Albuquerque: “Meth Mountain” Cleanup Underway, Residents Breathe Sigh of Relief

Albuquerque: “Meth Mountain” Cleanup Underway, Residents Breathe Sigh of ReliefAlbuquerque: “Meth Mountain” Cleanup Underway, Residents Breathe Sigh of Relief After years of neglect and environmental degradation, Albuquerque’s infamous “Meth Mountain” is finally undergoing a comprehensive cleanup. The cleanup effort, which began in early 2023, has brought much-needed relief to residents who have long suffered from the consequences of the illegal drug operations that once plagued the area. Meth Mountain, a large, desolate mesa on the outskirts of Albuquerque, became notorious in the early 2000s as a haven for meth labs. The labs, operated by drug cartels and local criminals, dumped toxic chemicals and hazardous waste into the surrounding environment, leaving behind a legacy of contamination. Over time, the pollutants from Meth Mountain seeped into the groundwater, soil, and air, posing serious health risks to nearby residents. Many suffered from respiratory problems, skin rashes, and other ailments related to the contamination. Additionally, the presence of abandoned meth labs and drug paraphernalia made the area unsafe and uninhabitable. In response to the growing public outcry, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the Albuquerque Police Department launched a multi-agency operation to clean up Meth Mountain. The cleanup process involves removing contaminated soil, demolishing abandoned structures, and remediating the groundwater and air quality. “This is a major victory for the community,” said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. “For too long, Meth Mountain has been a blight on our city, but now we’re finally taking steps to restore the area and protect the health of our residents.” The cleanup is expected to take several months to complete. During that time, residents are being asked to avoid the affected area and follow any health precautions issued by the authorities. Once the cleanup is finished, the land will be put to a beneficial use, such as a park or open space. “We’re so relieved that the cleanup is finally underway,” said Maria Sanchez, a longtime resident of the area. “We’ve been living with the consequences of Meth Mountain for too long. Now, we can finally look forward to a future where our community is safe and healthy.” The Meth Mountain cleanup is a testament to the power of community advocacy and government collaboration. It is also a reminder of the devastating impact that illegal drug activities can have on the environment and human health. By addressing this long-standing problem, Albuquerque is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate the reckless behavior of criminals who put the well-being of its citizens at risk.