Archive for October 6, 2009
Santa Fe County Presents Water Plan Update, City Watershed Thinned
by John Weckerle
On September 29, 2009, Karen Torres of Santa Fe County presented the latest information on the plan for a backup for the Buckman water diversion to serve County residents in the Santa Fe vicinity. Ms. Torres outlined the County’s strategy for identifying potential locations for backup wells, including soil/rock type (primarily interested in the Tesuque Formation as well as Precambrian granite and Permian limestone), groundwater chemistry, distance to existing water lines, pressure zones, proximity to springs, distance to aquifer decline areas, slope, and proximity to springs/sumps, among others. Ms. Torres indicated that the County was looking for sources near Santa Fe and was not considering sources in the Estancia Basin, indicating that the County is “not doing to badly on supply in our own area.” Only two local residents attended the Edgewood meeting.
In related news: Many of us saw smoke rising to the more-or-less north recently. This was the result of an open-burn project aimed at thinning the Santa Fe Watershed, which provides about 40% of the city’s water supply. The burn was completed successfully, and we hope that Santa Fe benefits from the project.
Open Burning Allowed Again In Unincorporated Bernalillo County – Burn Info Number Changes
by John Weckerle
The Bernalillo County Fire Deparment’s Fire Prevention Bureau has announced that open burning is now allowed again in the unincorporated areas of the county. Burning is permitted (weather permitting) from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The burn information number has been changed to 468-7200 (the old number, 768-4200 can also be used until April 2010). For more information, including burning rules, see the Bernalillo County Announcement.
Look, It’s A Bird! No, It’s A Nebula!
by John Weckerle
The crisp, clear skies of October (when they’re crisp and clear, at least) give us a wonderful opportunity to take a look at our celestial neighborhood. Here to help us out will be the Lake County Astronomical Society of Illinois and the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, who will be co-hosting a Star Party at Gran Quivira. The event theme is “Native American Skies,” and on the menu will be views of celestial features through powerful telescopes and “Native American stories about the night skies. ” Stories and Native American Flute music will be provided by Ernie Dogwolf Lovato. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 16, with an alternate date in case of uncooperative weather. For more information, see the event flyer.