Environmental groups have renewed their call for the end of hydraulic fracturing in northwestern New Mexico as part of an ongoing battle over oil and natural gas development and protection of archeological sites. The groups on Monday delivered a letter to the Bureau of Land Management in Farmington. They contend more development could harm the region that includes Chaco Culture National Historical Park. The letter follows a court filing last month that seeks to stop the BLM from approving permits to drilling in the Mancos Shale formation. The groups say the Farmington office has approved almost 300 permits since 2013 and more than 90 wells have already been drilled and flared. The BLM declined to comment directly on the pending litigation but said it carefully reviews all permitted wells to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
Some residents near VallesCaldera are concerned about a proposal to explore about 200-thousand acres of Santa Fe National Forest for possible sites for geothermal energy installations. According to KOB-TV, the caldera’s volcanic activity makes it a promising location for geothermal energy. But locals fear that energy development in the area could mar what some consider the most beautiful terrain in the state. One area resident, Sabine Shurter, says she’s troubled that the two scheduled public meetings on the proposal are slated to take place in Santa Fe and Cuba, communities that aren’t greatly impacted by geothermal development in the National Forest.
While recent rainfall has eased drought’s grip on New Mexico, a top water official tells lawmakers the arid state still will be faced with proposals to transfer water from where it's located to those areas that need it most. State Engineer Tom Blaine testified Monday before a legislative committee focused on water and natural resources. Blaine mentioned a revamped proposal to pipe billions of gallons of drinking water from rural western New Mexico to more populated areas. The previous state engineer denied the initial application, saying it was too vague. A decision has yet to be made on the latest proposal, but Blaine says serious questions need to be asked about the effects of inter-basin transfers. Some lawmakers said New Mexico needs to do a better job of getting water to where it's needed.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation continues bridge rehabilitation work at Seton Village Bridge over I-25 at mile maker 286. Today the NMDOT’s contractor will be raising the bridge to meet the minimum interstate Federal guidelines. The work will see closure of the Seton Village Bridge until six-pm. During the closure, local traffic will be detoured to Nine Mile Road, a half-mile north for access to Old Las Vegas Highway, or state road 300.
Beginning in October, you’ll be able to take a bus ride to a Ski Santa Fe chair lift. The North Central Transit District has announced they’re offering a new route from downtown Santa Fe to Ski Santa Fe. The ride will cost you five-dollars one way, but the ski resort is now offering to pay that money back in the form of a discount or a voucher. The bus service begins this October and will run for eight months.
Santa Fe police say two separate Great Clips businesses have been burglarized a total of four times since May third. The suspect or suspects have made away with computers and cash, according to police, and have also damaged the businesses. Three of the burglaries occurred at the chains’ Zafarano Drive location and one took place to the shop on Cordova Road late last month. A suspect is seen in two videos released by police knocking out windows at the businesses and stealing computers. If you have any information on the burglaries, call Santa Fe Police.
The New Mexico Department of Health reports two more cases of tularemia have been found in Santa Fe County. One rabbit was found in the La Tierra/Las Campanas area and another in Eldorado. Last week, State Health officials reported that the animals tested positive for the bacteria, which can infect humans and pets. Earlier this year, cases were confirmed in rabbits in the Eldorado area, as well as three dogs in Santa Fe County and a cat from Los Alamos County. Tularemia symptoms in humans include sudden fever, chills, headache and weakness. Officials are warning the public not to handle dead animals.
Santa Fe Weather: Sunny skies both today and tomorrow with highs in the low 80s. Tonight: Clear with the overnight low 53.