In 2000, New Mexico facilities reported releasing close to 122 million pounds of toxic chemicals
into the air, land, water and underground. New Mexico ranks 17th in the Nation for toxic materials
releases.
2000
Toxics Release Inventory, New Mexico - 82 KB (PDF)
During 2001, 67 chemical and oil spills were reported in New Mexico. National Response Center, Washington, D.C.
There are 12 active
National
Priorities List (NPL) Superfund sites in New Mexico as of December 2002. There are 101 additional sites
in New Mexico listed in the
EPA CERCLIS
database (potential hazardous waste sites, or sites that have been cleaned up). EPA, Region 6, Dallas,
Texas.
Approximately 4.5 billion pounds of pesticides are used in the United States in a typical year.
For 1997, pesticide use was estimated to be 4.63 billion pounds.
Pesticide Industry
Sales and Usage: 1996 and 1997 Market Estimates. U.S. EPA, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and
Toxic Substances. August 1997.
Almost 20% of New Mexico lakes have fish consumption advisories. Most of these advisories are
due to mercury, an airborne byproduct of industrial activities. In New Mexico, the majority of mercury
contamination is likely due to coal-fired power plants in New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico.
