NMED News:

SILVER CITY— New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) staff  responded Tuesday to the site of an overturned truck and spill that occurred Sept. 26 along N.M. 15, north of Pinos Altos.

NMED immediately responded after being notified of the spill Tuesday.

The truck owned by R. Marley, LLC overturned, resulting in emulsified oil flowing down Jaybird Canyon, a tributary to Meadow Creek. Meadow Creek is a tributary of Sapillo Creek. Jaybird Canyon, Meadow Creek and Sapillo Creek are waters of the state with protections established for aquatic life, wildlife habitat, livestock watering, irrigation, and recreational contact.

NMED is still investigating how far the emulsified oil has travelled downstream and the volume of the release. At this time, NMED has not issued any water advisories in the area. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and issue advisories in the future if warranted.

NMED is working with R. Marley LLC, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Game and Fish, and other agencies as necessary to clean up the spill. NMED will also consider appropriate actions to enforce state laws associated with any identified violations. Crews were expected to arrive on site Tuesday to begin initial work and will continue for the foreseeable future with NMED oversight.

Environmental emergencies and spills of oil, toxic substances, hazardous substances, or other contaminants in New Mexico must be reported to the Environment Department as soon as possible and within 24 hours at 505.827.9329 (for emergencies) and for non-emergencies at either 866.428.6365 (voicemail 24-hour per day) or 505.476.6000 (during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).