Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against a Saudi Arabian agribusiness, alleging that its groundwater pumping practices pose a threat to public health, safety, and infrastructure in a rural western county. The complaint, lodged in Maricopa County Superior Court, targets Fondomonte Arizona, LLC., a subsidiary of Saudi dairy giant Almarai Co.
The lawsuit contends that Fondomonte's extensive water extraction at an alfalfa farm in La Paz County's Ranegras Plain Basin has led to a depletion of the aquifer, resulting in dried-up wells, cracked ground, and sinking areas. The company's actions have been accused of harming the local community that relies on basin water.
Arizona's legal action is part of a broader effort to address the impact of foreign companies using significant amounts of groundwater for agricultural purposes in the state. The absence of groundwater pumping regulations in rural Arizona has made it an attractive location for such operations.
Despite Fondomonte's claims of employing conservation technology and sustainable practices, the lawsuit alleges that the company's groundwater pumping has had devastating consequences on the area. Mayes emphasized that Arizona law prohibits activities that endanger community health and safety for private gain.
The lawsuit seeks to halt what is deemed as excessive groundwater pumping by Fondomonte and establish an abatement fund to cover damages caused by the company. The exact financial implications will be determined as the litigation progresses.
Arizona's ongoing battle against Fondomonte's groundwater usage has also involved non-renewal or cancellation of the company's leases in certain areas due to concerns raised by residents about the impact on their wells.
The lawsuit underscores the growing challenges faced by states like Arizona in managing water resources amid prolonged drought conditions and increasing demand. Mayes' legal action highlights the need for regulatory measures to safeguard groundwater and protect communities from the adverse effects of unsustainable water practices.
