LAKE ARTHUR — The state Ground Water Quality Bureau has received a plan to investigate and clean up groundwater contamination at Helena Chemical Co.'s facility in Lake Arthur.

Environmental Protection Division Director Jim Norton says the plan ensures the company will investigate and clean up pollution.

State officials say the southern New Mexico facility were unauthorized discharges of dry and liquid fertilizers and a herbicide.

The firm sells and stores agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides but does not manufacture chemicals at the property.

The state Environment Department required the company to submit an abatement plan last November.

The agency says groundwater monitoring wells detected nitrate, chloride, sulfate, fluoride and dissolved solids contamination above state standards.