Read the full article by Hannah Grover (NM Political Report)
“A report indicating that PFAS chemicals have been used in hydraulic fracturing operations in New Mexico ’emphasizes how important it is for regulators to know what is in the industrial wastewater,’ Maddy Hayden, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Environment Department told NM Political Report in an email.
Physicians for Social Responsibility released a report this week that found PFAS chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or chemicals that could break down into PFAS have been used in fracking operations in 1,200 wells in half a dozen states, including New Mexico.
PFAS chemicals have a broad range of applications and can be found in household objects including non-stick cookware. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the potential health impacts of these ‘forever chemicals,’ which do not break down under normal environmental conditions.
‘Ongoing research into uses of PFAS and the prevalence of these persistent chemicals in the environment is essential to support strong regulatory responses at the federal and state levels,’ Hayden said.
New Mexico has petitioned the EPA to list PFAS as a hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.”…