NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The state of New Mexico is cracking down on Cannon Air Force Base over releasing dangerous chemicals into surrounding areas. The order from the state’s Environment Department said Cannon AFB committed a number of violations, like failing to complete regulatory inspections and provide proper information of how they handle their waste.
They’ve ordered the base to justify why they should keep their operating permit after failing to protect New Mexicans from PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances). “They’ve been using these firefighting foams for decades at Cannon Air Force Base. The science caught up to the chemicals they’ve been using and shown us the chemicals they’ve been using have been toxic causing all sorts of problems everything from cholesterol to reproductive issues in men and women,” said Secretary James Kenney with the New Mexico Environment Department.
In August 2024, the state said the base released more than 7,000 gallons of toxic foam into a damaged retention pond, threatening local groundwater. Under the order, Cannon AFB will be required to take swift corrective action, pay a $98,780 fine, and provide a detailed list of all materials at the base contaminated with PFAS, now and in the past…