Doña Ana County has temporarily suspended operations at its septic treatment plant in La Mesa. The plant is expected to reopen Monday, March 7.
The decision to temporarily stop accepting septic waste was made after routine testing showed higher levels of ammonia than are allowed by federal and state regulations. Staff are stabilizing the chemical levels prior to reopening to ensure compliance.
Doña Ana County has operated the La Mesa plant for several years, although the county has no mandate from the state to do so. There are no plans to permanently close the facility.
Doña Ana County will work with state officials and private haulers to determine the long-term feasibility of continued operations, and will identify private-sector alternatives prior to any final decision.