BDD News
What's New
New Developments Relating to
the Buckman Direct Diversion Project
On August 11 and 12, 2010, from approximately 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the contractor for the Buckman Direct Diversion Project will flush a newly constructed potable (drinking) water pipeline in the area of South Meadows and Agua Fria. Click here for more information.
On August 10, 2010, the Buckman Direct Diversion (BDD) Board accepted a proposal from ChemRisk to alter its schedule for the BDD Independent Review due to the sudden death of Thomas E. Widner, who was serving as principal investigator on the project. Under the new schedule, ChemRisk will present its preliminary draft on or before August 23, 2010. For details on the new schedule and a copy of the formal request from ChemRisk, click here. Also, Dr. Brent Finley will assume the role of principal investigator.
On June 3, 2010, the Buckman Direct Diversion Project Board of Directors authorized a landmark Solar Energy Agreement (SEA) for the BDD Water Treatment Plant. American Capital Energy, Inc. (ACE) will build and operate a 1-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) plant to satisfy most of the electrical energy required by BDD’s advanced water treatment facility. Click here for a copy of the press release.
On May 13, 2010, the Buckman Direct Diversion Project Board of Directors and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) finalized and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets forth the DOE's continuing actions in response to the BDD Board's request that it take six action steps to protect the quality of the Rio Grande following flash floods and heavy rains. Click here for a copy of the press release. Click here for a copy of the MOU, and click here for information on the analyses that will be performed according to the MOU.
On April 22, 2010, ChemRisk, LLC submitted a summary report of the first of three public meetings it will facilitate to provide an “efficient, effective, and transparent” independent peer review for the Buckman Direct Diversion Project. ChemRisk is reviewing existing data, information, studies and published risk analyses to develop a report for area residents describing their potential exposure from LANL-origin contaminants that could possible reach the Rio Grande.
Starting April 9, 2010, the Buckman Direct Diversion Project began hiring the first 7 of 31 positions to manage, operate and maintain the Buckman Direct Diversion Project. The new, state-of-the art, technologically advanced water project will help ensure the diversity and reliability of the Santa Fe area’s water supply once it comes on-line in May 2011. The budget for these positions is included in the City’s 10-year finance plan. To learn more about these employment opportunities, visit BDD’s Career page, or read our news release.
On February 5, 2010, the House Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources unanimously passed HM 21, sponsored by Representative Brian Egolf, formally requesting the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to implement a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the Buckman Direct Diversion Board to address specifics of an early warning notification system. Click here for details.
For a complete list of News articles, click here »