BDD Construction
Staying Safe In and Near the BDD Project Construction Zone
The BDD Project Board and contractor remind people who use the BDD Project construction area for recreation to be careful, particularly when they are in the area of Buckman Road or the old Buckman town site. The contractor has installed signage, barricades and snow fencing to alert users of the public land that there is construction going on, but everyone should be cautious.
Visitors to the BDD Project construction area should be especially cautious around barricades, signage and bright orange snow fencing, such as what is pictured here.
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Visitors to the BDD Project Construction area should be especially cautious around barricades, signage and bright orange snow fencing, such as what is pictured here. |
“The BDD construction zone is approximately 12 square miles of wide open country that can be accessed not just by roadways and dirt paths, but also from virtually any place where someone can drive any kind of vehicle or even hike into,” explained Rick Carpenter, BDD Project Manager. He added, “We are taking steps to allow continued recreational activity in the area and, at the same time, provide a safe environment for the public as well as the BDD construction workers. Safety is the number one priority of the entire construction team as well as the BDD Board and Staff.”
Virginia Vigil, chair of the BDD Board and Santa Fe County Commissioner, said, “A major portion of the project is on public lands, owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. We’ve received permission to build the BDD Project on them, but we also recognize they have been used for years by ATV enthusiasts, dirt bike riders, hikers, fishermen and individuals who want to enjoy the Rio Grande. We realize that more people will be outside as the weather permits, so we want to remind these individuals to be aware that construction is taking place in that area.”
Rebecca Wurzburger, BDD Board Vice-Chair, Santa Fe City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem, said the BDD Board is asking members of the public who use and enjoy the area to “look for signs, bright-orange fencing, flags and barricades and proceed cautiously around them. Also, if you hear heavy equipment or beeping, stop and locate the source of those sounds. We can all work together to create a safe environment.”
Carpenter outlined the safety measures implemented by the BDD Project contractor, which include:
- Installing signage along Buckman Road and rights-of-way where pipeline is being stored, including areas where the rights-of-way cross recreational trails;
- Installing orange “snow fencing” in areas that appear to be used for recreational pursuits (hiking, dirt bike riding crossing and staging areas, picnicking, fishing areas, etc.);
- Marking off active construction work areas with snow fencing;
- Reporting health and safety activities monthly to the BDD Board representative; and
- Working with emergency services agencies (such as the Santa Fe Fire Department) to ensure the construction zone has rescue routes identified and open.
Anyone who has additional suggestions for improving safety is encouraged to call the BDD construction office at (505) 216-1333 or email info@bddproject.org. The contractor would particularly appreciate being notified about any areas in or near BDD construction where groups gather.
For more information, persons can call Barbara Crockett at 505-239-4772 or Patti Watson at 1-800-687-3417.