NMED to clean up PFAS-contaminated groundwater at dairies

Santa Fe Reporter | March 12, 2026

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"The New Mexico Environment Department has entered into four agreements with Curry County dairies to investigate and remediate groundwater contaminated by toxic PFAS from Cannon Air Force Base, the public office announced via press release on Thursday.

The agreements mark a significant step toward full remediation of a four-mile toxic PFAS plume caused by firefighting foam at Cannon Air Force Base, the NMED said in its announcement.) The department is funding the effort and seeking reimbursement from the United States Air Force.

“We have stood in solidarity with our dairy industry since the toxic PFAS contamination was discovered in their water, land, herds, workers, and family members,” Environment Secretary James Kenney said in the release. “Through our partnership, we will learn how to manage and treat the toxic PFAS contamination under Curry County that will remain unaddressed by the U.S. Air Force until 2032 or later.”