New Mexico Halts Unauthorized Drilling Near Border | Santa Fe News

New Mexico is cracking down on two drilling companies for unauthorized well work near the border, risking protected groundwater basins—same issue that halted federal wall crews. Wyatt Drilling Arizona and Cascade Drilling drilled without permits in sensitive areas like the Mimbres and Lower Rio Grande, including on federal land, with inspectors blocked from accessing sites. State Engineer Elizabeth K. Anderson warned that unregulated drilling endangers families and farms, stressing strict enforcement. Investigations revealed violations dating back to 2026, including collapsed boreholes left unsealed—posing contamination threats. Fines of up to $3,400 per day per violation loom, with 30 days to comply or face license revocation. The state’s investigation remains open for more violations. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a2bdc76bbb2fb7eb