Red Planet Storage LLC, Roswell, New Mexico has agreed to allow the state to test its 7.8-acre property at 12 Petro Drive/2 Determan Lane for soil and water contaminants. Adam Trubow, the site’s owner, recently purchased it. The site had two contaminants that were above the state soil-screening level when it was last tested back in 2020. He has agreed to take part in the Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP), New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), as a way of cleaning up the site and expanding the business.
From the 1930s through the 1950s, the Franklin Determan Industrial Park was home to the MALCO petroleum refining plant. The land was left vacant after the buildings of the refinery were demolished in 1960s. Two single-story self storage buildings were constructed in 2014, according to the source.
One soil-boring sample taken two years ago showed elevated levels of naphthalene. The results from a groundwater sample were also taken at the same moment and were within acceptable levels. Based on the test results and the fact it had been 70 years since the release, the previous property owner considered corrective measures complete. Red Planet prepared a draft plan.
The state does not believe there is a immediate health threat to the public. However, officials were concerned about the number and whereabouts of samples taken in the past two years. Matt Maez, NMED Communications Director, stated that after reviewing the 2020 data, New Mexico Environment Department requested a more robust sampling plan for the property in order to fully assess the potential contamination in groundwater.
Trubow could be able to use the VRP to expand his self storage facility to include RV/boat storage, once the necessary cleanup has been completed. He stated that he was aware of possible environmental issues when he purchased the property through foreclosure.
Maez explained to the source that the New Mexico Environment Department Voluntary Remediation Program offers incentives for voluntary remediation of contaminated property and encourages their rehabilitation. Participants who complete the program successfully receive NMED site-closure documentation and liability protection for future buyers and lenders. Participating in the VRP enables property owners or potential purchasers to clarify, address and resolve contamination issues so that they can proceed with their redevelopment plans.
The NMED supports Red Planets Work Plan, which indicates potential contaminants could be petroleum hydrocarbons; aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons (POHC); volatile or semivolatile organic compounds; and heavy metallics identified under Resource Recovery and Conservation Act.
Trubow is president and CEO of Tal Realty Inc. a boutique brokerage that specializes the sale and acquisition of distressed assets in New Mexico. According to the company website, Chamisa Self-Storage Mobile Home village and Alameda Self Storage are other self-storage investments in New Mexico.
Sources:
Roswell Daily Record State and Storage Company to agree to Land Assessments
Tal Realty Inc. Website
