44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS OF NEW MEXICO TO CAP ABANDONED WATER WELLS ON THEIR PROPERTY AND SEEK TECHNICAL SUPPORT FROM THE LOCAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT.

WHEREAS, abandoned wells are a public health risk and a safety risk to children, adults and animals; and

WHEREAS, abandoned wells may range from open pipes to holes in the ground, and may constitute an attractive nuisance on a person's land; and

WHEREAS, abandoned wells are a potential source of contaminants of the underground aquifer and water supply; and

WHEREAS, local soil and water districts provide information on capping abandoned wells;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the public and property owners should be warned about the need to cap abandoned wells; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a resident of New Mexico who is aware of an abandoned well should contact his local soil and water conservation district to seek technical help and financial assistance in capping the well; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state engineer and the New Mexico department of agriculture to be disseminated to the local soil and water conservation districts.