New Mexico environmental officials are holding Cannon Air Force Base accountable for a chemical spill that occurred last summer, demanding the base justify its operating permit and pay nearly $100,000 in fines.
The spill involved at least 7,000 gallons of rinsate—a mixture of rinse water and residue from firefighting foam—released into a retention pond at the facility. This rinse water, containing toxic chemicals linked to cancer, was improperly dumped, and further investigation revealed that the pond’s liner was torn in multiple places.
In addition to the rinsate spill, a groundwater plume originating from the base poisoned 3,500 dairy cows, leading to their euthanization.
The New Mexico Environment Department NMED called the incident a reckless discharge and criticized the base for its poor maintenance, which could have prevented the environmental damage. NMED is requiring immediate corrective action, an inventory of the rinsate at the base, and payment of $98,780 to the state’s hazardous waste emergency response fund. Cannon AFB has 30 days to comply or request a hearing.
The firefighting foam involved contained PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances commonly known as forever chemicals, which are harmful to both the environment and public health.
While base officials have pledged to prevent future incidents and increase transparency, local officials in Clovis have defended the base, emphasizing its economic and community contributions.