Red Planet Storage LLC in Roswell, New Mexico, has agreed to let the state test for water and soil contaminants on its 7.8-acre property at 12 Petro Drive/2 Determan Lane. Owner Adam Trubow recently acquired the site, which showed two contaminants exceeding state soil-screening levels when it was last tested in 2020. He’s agreed to participate in the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) as a means of cleaning up the land and eventually expanding the business.

The property in the Franklin Determan Industrial Park housed the MALCO petroleum refinery from the 1930s to the 1950s. After the refinery buildings were removed in the 1960s, the land sat vacant until two single-story self-storage buildings were built in 2014, the source reported.

Of the soil-boring samples taken two years ago, one indicated the presence of naphthalene and 1-methylnaphthalene at elevated levels. Results from a groundwater sample taken at the same time were within acceptable levels. The previous property owner considered corrective action to be complete based on the test findings and the fact that 70 years had passed since the release of any chemicals, according to a draft plan prepared by Red Planet.

Though the state doesn’t believe there is any immediate health risk to the public, officials had concerns about the number and location of samples taken two years ago. “After reviewing the 2020 data, the New Mexico Environment Department requested a more robust sampling strategy for the property to fully assess potential contamination in soil and groundwater,” said NMED Communications Director Matt Maez.

Participating in the VRP could clear the way for Trubow to expand his self-storage facility to include boat/RV storage once any required cleanup is completed. He indicated he was aware of potential environmental issues when he bought the property through foreclosure.

“The New Mexico Environment Department Voluntary Remediation Program provides incentives for the voluntary remediation of contaminated properties and encourages their redevelopment,” Maez told the source. “Participants who successfully complete the program receive site-closure documentation from NMED and liability protection for lenders and future purchasers. Participating in the VRP allows property owners or prospective purchasers to clarify and address contamination issues, so that they can proceed with redevelopment plans.”

The NMED supports Red Planet’s work plan, which indicates potential contaminants could include petroleum hydrocarbons; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds; and heavy metals identified under the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act.

Trubow is president of Tal Realty Inc., a boutique real estate brokerage that specializes in the acquisition and disposition of distressed assets in New Mexico. Other self-storage investments in the state include Alameda Self Storage and Chamisa Self-Storage Mobile Home Village, according to the company website.

Sources:
Roswell Daily Record, State, Storage Company Agree to Land Assessments
Tal Realty Inc., Website