Public Process on Military Waste Permit

Established in the waning days of World War Two, WSMR covers a huge expanse of land in southern New Mexico.

'Missile Park' at White Sands Missile Range. Courtesy: wsmr-history.org

(LAS CRUCES, NM FNS News) - A public meeting on a possible waste permit modification for White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in southern New Mexico is scheduled for next Wednesday, August 1, in Las Cruces. The meeting will consider a petition to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) for a change in the permit status of six solid waste management units located on WSMR land near Las Cruces.

Established in the waning days of World War Two, WSMR covers a huge expanse of land in southern New Mexico.

According to a press release from Shaw Environmental, Inc. of Albuquerque, the U.S. Army is petitioning for a change in the status of the units from Corrective Action Required to Corrective Action Complete without controls. Currently, WSMR holds Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Permit (No. NM 2750211235).

The Las Cruces meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Thomas Branigan Public Library located at 200 E. Picacho Ave. Copies of the petitions and other pertinent information may also be viewed at the library during business hours from Monday through Saturday.

Additionally, the public has an opportunity to make written comments on the proposed permit modification until September 12, 2012. “Written comments must be based on supporting documentation,” noted Shaw Environmental, Inc.

Comments may be directed to the following NMED official:

John E. Kieling, Bureau Chief, Hazardous Waste Bureau
New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
2905 Rodeo Park Drive East, Bldg 1, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505-6303

Readers interested in finding out more about the issues and process relating to the WSMR petition can contact WSMR’s Benito Avalos at 575-678-5389 or the NMED’s John Kieling at 505-476-6000.

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Center for Latin American and Border Studies
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico