the New Mexico Environment Department to ensure protection
of surface and groundwater in the area.