EPA Superfund Site

LEE ACRES LANDFILL (USDOI)

NM | EPA ID NMD980750020

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of August 2025, the Lee Acres Landfill Superfund Site is considered "Insufficient Data to make a Human Exposure evaluation" (HEID). Private domestic wells have been drilled in the downgradient area of the Lee Acres Landfill Site where manganese exceedances are confirmed present in the groundwater. Currently, there is insufficient data to determine if the well owner is using the private well for drinking water purposes.

EPA uses this "Insufficient Data" Human Exposure status when there is a lack of evidence to suggest that actual or reasonably anticipated human exposures are occurring and that those exposures are above acceptable risk-based levels. The activities planned to make the Human Exposure evaluation include conducting a well survey to determine how private well owners are using their well water. It is anticipated that sufficient data will be available to make a Human Exposure determination by November 2026, following the completion of the well survey and related activities.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Land Management is in continued discussions with the New Mexico Office of State Engineer about informing new well drilling permit owners about the levels of manganese in the aquifer to ensure private well water is not used for drinking in the area of contamination.