The state Environment Department is reviewing plans to investigate soil and groundwater pollution at dairies in southeastern New Mexico. The department's groundwater quality bureau required Cheyenne II and Wild West Farms Dairies to submit plans for addressing pollution associated with their operations. The plans could be approved within the next few weeks. Wastewater from the Dexter-area dairies is discharged to lined lagoons and is used for irrigation. Monitoring wells show nitrate, chloride and dissolved solids in the area's groundwater has exceeded state standards.

The dairies' abatement plans are aimed at defining the extent of soil and groundwater pollution. Once that work is complete, the department will require the dairies to submit plans for cleaning up the pollution. The public will have a chance to comment on the clean-up plans. PD

—From AP newswire