Fruit Avenue Plume

Overview

Two dry-cleaning businesses operated at this Albuquerque, New Mexico site from 1924 to 1972, releasing tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), both known carcinogens, into soil and groundwater. The City of Albuquerque found TCE in a municipal supply well in 1989. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in October 1999. The site is also known as the Albuquerque Industrial Center, Elite Cleaners, or Fruit Street Plume, and sits in Bernalillo County within Congressional District 01.

Five contaminants of concern have been identified: vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, trans-1,2-dichloroethene, and trichloroethene. PCE and TCE were found in both soil and groundwater. The other three were found in groundwater only. TCE is currently the only contaminant still exceeding cleanup goals in groundwater.

EPA selected a cleanup remedy in September 2001. A pump and treat system ran from 2005 to 2013. In 2017, that system was replaced with monitored natural attenuation, which relies on groundwater to naturally break down contaminants over time. Studies found that contaminant levels should fall below cleanup goals before the plume reaches the current groundwater use restriction boundary. The New Mexico Environment Department took over operations and maintenance in August 2017. Annual groundwater monitoring continues, and the New Mexico Office of State Engineer enforces groundwater use restrictions within the site boundary. Physical construction of the cleanup is complete, and the site has been redeveloped into an affordable green housing community featuring solar power, water recycling, rooftop rainwater collection, a community garden, and a hospitality center with a coffee shop and job training program.

EPA has determined that human exposure is under control and that no unacceptable exposure pathways currently exist. Groundwater migration is also considered stable. EPA conducts five-year reviews to confirm the remedy continues to protect human health and the environment. The most recent review was completed in March 2022. A new review began in March 2026, with findings to be published by March 23, 2027.

Community members can get involved through the ongoing five-year review process. EPA conducted voluntary community interviews on May 13-14, 2026, near the intersection of Fruit Avenue NE and Edith Boulevard NE. To ask questions or share feedback, contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator. Site documents are available at the Albuquerque Public Library, 423 Central Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Call (505) 848-1376 for access to the information repository.