Holloman Lake, located near White Sands National Park, has recorded staggering levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals." According to a report released by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) on January 26, 2025, this location has the highest levels of PFAS contamination found globally.
The findings, resulting from extensive tests of wildlife and plants, revealed alarming concentrations, particularly notable among animal livers and species native to the area. PFAS exposure, known for its long-lasting presence and harmful health effects, has raised grave concerns for local ecosystems and encourages immediate action from military and state officials.
Holloman Lake serves as the wastewater reservoir for the nearby Holloman Air Force Base, which has used PFAS-laden firefighting foams from the 1970s until 2019. This long-term use has heavily contributed to the contamination affecting local wildlife and vegetation. The report indicates PFAS levels at Holloman Lake as being up to 1,600 times higher than the drinking water standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Today’s report is a stark reminder of the need for the U.S. Department of Defense to take full and immediate responsibility for its poisoning of our ecosystems,” said Environment Secretary James Kenney. “We must double down on our demand of the U.S. Air Force to cleanup PFAS in our state.”
The report highlights particularly concerning measurements, such as the liver of the Merriam’s kangaroo rat found to have PFAS levels reaching 120,000 nanograms per gram (ng/g), the highest concentration recorded for any wild animal globally. Similarly, analysis of plants indicated record PFAS levels in salt cedar, at 30,000 ng/g.
Compounding public health concerns, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) issued a health advisory for hunters who may have consumed waterfowl from the lake between 2010 and 2024. Dr. Miranda Durham, the NMDOH Medical Director, emphasized the danger stating, “The levels of PFAS contamination in Holloman Lake are deeply concerning, particularly for hunters who may have consumed waterfowl from the area over the past decade.”
The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are significant, including links to kidney and reproductive cancers, decreased fertility, and developmental delays during pregnancy. NMDOH has recommended anyone who has consumed game from the lake discuss their health with their healthcare provider.
While hunting at Holloman Lake was prohibited starting last year, the lake remains open to other activities like camping and birding. Environmental officials are particularly worried about the potential impact on migratory birds and the risk of PFAS-contaminated wildlife spreading to other hunting sites across New Mexico.
Environment Secretary Kenney also articulated the impact of hunting. “Here we’re talking about you hunt wild game, you prepare it, you eat a dime-size amount of meat, and you’re exposed to a lifetime of PFAS.” This statement emphasizes the urgency for public awareness and precautionary measures for local hunters.
To address the situation, NMED is introducing legislation aimed at reducing PFAS risks. These initiatives will include the PFAS Protection Act, proposed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, which seeks to shield consumers from PFAS exposure through everyday consumer products. Another proposed amendment would allow the state to designate hazardous substances, such as discarded PFAS, leading to faster clean-ups.
The Department's findings are not just alarming for public health but also signal the broader ecological risks posed by PFAS contamination. “The extraordinary levels of toxic PFAS contamination at Holloman Lake will harm our waterfowl, wildlife, and other natural resources for generations,” remarked Maggie Hart Stebbins, New Mexico Natural Resources Trustee.
The issue of PFAS contamination touches deep-rooted concerns about environmental justice and accountability. There is growing pressure on the military to take responsibility and make significant changes without delay.
New Mexico, like many states, is grappling with the impacts of PFAS on its environment and people. The recent report serves as both a wake-up call and call to action to recognize and mitigate pollution resulting from outdated practices, emphasizing the need for immediate remediation strategies to protect the land and its inhabitants.