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Camino Real Landfill Meets Our Needs.
The animosity expressed by many Sunland Park residents toward the Camino Real Landfill or "dompe" as it is called, dates back nearly two decades. The site was once a medical waste incineration facility and toxic wastes and biohazardaous wastes were transported through the City of Sunland Park, unloaded and then handled by workers before it was placed in furnace chambers for high-temperatue disposal.
At that time the Concerned Citizens of Sunland Park were spearheading a grassroots effort to get the incineration facility closed. When asked, Mayor Reuben Segura begrudgenly admitted to being a member the CCSP at that time.
Given that history it is not surprising that Mayor Segura is not seen by many as a non-biased participant in the discussion. Segura has been discussing the new issue of a "Regional Landfill" meanwhile members of the CCSP are trying to stir up community opposition to the renewal of the permit for Camino Real Environmental Inc., the new owner. What is strange is that this landfill appears to be a "regional" landfill. It is used by every community in Southern New Mexico as well as El Paso, Texas. It effectively disposing of the mountain of waste that this region's residents create each and every day.
Mayor Segura has been calling for a new "regional landfill" and hopes that this idea will be well received by other area officials. "The landfill was granted a permit through questionable circumstances by a previous administration" says Segura, indicating that it is not in his communities best interest to have a landfill so close to the residents. As one can see from the map at top right... Sunland Park has grown toward the landfill area over the last 15-20 years.
The fact remians that Camino Real is a state of the art facility which is using a waterproof liner even over a clay bed to protect the ground water... which is tested continously.
 Dr. Joe King, Gereral Manager of the Camino Real landfill showed us historical photos of what the area looked like before Camino Real took over. You can see mountains of trash strewn along the desert and arroyos and roads.
When we studies the map presented by the Verde (Suzanne Michaels & Dr. Joe King) Group, there is a road from the mesa that cuts directly across the present site of the land fill. Besides another road that will exit near Country Club Road, this planned road would join the Verde community and Sunland Park. All they have to do is have Camino Real pack up and leave.
Dr. King indicates that they intend to stay and shows documentation that supports his claims of being a good neighbor. There are benefits for all Sunland Park residents, revenue for Sunland Park, employment for community workers and a spirit of giving for community betterment.
There were claims that hazardous materials were being transported from Ciudad Juarez to the landfill but apparently there are safeguards that prevent this type of contamination... although nothing is foolproof. Could it be that Verde Group is offering more now? Is the City of Sunland Park fickled? The Community Impact Assessment has been releashed and it is available for viewing throughout Sunland Park.
(Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company)
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Editor, Upper Valley Beacon
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