45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TO EVALUATE THE EXTENT OF THE REMEDIATION NEEDED IN CIBOLA AND MCKINLEY COUNTIES AS A RESULT OF ABANDONED MINING OPERATIONS.

WHEREAS, many mining operations in Cibola and McKinley counties may have been discontinued without proper environmental cleanup, leaving abandoned buildings, equipment and uranium tailings unattended; and

WHEREAS, such contamination poses a possible threat to human health and decreases land values; and

WHEREAS, the state is committed to a safe, uncontaminated environment for all residents; and

WHEREAS, the state is committed to the highest and best possible use of land;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of environment conduct an evaluation of the extent of the remediation needed in Cibola and McKinley counties; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of environment report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim committee of the legislature during the 2002 interim; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to the secretary of environment and the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.