State settles case with local dairyman

Freedom New Mexico

A local dairyman has committed to submit a plan to reduce groundwater contamination at a Lea County dairy he owns, according to the New Mexico Environment Department.

According to a department news release sent out Thursday, the department issued a compliance order to Eddie “Ed the Dairyman” Schaap of Ranchvale on Nov. 3 for failing to install a well to monitor groundwater conditions beneath High Lonesome Dairy near Hobbs.

State regulations require such monitoring wells to detect whether pollution prevention measures are successful, and the regulations allow for civil penalties in the case of violations.

The settlement includes a fine of $3,000, according to the news release.

During an October campaign stop in Roswell, former GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin alluded several times to “Ed the Dairyman” after seeing someone in the crowd holding a sign that had identified Schaap that way.

According to the release, the installation process began Nov. 19 and was finished by Dec. 8.