Environment

NMED Proposes Repeal Of 20.2.36 NMAC Sulfur Limits

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NMED News:
 
After review and evaluation, the New Mexico Environment Department―Air Quality Bureau proposes to repeal 20.2.36 NMAC, Petroleum Refinery―Sulfur (Part 36).
 
A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18, in Santa Fe. Part 36 was adopted in 1974 and establishes sulfur limits (sulfur recovery standards) and other requirements for existing and new petroleum refineries. 

The rule was identified in the November 2012 Improving Environmental Permitting Report as a rule for potential revision or repeal. 

The NMED will host informational open houses

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WIPP: New Hybrid Bolting Machine Ready For Service

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New hybrid bolting machine assembled at Wipp. Courtesy/WIPP

 

WIPP News:

WIPP’s new hybrid bolting machine was recently transported to the WIPP underground, where it was reassembled by site personnel.

The bolter is designed to run on either diesel or electricity. The unit was inspected and acceptance tested at the manufacturer’s site before it was disassembled and transported to the WIPP site. Operational checks have been completed, and the automatic fire suppression system has been installed on the unit.

Before the bolter can be placed into service, portable power units that will Read More

Project Underway To Repair Flood Damage In Bandelier Visitor Center Area

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Work has begun on a project to clean up and repair the area across Frijoles Creek from the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center. Courtesy/NPS

Fallen branches are being removed as part of a project to clean up and repair the area across Frijoles Creek from the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center. Courtesy/NPS

Map. Courtesy/NPS

BANDELIER News:

Work has begun on a project to clean up and repair the area across Frijoles Creek from the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center, which has been damaged by flash floods following the Las Conchas Fire in 2011.

Using emergency relief funds Read More

Sierra Club Applauds New Methane Pollution Standard

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SIERRA CLUB News:
 
The Obama Administration Tuesday introduced the first-ever proposed methane pollution standards for new and modified oil and gas facilities, a landmark announcement that will blunt the projected growth of methane and smog-forming pollution produced by the industry in New Mexico.
 
The newly proposed standards will help to safeguard public health and put the United States closer to being on track to meet the Administration’s goal of reducing oil and gas methane pollution by 40 to 45 percent by 2025.
 
“New Mexicans were shocked to hear about the country’s
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Results Of Well Water ‘Walk-in’ Samples Sent To 570 Residents Concerned With Gold King Mine Spill Effects

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NMED Secretary Ryan Flynn said

NMED News:

SANTA FE – Results of domestic well water testing are being mailed to approximately 570 concerned residents of San Juan County following the Aug. 5 EPA-caused Gold King Mine Spill.

“We mobilized about 25 environment department staff in the wake of the Gold King Mine Spill for a variety of purposes, and we still have many in the field. Many of these environment staff tested water on behalf of more than 500 domestic well owners who brought their ‘walk-in’ samples to the County Fair last week,” NMED Secretary Ryan Flynn said. “Many test participants received Read More

Udall, Heinrich Announce $500K For Outdoor Projects

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SENATE News:
 
WASHINGTON ― Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the State of New Mexico will receive $500,138 through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support outdoor recreation and conservation projects throughout the state.
 
LWCF funds are a highly effective tool for creating and protecting urban and rural parks and open spaces that provide recreation opportunities, enhance communities and create jobs, but the program will expire in September unless Congress takes action.
 
Udall
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Albuquerque Wildlife Federation & Los Amigos De Valles Caldera To Conduct Ecological Restoration Project

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AWF News:
 
Albuquerque Wildlife Federation (AWF) is teaming with Los Amigos de Valles Caldera (Amigos) to host a weekend-long volunteer project, Aug. 14-16, in the Valle Seco section of the preserve.
 
Volunteers from both groups will be working to improve integrity of Sulphur Creek and adjoining wetlands in the area via stream restoration work and repairs to enclosure fencing. The August event is the second such collaborative project between AWF and Amigos in the Valles Caldera in 2015.
 
“We’re very excited to get back to this beautiful,
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Sunset Scenes Over Los Alamos And White Rock

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This past weekend, Phillip Noll sent some beautiful sunset photos from the Los Alamos/White Rock area to the Los Alamos Daily Post to share with the public. Please visit his website www.ravenmountain.com. Photo by Phillip Noll
 
Photo by Phillip Noll
 
Photo by Phillip Noll
 
Photo by Phillip Noll
 
Photo by Phillip Noll
 
Photo by Phillip Noll
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WIPP: Radiological Contamination Mitigation Continues

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Courtesy/WIPP
 
WIPP News:
 
Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) personnel will complete the installation of the brattice cloth and salt barrier tthis week on a 570-foot section of floor in the WIPP underground.
 
The installation process includes rolling the brattice cloth out to cover the entire surface area of the floor and securing it to the ribs (walls) and in the center of the drift (access tunnel). Once the cloth is in place, it is covered with six to eight inches of mined salt to create a walking/driving surface.
 
This ensures radiological contamination
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