New Mexico Firm Cited for Death at Portales Plant

An Albuquerque plumbing company is contesting a citation issued by the New Mexico Environment Department for a March accident at a bioenergy plant in Portales that left a worker dead.

The state environment department issued a $2,500 citation to Donner Plumbing and Heating for violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Portales Abengoa Bioenergy plant was found not to be at fault.

The Portales News-Tribune reports that 32-year-old Donner employee Juan Garcia was killed when a 5,000 pound motor he was helping install shifted as it was being lowered into place.

Robert Genoway of the environmental department says because Donner is contesting the fine an administrative review is under way. Donner didn’t immediately respond to calls from the News-Tribune.