NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The state of New Mexico is cracking down on Cannon Air Force Base over releasing dangerous chemicals into surrounding areas. The order from the state's Environment Department said Cannon AFB committed a number of violations, like failing to complete regulatory inspections and provide proper information of how they handle their waste. They've ordered the base to justify why they should keep their operating permit after failing to protect New Mexicans from PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances). "They've been using these firefighting foams for decades at Cannon Air Force Base. The science caught up to the chemicals they've been using and shown us the chemicals they've been using have been toxic causing all sorts of problems everything from cholesterol to reproductive issues in men and women," said Secretary James Kenney with the New Mexico Environment Department. In August 2024, the state said the base released more than 7,000 gallons of toxic foam into a damaged retention pond, threatening local groundwater. Under the order, Cannon AFB will be required to take swift corrective action, pay a $98,780 fine, and provide a detailed list of all materials at the base contaminated with PFAS, now and in the past. "If they don't comply with our order then we will move to the next phase which might be revoking or terminating their permit, that's a hearing process we are willing to go through and we're staffed and ready to it but we're giving them a last chance to kind of do the right thing," said Sec. Kenney. This was not the first time PFAS from the base affected the surrounding community. In 2020, the state said Highland Dairy Farm had to euthanize more than 3,000 cows that drank contaminated groundwater. Secretary James Kenney said the state has spent millions of dollars cleaning water supplies and providing blood tests for residents in the area. Cannon Air Force Base must reply to the order within 30 days or face more fines. A spokesperson sent this statement: Cannon Air Force Base leadership is aware that New Mexico Environment Department has taken action against the base for the rinsate release that occurred in July 2024. As a military institution serving the community, we have a responsibility to protect and preserve our environment. Since discovering the release, Cannon has transparently communicated to the public and NMED regarding the incident, follow-on investigation, testing, and pending remedial action plan. Cannon AFB is committed to preventing future incidents from occurring and ensuring transparency of information regarding all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, inventory on base. JACLYN N. PIENKOWSKI, Maj, USA, Chief, Public Affairs, 27th Special Operations Wing