N.M. trailer park operator fined $261,000 for sewage violations

Sept. 14 -- A New Mexico trailer park operator has been ordered to pay a $261,577 civil penalty and take corrective actions for operating a sewerage system without a permit.

The New Mexico Environment Department issued a compliance order Sept. 9 to J.L. Sanchez, operator of Sadie´s Trailer Court in Chamita, N.M. The mobile home park´s sewerage system used two septic tanks to dispose of waste. The system´s failure has resulted in discharges that have surfaced at the park on several occasions.

The administrative compliance order requires the operator to pump the septic tanks to reduce the wastewater levels; to fence off and disinfect the contaminated areas; to take measures to prevent further discharges; to determine the cause of the surfacing sewage; and to complete a state Discharge Permit Application.