Chromium contamination from Los Alamos lab spreads
By Web Staff
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LOS ALAMOS, New Mexico (KOAT) — A toxic hexavalent chromium plume beneath Los Alamos National Laboratory has migrated onto Pueblo de San Ildefonso land for the first time, surpassing New Mexico groundwater standards, state officials announced Thursday.
Recent sampling by the New Mexico Environment Department and Los Alamos National Laboratory detected chromium levels between 53 and 72.9 micrograms per liter, exceeding the state limit of 50 micrograms per liter.
Officials say the plume’s movement shows federal containment efforts have fallen short.
“These new results are conclusive evidence that the U.S. Department of Energy’s efforts to contain the chromium plume have been inadequate,” NMED Director of Compliance and Enforcement Bruce Baizel said. “While drinking water supplies are safe for now, the Department of Energy must take immediate and definitive actions.”
State officials emphasize there is no immediate threat to drinking water in Los Alamos County or the Pueblo, as the plume remains far from any private or public wells. Still, long-term chromium exposure can increase the risk of cancer and other health issues.
The Pueblo de San Ildefonso, NMED, and the Office of the State Engineer are coordinating next steps, including adding monitoring wells to track the plume.
NMED is also pursuing civil enforcement actions against the Department of Energy.
The contamination dates back to LANL operations between 1956 and 1972, when chromium-laced cooling water was discharged into Sandia Canyon and seeped into the regional aquifer.
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