Utility submits plan for Rio Grande Power Plant
The department said the plan calls for excavation of contaminated soil, the installation of soil borings and a monitoring well and the collection of soil and groundwater samples to define the extent of contamination.
The Rio Grande Power Plant uses natural gas and fuel oil to generate electricity. The department said past spills from several above ground storage tanks that hold the fuel oil contaminated soil and groundwater.
After the investigation is done, El Paso Electric will have to submit a cleanup proposal. The public will have an opportunity to comment on that plan and request a hearing or meeting.
Related News

New Power Grid “Report Card” Reveal Dangerous Vulnerabilities
WASHINGTON - The U.S. power grid just received its “grade card” from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and it barely passed.
The overall rating of our antiquated electrical system was a D+. Major power outages in the United States have grown from 76 in 2007 to 307 in 2011, according to the latest available statistics. The major outage figures do not take into account all of the smaller outages which routinely occur due to seasonal storms.
The American Society of Civil Engineers power grid grade card rating means the energy infrastructure is in “poor to fair condition and mostly below…