Water Resources Development in New Mexico 1990 US Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division

TC 423 Conchas Dam on the Canadian River Watershed .A15 New Mex 1990 EC c. 1 Foreword by Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works)

Partnership has changed the way we do including reducing flood stages on the lower business. It has committed us to pursue new Mississippi River. Last year, the drought strategies to deal with old problems. We are clearly illustrated the capability of Corps also finding that partnership means results. multiple purpose reservoirs to respond in a water shortage situation. Undertakings such With a program of more than $3 billion as the "Pick-Sloan" plan, with its six annually for civil works projects, the Army mainstream dams in the Missouri River, Corps of Engineers is the largest water bequeathed an unforeseen legacy to the resource development and management agency in nation-stable, low water flows on the lower the federal government. The civil works Mississippi. program consists of water resource project activities; planning, design, construction, We, in the Army, look forward to operation and maintenance, and regulatory continuing this public service. The Corps of program activities. Engineers' qualifications to provide construction management services to other Numerous navigation and flood control military and civilian federal agencies is greatly projects serve additional purposes. The Corps bolstered by our major new management produces nearly 30 percent of the nation's initiatives. Commitment to efficient project hydropower. One hundred fifteen Corps lakes management-making solid cost estimates, store 275.2 million acre-feet of water for delivering projects on schedule and within the agricultural, municipal, and industrial use. estimate, controlling costs- demonstrate our resolve to responsibly serve the Nation. We In the 1930s and 1940s, many of the Corps are counting on you, as partners, to make sure reservoirs were built for a host of benefits, the Nations's resources are put to good use.

Robert W. Page Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works)

This publication is authorized by the Secretary of the Army as required by P L 99-662

i Foreword by Chief of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers entered If it were not for the massive reservoirs a new era with the passage of the Water throughout the tributaries of the Mississippi Resource Development Act of 1986. The act's River, navigation on that mightiest of rivers non-federal cost-sharing provisions focused on would have stopped in June-absolutely! an entirely different manner of doing business. During the summer and into the fall, some 65 With our cost-sharing partners, we are finding percent of the flows into the Mississippi, past new and innovative ways to manage water Memphis, came from U.S. Army Corps of resources projects and reduce costs to American Engineers' reservoirs. taxpayers. In addition, our lakes and dams enhance Our partners are not only bearing half, or our national stewardship of the environment. more, of the construction costs, but also those Nine of the 191 finalists in last year's "Take associated with studies of water resources Pride in America" awards program helped problems. Over the past three years, this protect public lands at U.S. Army Corps of partnership has completed a smooth transition Engineers' projects. These finalists were that will provide a healthy water resources selected from 530 nominations representing 44 program for the future. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

In the summer of 1988, a natural disaster brought home the importance of such a We are proud of our "Take Pride in program. America was in the middle of a America" finalists, and we are proud of our massive drought, one that rivaled the "dust projects. But, most of all, we are proud of bowl" days of the 1930s. But, there was a the new found partnerships that will continue difference. The Nation didn't totally dry up. to build and operate our vital water resources Aided by water resources projects built since for our future generations. the years of the Great Depression, the Corps was able to do a lot of things to aid This booklet is one of a series detailing navigation, water supply, and hydropower water resources programs in the 50 states and operation—even recreation. U.S. possessions. I hope you find in interesting and feel some pride of ownership.

H. J. Hatch Lieutenant General, USA Chief of Engineers

li Table of Contents

Civil Works Overview 1

New Mexico's Water Resources 6

Completed Projects 9

Projects Under Construction 14

Projects in Planning 16

Flood Plain Management Services Program 17

Continuing Authorities 18

Other Corps Missions in New Mexico 19

Regulatory Program 20 Civil Works Overview

Introduction local interests, authorized by Congress, funded by federal and non-federal sources, and From 1775 to the present, the U.S. Army constructed by the Corps under the Civil Corps of Engineers has served the Nation in Works Program. peace and war. The Water Resources Development Act of Formed by General George Washington 1986 made numerous changes in the way during the Revolutionary War as the engineering potential new water resources projects are and construction arms of the Continental Army, studied, evaluated, and funded. The major the Corps built fortifications and coastal change is that the law now specifies non¬ batteries to strengthen the country's defenses federal cost sharing for most of the Corps' and went on to develop the Nation's water water resources projects. resources. Today, it is the largest engineering organization in the world. When local interests feel that a need exists for improved navigation, flood Although the mission of the Corps has protection, or other resources development, always been to provide combat support to our they may petition their representatives in fighting Army, the Nation over the years also Congress, although technical assistance and needed roads, railroads, lighthouses, bridges, some small projects can be accomplished and other engineering work. Consequently, without Congressional authorization under the since the period immediately following the Continuing Authorities Program. A Revolutionary War, the Corps has carried out Congressional committee resolution or an Act numerous civil works responsibilities, and since of Congress may then authorize the Corps of the early 1800s, it has been the federal Engineers to investigate the problem and government's principal developer of the Nation's submit a report. water resources. Water resources studies, except studies of The Corps is an Army Major Command and the inland waterway system, are conducted in the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil partnership with a local sponsor. The Corps Works) directs and supervises the Corps' civil and the sponsor jointly fund and manage the works mission carried out by its 300 engineer study. officers and 28,000 civilian employees. Public meetings are held to determine the Ever responsive to the changing needs and views of local interests on the extent and type demands of the American people, the Corps has of improvements desired, as well as the need planned and executed national programs for for the improvement. The desires of local navigation, flood control, water supply, interests and the views of the federal, state, hydroelectric power, recreation, conservation, and other agencies receive full consideration and preservation of the environment. In its during the planning process. military role, the Corps plans, designs, and supervises the construction of modern facilities Considerations which enter into which are necessary to ensure the combat recommendations for project authorization to readiness of our Army and Air Force. Congress include determination that benefits will exceed costs, and that the engineering Authorization and Planning Process design of the project is sound, best serves the for Water Resources Projects needs of the people concerned, makes the wisest possible use of the natural resources Water resources activities are initiated by involved, and adequately protects the environment.

1 A report, along with the final New channels and cutoffs appear frequently; environmental statement, is then submitted to they and the main traffic lanes require diligent higher authority for review and patrolling. Where authorized to do so, the recommendations. After review and Corps maintains the Nation's waterways in coordination with all interested federal navigable condition for both business and agencies and governors of affected states, the recreational purposes, benefiting the economy Chief of Engineers forwards the report, with and helping prevent loss of lives. the environmental statement to the Secretary of the Army, who obtains the view of the Office Flood Control and of Management and Budget before transmitting Flood Plain Management the report and environmental statement to Congress. Federal interest in flood control began in the alluvial valley of the Mississippi River in If Congress includes the project in an the 19th century when the interrelationship authorization bill, enactment of the bill of flood control and navigation became constitutes authorization of the project. Once apparent. Corps authority for flood control a project is authorized, further studies may be work was extended in 1936 to embrace the required to confirm the basic plan presented to entire country. After a series of disastrous Congress. floods affecting wide areas, including transportation systems, it was recognized that Appropriation of money to build a the federal government should participate in particular project is usually included in the the solution of problems affecting public annual Energy and Water Development interest when they are too large or too Appropriation bill, which must be approved by complex to be handled by state or local both houses of Congress and the President. organizations.

Budget recommendations are based on The purpose of flood control works is to evidence of support by the state and by the regulate floodflows and thus prevent flood willingness of non-federal sponsors to provide damage. In addition, the Flood Control Act of their share of the project cost. 1944 provided that "flood control" shall include major drainage of land. These objectives are Navigation accomplished with structural measures such as reservoirs, and local protection works, or non¬ Federal interest in navigation improve¬ structural measures which alter the way people ments stems from the Commerce Clause of the would otherwise occupy or use the flood plain. Constitution, and from subsequent decisions of the Supreme Court to the effect that the Reservoirs constructed for flood control federal obligation to regulate navigation and storage often include additional storage commerce also includes the right to make capacity for multiple-purpose uses, such as necessary improvements. The Corps of storage of water for municipal and industrial Engineers was first assigned responsibility for use, navigation, irrigation, development of improving rivers and harbors in 1824. Today, hydroelectric power, conservation of fish and the Corps is responsible for construction, as wildlife, and recreation. well as the maintenance and operation of federal river and harbor projects. Local protection works are turned over to non-federal authorities for maintenance, as are The system of harbors and inland small reservoirs with a local impact. waterways remains one of the most important parts of the Nation's transportation system. The Corps fights the Nation's flood Without constant supervision, rivers and other problems by not only constructing and waterways collect soil, debris, and other maintaining flood control structures, but also obstacles which lead to groundings and wrecks. by providing detailed technical information on

2 flood hazards. Under the Flood Plain The Corps' work in hurricane protection Management Services Program, the Corps began with a 1955 law when Congress directed provides (on request) flood hazard information, it to conduct general investigations along the technical assistance, and planning guidance to Atlantic and Gulf Coasts to identify problem other federal agencies, states, local areas and determine feasibility of protection. governments and private individuals. This data and assistance is designed to aid them in Hydropower planning for floods and providing for the regulation of flood plain areas, thus avoiding The Corps has played a significant role in unwise development in flood-prone areas. meeting the Nation's electric power generation needs by building and operating hydropower As an example, if community officials plants in connection with its large multi¬ know what areas flood in their community and purpose dams. In a series of laws and how often this could occur, they then can take resolutions dating back to the Rivers and Harbors Act of necessary action to prevent or minimize 1909, Congress has directed the damages to existing and new buildings and Corps of Engineers to give consideration in its facilities by adopting and enforcing zoning reports to various water uses, including ordinances, building codes, and subdivision hydroelectric power. regulations. The data on flooding and assistance in preparing the various regulations The Corps continues to consider the is the type of help available through the Flood potential for hydroelectric power development Plain Management Services Program. during the planning process for all water resources projects involving dams and The Flood Plain Management Services reservoirs. In most instances, however, Program also provides assistance to other hydropower facilities at Corps projects are federal agencies and to state agencies in the now developed by non-federal interest without same manner. Flood hazards data is developed federal assistance. The Corps becomes and provided on request to the extent and involved with planning, constructing, and detail needed so that those agencies can operating hydropower projects only when it is properly consider the flood hazards in the impractical for non-federal interests to do so. execution of their program. Water Supply Shore and Hurricane Protection The Water Supply Act of 1958 authorized The Corps' work in shore protection began the Corps to provide additional storage in its in 1930, when Congress directed it to study reservoirs for municipal and industrial water ways to reduce erosion along U.S. seacoast and supply at the request of local interests, the Great Lakes. While each situation the provided those interests agree to pay the cost. Corps studies requires different considerations, The Flood Control Act of 1944 provided that engineers look at each one with structural and the Corps reservoirs may, without cost to the non-structural solutions in mind. Engineering local community, be used for irrigation upon feasibility and economic efficiency are recommendation of the Secretary of the considered along with the environmental and Interior and in conformance with the social impacts. Regulation Act of 1902, which applies to 17 western states. In other states, non-federal Recommendation for federal participation entities must assume half the cost of reservoir is based on shore ownership, use and type and capacity allocated to irrigation. incidence of benefits. If there is no public use or benefit, federal participation is not Reservoir capacity can also be used for recommended. Maintenance of the restored water quality and streamflow regulation, as shore is a non-federal responsibility. authorized by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1961.

3 Environmental Quality environment concerns, historic values, wetland values, fish and wildlife values, navigation, In conducting its civil works program, the recreation, water supply, water quality, energy Corps must comply with many environmental needs, food production and the general welfare laws or executive orders and numerous of the public. regulations relating to the environment. Consideration of the environmental impact of a The Corps of Engineers has issued a Corps project begins in the early stages, and number of nationwide general permits for continues through design, construction, and minor activities which require little or no operation of a project. The Corps must also processing. The separate Corps of Engineers comply with many of these environmental districts have also issued regional general regulations in conducting its regulatory permits for certain types of minor works in programs (see next section). The National specific areas which require only minimal Environment Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is the processing. These general permits reduce the national charter for the protection of the delay and paperwork burden involved with environment, and its procedures ensure that individual Department of the Army permits public officials and private citizens may obtain while maintaining environmental safeguards. and provide environmental information before federal agencies make decisions concerning the Recreation environment. Corps of Engineers' project planning procedures under NEPA often point The Flood Control Act of 1944, as out the need for more extensive environmental amended, provides authority to construct, studies: namely the preparation of maintain, and operate public park and environmental impact statements. In selecting recreational facilities at water resources alternative project designs, the Corps strives development projects under the control of the to choose options with minimum environmental Secretary of the Army, and to permit the impact. construction, maintenance, and operation of such facilities. It also provides that the water Regulatory Program areas of projects shall be open to public use- generally, for boating, fishing, and other Within its regulatory program, the Corps recreational programs. of Engineers has regulatory authority to work on structures in navigable waterways under Emergency Response and Recovery Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and regulatory authority over the Corps assistance for emergency/disaster discharge of dredged or fill material into response and recovery is available under Corps "water of the United States," a term which authorities such as PL 84-99, Flood Control includes wetlands and other valuable aquatic and Coastal Emergencies, or in support of areas. The standard permit evaluation process other agencies, particularly the Federal includes a public notice with a public comment Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under period and an opportunity for a public hearing PL 93-288 and EO 12148. Corps response before the Corps makes a permit decision. activities under PL 84-99 authority include the following: emergency operations, e.g. flood The Corps regulatory program focuses fight, rescue and emergency relief activities; primarily on weighing the economic and emergency repair and restoration of flood environmental benefits of development versus control works which are threatened, damaged, ecosystem preservation in deciding whether a or destroyed by flood; emergency protection of permit for a proposed activity would be existing federal hurricane or shore protection "contrary to the public interest." When works damaged or destroyed by wind, wave or reviewing permit applications, the Corps looks water action of other than ordinary nature; at all the relevant factors including preventive work done before flooding when conservation, economics, aesthetics, general conditions pose a flood threat to water to any

4 locality confronted with a source of assignments have included: emergency debris contaminated water causing or likely to cause removal, preliminary damage assessments, detailed a substantial threat to public health and damage survey reports, temporary welfare. housing, emergency snow removal, contracting and construction management, and other In support of FEMA's disaster response support which calls upon the Corps' and recovery activities, Corps mission engineering, contracting and construction expertise.

Residents along the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico fight spring runoff threatening homes.

5 New Mexico's Water Resources

Three major watersheds, the South Santa Fe. From there, the river flows Canadian River Watershed, the Rio Grande southward for 435 miles to the border between Watershed, and the Pecos River Watershed, New Mexico and Texas, crossing into Texas along with three smaller basins, the Little about thirty one miles east of Carlsbad. The Colorado River Basin, the Tularosa Basin, and river continues southward for 401 miles to its the Mimbres Basin comprise the water resources confluence with the Rio Grande at the border in the state of New Mexico. The Albuquerque between the United States and the Republic of District Corps of Engineers has done and Mexico. continues to do work in the area of these watersheds and basins. The river's 26,185 sq. mile drainage area in New Mexico is characterized by deeply South Canadian River Watershed dissected mountains and rolling hills in the north and gently rolling hills and level plains The South Canadian River has its in the lower basin. headwaters near Raton, New Mexico in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It flows southward Principal tributaries in New Mexico are for 150 miles to the vicinity of Tucumcari, New the Gallinas River, Salt Creek, Rio Hondo, Rio Mexico. From there, it turns east and flows Felix, and Rio Penasco. 550 miles across New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma where it joins the North Canadian The Rio Grande Watershed River.

The Rio Grande is a river of extremes. It The South Canadian's 7,409 square mile changes from a narrow, shallow stream to a drainage area above Tucumcari is composed of wide, winding and sometimes rushing river. The mountains, plateaus, and a small area of high Rio Grande begins 12,000 feet high at the plains. Steep slopes with rapid runoff Continental Divide in the San Juan Mountains characterize the mountainous area. The first of southern Colorado. The river flows 1,900 plateau area has a high water retention rate miles to Brownsville, Texas where it empties except at times of intense or continuous into the Gulf of Mexico. Near El Paso, Texas, storms. Drainage from the plains area's gentle the river becomes the international boundary slopes is much faster than that of the plateaus. between the United States and Mexico.

Average annual rainfall over the basin is The river's drainage area in New Mexico is 18 inches and varies from 14.5 inches in the 31,475 sq. miles. Its terrain varies from plains area to 21.8 inches in the mountains. rugged mountain country to low lying desert United States Weather Bureau data reveals that plains and mesas. Its elevation ranges from 72 percent of the annual rainfall falls between more than 13,000 feet above sea level in the April and September. Sangre de Cristo Mountains north of Santa Fe to 3,720 feet at the southern border. Deep South Canadian River tributaries in New canyons confine the river in some of its Mexico are the Vermejo River, Cimarron northern New Mexico course. Principal Rio Creek, Mora River, Ocate Creek, Ute Creek Grande tributaries in New Mexico are the Rio and the Conchas River. Chama, the Santa Fe River, Galisteo Creek, the Jemez River, Rio Puerco, and Rio Salado. The Pecos River Watershed Some of New Mexico's most densely The Pecos River headwaters originate in populated areas, industries, and highly the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just north of developed agricultural interests are located in

6 the Rio Grande Valley. region in the basin east of Deming and north of the Little Florida Mountains, where flood Little Colorado River Basin flows disappear into the alluvial fill of the valley. The stream is ephemeral for about 40 The Puerco River in west central New miles of the lower portion of its length. Its Mexico flows through the community of Gallup, major tributary is San Vicente Arroyo, New Mexico. although there are several other small canyons, creeks, and arroyos leading to the Tularosa (closed) Basin valley floor.

The Tularosa Basin is located in south The major population centers in the basin central New Mexico in an intermountain desert are Silver City and Deming. The majority of valley about thirty five miles wide and 120 people in the basin gain a livelihood directly miles long. It is a closed basin with no well- or indirectly from mining, ranching, or defined water courses, situated between the Rio agriculture. Grande and Pecos River Watersheds. There are several small canyons and arroyos leading from A large portion of the basin is the Sacramento Mountains to the valley floor. undeveloped wasteland. Pasture, woodlands, and cropland, respectively are the major Within the basin is found the White Sands utilized areas. National Monument, a part of White Sands Missile Range, a segment of the Mescalero San Juan-Chama Diversion Project Indian Reservation, and an area called Malpais, a Spanish word meaning "bad lands." The A water resource development of great Malpais is a volcanic area where little importance in New Mexico is the San-Juan vegetation grows. Diversion Project.

Originally, the area was developed for Located in Colorado and New Mexico, the agricultural purposes, depending upon irrigation diversion works for this intricate project, and some cattle interest. Since World War II, designed to import water into the Rio Grande however, military research has become the Basin from the Colorado River Watershed, primary economic factor and tourism is fast consist of three diversion dams, two siphons becoming a major source of income in this and a tunnel system throughout the area. Continental Divide.

Mimbres (Closed) Basin An average of 110,000 acre-feet of water will be diverted each year from the Upper Located in southwestern New Mexico, the Colorado River Basin through the Continental Mimbres River drains an area of 1,770 square Divide, and conveyed on to the Rio Chama, a miles. The drainage area is roughly triangular Rio Grande tributary in north-central New in shape with one leg extending in a Mexico. Imported water is stored and held for southwest-northeast direction from the Big release in Heron Reservoir constructed by the Burro Mountains to the Black Range in the Bureau of Reclamation on Willow Creek, a northern portion of the drainage basin. The tributary of the Rio Chama in New Mexico. other leg of the triangle is from an apex On the Rio Chama, El Vado Dam's outlet approximately 11 miles east of Deming, New works were enlarged to permit passing of Mexico. project water without interfering with El Vado's normal operation and permit compliance The Mimbres River is approximately 91 with the Rio Grande Compact. miles in length. Its course is generally southern from its source in the Black Range, These important waters are used to at the head of Monument Canyon, to the establish and maintain the recreation pool at

7 Cochiti Lake and to supplement municipal, demand. Deliveries of San Juan-Chama water industrial, and irrigation waters in the Rio from Heron and El Vado Reservoirs to Abiquiu Grande Basin. Public Law 97-140 passed in are utilized to improve the brown trout 1981, authorized storage of up to 200,000 acre- spawning conditions and enhances the white feet of San Juan-Chama Diversion water in water recreational capabilities of the Rio Abiquiu Reservoir. San Juan-Chama water is Chama Wild and Scenic reach above Abiquiu held in Abiquiu Reservoir and released upon Reservoir.

Santa Rosa Dam provides flood control in the Pecos River Watershed.

8 Completed Projects

Conchas Dam deep and contains 325,850 gallons of water.) These irrigation waters supply the Arch Hurley Conchas Dam, impounding Conchas Lake Conservation District, in the area of waters, was the 17th dam constructed by the Tucumcari, and the Bell Ranch, located Army Corps of Engineers. It was completed in northeast of the lake. The reservoir has 1939 at a cost of $15.8 million. The dam is 198,800 acre-feet of storage space allocated for located just downstream from the confluence of flood control purposes and another 70,500 the South Canadian and Conchas Rivers, about acre-feet for sediment control. Four major 30 miles northwest of Tucumcari. Situated in floods have occurred on the Canadian River the South Canadian River canyon, the dam has since the dam was completed: in May and a 1,250 foot long, 200-foot high concrete September 1941, in September, 1942, and in gravity main section, with 3.7 miles of earth June 1965. wing dams and dikes flanking the main concrete section. A highlight of a visit to Conchas is a Santa Rosa Dam and Lake tour of the operation works inside the dam's main concrete section. A 300 foot long service Santa Rosa Dam and Lake on the Pecos spillway is located in the main dam and a 3,000 River about 7 miles north of Santa Rosa, was foot long concrete emergency spillway is located authorized for construction by the 1954 Flood north of the dam. Looking south from the Control Act. The dam is operated integrally Conchas Lake project office affords a with the Bureau of Reclamation's Sumner and magnificent view of Conchas Lake and its Brantley Dams under terms of the Pecos River dramatic western grassland surroundings, as Compact. The Bureau controls irrigation well as the dam structure itself. operations of Santa Rosa Dam and Lake and Sumner Dam with specific irrigation releases as In 1988 and 1989 alone, more than 1.3 required by downstream usefs. Flood control million people took advantage of this beautiful operations for both sites, as well as for lake's recreation benefits which include picnic Brantley Dam are Corps of Engineers and camping facilities, excellent fishing, and responsibility. other water-related recreation. Santa Rosa Dam is 1,920 feet long and 212 The lake, with a permanent pool of 70,500 feet high, controlling runoff from 2,434 square acre feet, is normally about a half mile to 2 miles of drainage area. Designed for a flood miles wide. The permanent pool elevation is control project, the lake will be irregularly 4,155 feet above mean sea level. Its north, shaped, approximately 3 miles by 4 miles. The central, and south recreation areas are leased only long term water storage authorization is to the State of New Mexico Parks and for irrigation purposes. When the irrigation Recreation Division and operated as Conchas pool is full, it contains 200,000 acre-feet of Lake State Park. Boaters' information and water. Another 82,000 acre-feet are available pamphlets are available from the Corps of for sediment storage. The reservoir has a Engineers' Conchas Information Center. storage capacity of 167,000 acre-feet for flood Seaplane operations are permitted in the area control purposes. south and west of Conchas Dam on the Conchas River. This is the only Albuquerque District The project was constructed with federal project on which seaplane operations have been funds at an estimated cost of $42 million. approved. Basic recreation facilities for camping and picnicking have been built at the project. Conchas Lake also provides 259,600 acre- feet of storage for conservation and irrigation, The visitor overlook and comfort station (one acre-foot equals 1 acre of water 1 foot are completed and include special facilities for

9 the handicapped. The State of New Mexico visit Two Rivers annually. operates and maintains the recreational facilities which serve more than 250,000 Abiquiu Dam visitors annually. An information center is operated by the Corps of Engineers at the Abiquiu Dam was the Corps of Engineers, administration building, which is the first solar Albuquerque District's second reservoir project heated and cooled building constructed by the of its water resources development plan for the Rio Grande watershed in New Mexico. Corps of Engineers at a civil works project. Located on the Rio Chama, about 30 miles Congressional approval for construction of upstream from its confluence with the Rio Santa Rosa Dam and Lake was predicated upon Grande, Abiquiu Dam is one of our country's the Carlsbad Irrigation District receiving highest earthfill dams. Towering 325 feet permission from the New Mexico State Engineer above the Rio Chama stream bed and to transfer their irrigation storage from Sumner stretching out 1,540 feet, it detains snowmelt Dam to Santa Rosa Dam and Lake, thus and rainfall from 2,146 square miles of effectively increasing available flood control mountainous watershed, and releases these storage capacity at Sumner Dam. waters with a rate compatible with downstream channel capacity. Storage capacity of this Two Rivers Dam reservoir at spillway crest elevation is 1,212,000 acre-feet of which 565,000 acre-feet Located near Roswell, Two Rivers Dam was are allocated to flood control and sediment the first completed flood control unit of a storage and the remainder for structure comprehensive development plan for the Pecos protection. River Watershed. Completed in 1963, this $4.9 million project is about 14 miles south of Modifications to the project under the dam Roswell on the Rio Hondo and Rocky Arroyo safety assurance program have made part of tributaries of the Pecos River. In addition to the storage, which was previously required to protecting Roswell and vicinity from flash store the Spillway Design Flood, in excess of flooding, the Two Rivers project reduces the current needs. A permanent pool could be potential of Pecos River flood damages maintained in the reservoir without affecting downstream. Two dams comprise the project: flood control operations. Diamond "A" Dam on the Rio Hondo and Rocky Dam on the Rocky Arroyo. Together, these two As recreation benefits were not part of dams create a common reservoir, thus the construction authorization for Abiquiu, such facilities are limited. Some water related project name of "Two Rivers Dam." activity is possible by the authorization to Diamond "A" Dam is an earthfill structure store 200,000 acre-feet of San-Juan Chama 4,885 feet long and 98 feet high with a gated water. Existing recreation facilities are outlet. Rocky Dam is an earthfill structure located on the reservoir's north side. They 2,940 feet long and 118 feet high with an include boat launching ramps, parking areas, a uncontrolled outlet. Together, these dams group shelter, picnic shelters complete with regulate runoff from 1,027 square miles of tables and fireplaces, campsites, a tent only drainage area. area, an overlook with picnic facilities and a handicapped/senior citizens fishing dock. Since Two Rivers Dam is emptied as soon Several picnic shelters are also situated on a as possible after each flood, there is no rocky rim overlooking the Rio Chama. permanent lake for recreational purposes. Approximately 700,000 people visit this site Therefore, only minimal recreational facilities annually. are provided at the site. These include a Access to parking area, a visitor's overlook structure and Abiquiu's south shore is by some picnic units. Despite these meager State Highway 96, which takes visitors across recreational facilities, more than 15,000 people the dam.

10 The project was completed in 1963 at a to the public. Another recreation area, Tetilla total cost of $21.2 million. Peak, on the east side of the lake was opened to the public in 1983. A visitor's center on Abiquiu Hydropower Project the west side of the lake, adjacent to the operations building is available to the public. In 1990, Los Alamos County is scheduled to complete construction on the hydropower Cochiti Lake provides the visiting public plant at Abiquiu Dam. The plant will have a with a full range of recreation facilities generating capacity of 13.2 megawatts. including camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and hiking trails, interpretive facilities, and Cochiti Lake handicapped/senior citizens fishing facilities. Approximately 1,100,000 people visit Cochiti As part of the comprehensive flood Lake annually. control and water development plan for the Rio Grande, Congress authorized Cochiti Lake in the Cochiti lake is an all Federal project 1960 Flood Control Act. Cochiti Lake is on constructed at a cost of $94.4 million. The Indian land near the Pueblo de Cochiti on the project controls water from an 11,695 square- Rio Grande about fifty miles upstream from mile drainage area. The reservoir's flood Albuquerque. Cochiti is one of the four units control capacity is 492,500 acre-feet, with an for flood and sediment control on the Rio additional 103,800 acre-feet allocated for Grande, operating in conjunction with Galisteo, sediment control. Jemez Canyon and Abiquiu Dams. Galisteo Dam Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earthfill dams in the United States, containing Originating in mountains paralleling the more than 65,000,000 cubic yards of earth and Rio Grande to the east, Galisteo Creek empties rock. It rises 251 feet above the Rio Grande into the Rio Grande downstream from the streambed and stretches out more than five Cochiti Lake site. Located just south of Santa miles to impound waters of the Rio Grande and Fe, the creek has a long history of violent the Santa Fe Rivers. Its control tower is 260 flash floods which carry tons of sediment, feet above the streambed, the equivalent of a rock, and other debris into the Rio Grande. 20 story building. A 474-foot bridge connects In the 1960 Flood Control Act, Congress the tower to the dam's main embankment. authorized Galisteo Dam to control these flash

floods and control sediment which was Originally Cochiti was authorized only for decreasing the channel capacity of the Rio flood and sediment control. However, officials Grande. The dam, completed in 1970 at the of the state of New Mexico and counties cost of $14.1 million, is another unit in the surrounding the site expressed interest in a comprehensive plan for flood and sediment permanent pool for fish and wildlife control in the Rio Grande Basin. enhancement and other recreational purposes. Congress then modified its authorization for Galisteo Dam is an earthfill structure 158 Cochiti Lake to include a 1,200 surface acre feet high and 2,820 feet long. Since it was lake for recreation. Water for this lake is authorized solely for flood and sediment imported from the Colorado River Basin to the control, its reservoir contains water only Rio Grande Basin via the San Juan Diversion during floodflows and empties as soon as the Project across the Continental Divide. water can flow through the dam's uncontrolled outlet. The dam controls run-off from 596 Construction of Cochiti Lake began in square miles of drainage area. The storage 1965; the main embankment was completed in capacity is 79,600 acre-feet for sediment 1975; and the lake opened to the public in storage. Galisteo Dam is located about five July, 1975. In 1976, the Cochiti Recreation miles east of Interstate 25, approximately 35 area on the west side of the lake was opened miles north of Albuquerque.

11 Recreational facilities at the dam include picnic shelters, a comfort station and a visitor Las Cruces Local Protection Project overlook structure. Approximately 6,500 people Las Cruces, NM visit this project annually. Las Cruces lies on the eastern slope of Jemez Canyon Dam the Rio Grande tributary streams and arroyos. Principal damage producing arroyos are Las The first project completed in the Corps Cruces and Alameda Arroyos. Although the of Engineers comprehensive plan for water Rio Grande itself poses no serious threat to resource development on the Rio Grande and the city of Las Cruces, these arroyos have its tributaries was Jemez Dam. Authorized as a been the source of severe flooding within the flood and sediment control dam, it is located city as their flood waters have drained into on the Jemez River about two miles from its the river. confluence with the Rio Grande and about 17 miles north of Albuquerque. The dam is an To afford the city and the adjacent urban earthfill structure of 136 feet high and 780 areas a high degree of flood protection, the feet long. It controls runoff from 1,034 square Corps of Engineers constructed a dam east of miles of drainage area. The reservoir's flood Las Cruces that will intercept and detain control capacity is 73,000 acre-feet, with an floodwaters from the Las Cruces and Alameda additional 29,700 acre feet. Arroyos. As floodwaters gather behind a 67 foot high, 15,570 foot long dam, they will be Basic recreation facilities at the site released through the dam's uncontrolled outlet include picnic tables and shelters, a parking into an outfall channel that will convey the area and an overlook structure. These facilities waters to the Rio Grande. Construction of the also include special features to allow the dam was completed in May, 1975. The outfall handicapped to enjoy the scenery. More than channel was completed in 1979. 65,000 people visit Jemez Canyon Dam annually. The project was completed in 1954 at a cost of Cost of the local protection project was $4.1 million. $5.5 million, of which $800,000 in non-federal cost was underwritten by the city of Las Soccoro Diversion Channel Cruces. Socorro, New Mexico Rio Grande Floodway In 1964, the Corps of Engineers completed construction of Socorro, New Mexico's flood The Rio Grande Floodway is part of the diversion channel project. Located on the west comprehensive plan for the development of bank of the Rio Grande in west-central New water resources of the Rio Grande Watershed. Mexico, Socorro had been subjected to severe It was a joint undertaking authorized by flash flood damage from floods originating in Congress for the Corps of Engineers and the the steep mountain canyons west of the city. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides flood The primary Rio Grande tributaries which protection and major drainage to the Espanola, caused the flooding were the Nogal Canyon middle, and lower valleys of the Rio Grande Arroyo, Blue Canyon and its tributaries, Smelter Valley in New Mexico. The Corps' part of this Arroyo and Soccoro Canyon, and Arroyo de la project consists of rehabilitating the existing Matanza. This project consists of a levee system constructed by local interests and combination of channels and levees diverting constructing of new levees and levee floodflows around the city into the Rio Grande. stabilization works where necessary. The This local protection project was completed at a Bureau of Reclamation's part consisted of cost of $2.7 million of which $300,000 was non¬ channel rectification and drainage federal cost underwritten by the city of rehabilitation. Socorro. The Albuquerque unit consists of a 20-mile

12 reach in the Albuquerque vicinity located Reclamation and consisted of rebuilding 125 within the limits of the Cochiti-Rio Puerco miles of existing levees, channel clearing and Unit of the middle valley. In 1956, the Corps straightening, and the installation of flexible of Engineers completed construction on a type jetties as required for bank protection. series of levees protecting Albuquerque and Total cost of this work was $2.7 million. vicinity. One levee, about 18 miles long, was built along the Rio Grande's east bank The Bureau of Reclamation has completed protecting principal business and industrial a drainage and water salvage project consisting sections, as well as a large residential district. of a low-flow channel extending from Elephant Another nine mile levee was constructed on the Butte Reservoir upstream past the city of west bank protecting urban and suburban areas. Socorro. This $3.1 million levee system, operating in conjunction with channel rectification work Corps preconstruction planning for the San and rehabilitation of the drainage system by the Acacia-Bosque del Apache Unit of the Middle Bureau of Reclamation, affords Albuquerque and Valley was deferred, but reclassified to active vicinity with protection from Rio Grande spring status in 1985. (See projects in planning, pg. and summer floods. 16.)

Construction was completed on the Construction has been awarded for a dam remainder of the Cochiti-Rio Puerco Unit of the in the floodway's lower valley reach in the Middle Valley in October, 1962. It was vicinity of Truth or Consequences. (See accomplished in cooperation with the Bureau of projects under construction, pg. 15.)

Cochiti Dam provides flood and sediment control on the Rio Grande.

13 Projects Under Construction

Acequias Upper Clyde Ditch: The Corps of Engineers built a diversion structure on the Mora River Acequias have existed since the Spanish to protect the Upper Clyde Ditch from heavy colonization period of the 17th and 18th flows and unnecessary erosion. Centuries. Presently, these community ditch systems provide irrigation water to about Tecolotito Ditch: A flume was constructed 160,000 acres on an estimated 12,000 farms. over the arroyo atTecolitito Ditch diverting About 70% of the farms average less than 20 heavy flows from the Pecos River. acres and are used for subsistence farming. Ortiz Ditch: The Albuquerque District Recognizing the social, political, and replaced the headworks on the diversion dam economic significance of the acequias, Congress at Ortiz Ditch on the Nambe River. authorized in the Water Resource Development Act of 1986 federal funds for their renovation. Acequia Madre del Sur Rio Don Fernando: A diversion structure was built to divert flows The primary objective in designing from the Rio Fernando de Taos. improvements to acequia systems has been to assure the survivability of the critical Eledge Ditch: An inoperable heading structure structures in the system (diversion dams, inlet wasTeplaced. works, sluicing systems, main delivery systems, on farm delivery systems) against flood flows Three diversion structures are presently and sedimentation, and thereby decrease the under construction at Acequia Madre de Llano, amount of yearly maintenance needed to keep Acequia Del Llano de Canjilon, and Acequia the system in operation. Work done by the del Medio de Cleveland del San Antonio. Corps of Engineers ranges from something as simple as replacing a slidegate on a headworks to building a major diversion dam. Puerco River, Gallup, New Mexico

Construction began on the acequias in Construction of a flood control project on 1989. The program is ongoing. Construction the Puerco River at Gallup, NM began in 1989. was completed on the following acequias in The project protects the western part of 1989. Gallup and includes 3,000 feet of channel widening, 9,800 feet of new or improved levee, Cinco Acequias: The Albuquerque District 6,600 feet of channel excavation, a floodwall designed a new concrete-capped gabion structure, and a gated headwall at Little diversion dam located 75 feet upstream from Puerco Wash. An auxiliary levee along one built in 1970. This dam provides better Highway 1-40 was constructed in 1989. control of flows to the ditches as well as greatly reducing annual maintenance. Authorized in the 1986 Water Resources Development Act, the project will provide 100 year protection from flooding which usually Farmer's Mutual Ditch: The Corps of occurs due to short duration, high intensity Engineers installed a structure at the mouth of thunderstorms. Eight major floods have the channel with three gated inlets to control occurred in Gallup over the past 108 years. the San Juan River flows into the acequia. The flood of record occurred in 1972 and cost Additionally, work was undertaken to prevent the city $1.3 million in damages. The total erosion to the river bank and channel at the authorized project cost is $7.3 million. The new structure. city of Gallup which is the local sponsor, will

14 contribute lands, easements, and rights of way he city as the local sponsor. The contract for as well as $1,260,000 in cash. construction was awarded in September, 1989.

The Cuchillo Negro Dam project will Rio Grande Floodway, T or C Unit protect the communities of Truth or Consequences and Williamsburg from flash In September 1972, a severe storm flooding in the Cuchillo Negro tributary to the occurred in the areas of Hillsboro and Cuchillo, Rio Grande. Truth or Consequences and NM. In 1973, the Corps completed a Williamsburg are closely developed along the preliminary report and recommended that river channel below Elephant Butte Dam and Congress fund the investigation. The initial above Caballo Dam. Severe thunderstorms funding was received in 1979. After considering occurring in the Cuchillo Negro Watershed several alternatives, the Corps proposed north and west of Truth or Consequences can construction of a detention dam located about put the Rio Grande over flood stage and three miles east of the village of Cuchillo, NM. inundate the communities. The dam will have The Corps entered into a cost sharing the capacity to withhold approximately 13,500 agreement with the city of Truth or acre feet of sediment and flood waters. The Consequences in September of 1988 designating project has a cost ceiling of $16 million.

The Acequia Program includes diversion dams (above) as well as conveyances (below).

15 Projects in Planning

Roswell, Pecos River, NM city and county. With increased development at Las Cruces has come the inherent problems The source of the Pecos River is in the of local drainage and flood control. Specific Sangre de Cristo Mountain range in Mora areas of flooding which have concerned local County, northern New Mexico. From its officials include the southeast portion of the source, the river flows in a southeast direction city, the east bench, and the north valley for about 925 miles through eastern New Mexico area. These areas have experienced significant and western Texas to its confluence with the flood damages from late summer storms. Rio Grande at the international boundary Reconnaissance investigations will address the between the United States and Mexico. Recent flood problems in the city and identify the floodplain studies associated with the flood specific locations which could potentially insurance program have shown unresolved flood benefit from a flood control project. problems exist in the watershed. Specific flood problems occur at the city of Roswell, New Albuquerque, NM Mexico. Most of the residential, business, and public properties at Roswell are subject to flood Congress has requested that the Corps of damage. Studies will determine the need for Engineers investigate flood problems with the improvements for flood control, recreation, and city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The study fish and wildlife conservation. Lakes, diversion will consider the effect of recent urban growth channels, levees and channel rectification works on the capabilities of the North and South and non-structural alternatives will be studied Albuquerque Diversion Channels, as well as the to find solutions to the water resource problems need for additional flood control in the in the study area. Reconnaissance studies have northeast and southwest quadrants of the city. shown that an economically feasible alternative Reconnaissance investigations will address the is possible. flood problems in the city and identify the specific locations which could potentially Rio Grande Floodway, San Acacia to benefit from a flood control project. The Bosque del Apache Unit, NM study is scheduled for completion in April, 1991. Part of the Rio Grande Floodway, the project would comprise the removal and re¬ Rio Grande & Tributaries placement of the existing spoil bank levee Remainder NM which separates the Rio Grande low-flow conveyance channel from the cleared floodway. Dona Ana County, New Mexico has The project would extend from the upper end requested that the Corps of Engineers of the low flow conveyance channel (the San investigate several problem areas with regard Acacia diversion works) to the lower end of the to flood control problems and opportunities. low flow conveyance channel at the head of Four of these areas are currently undergoing Elephant Butte Reservoir, a distance of about feasibility level investigations under the Rio 58 miles. The level of protection for this plan Grande and Tributaries, Remainder New would be a discharge of 46,000 c.f.s. at Mexico, study authority. These are: Hatch; Socorro. Chapparal; La Union; and Sunland Park/Anapra. Alternatives under consideration include Las Cruces, NM structural solutions, such as diversion and detention structures and non-structural The city of Las Cruces and Dona Ana solutions, such as relocation out of the County have requested the Corps investigate floodplains. The Feasibility Report, with flood problems with emphasis on newly recommendations for these study areas, will be developed and rapidly developing areas in the completed in September 1990.

16 Flood Plain Management Services Program

The Flood Plain Management Services information, and the like. Such participation (FPMS) Program is the Corps' means of using by requesters can help to reduce costs to the its technical expertise in flood plain general public, to set work priorities, and to management matters to help those outside the assure continued community interest. Activities Corps, both federal and non-federal to deal under the Corps FPMS Program are described with floods and flood related matters. Section below. 206 of the Flood Control Act of 1960, as amended, provides the authority for this General Technical Services program. Upon request, the Corps of Engineers will furnish to states, counties, cities, and Flood and flood plain related data are federal agencies the flood plain information and obtained or developed and interpreted. Topics technical assistance needed in planning for include: flood formation and timing; flood prudent use of land which is subject to flooding depth or stage; flood-water velocity; extent of from streams and lakes. Requests are also flooding; duration of flooding; flood frequency; honored from individuals when the necessary obstruction to flood flows; "regulatory information id readily available. Assistance is floodway;" natural and cultural resource values given within the limits of available of note; and flood loss potentials before and appropriations. after employment of flood plain management measures. Program Objectives General Planning Guidance The objective of the FPMS is to support comprehensive flood plain management planning Planning assistance and guidance is with technical services and planning guidance at provided for implementing or meeting all appropriate governmental levels; and requirements of: flood plain regulations; flood thereby, to encourage and to guide them toward warning and flood emergency preparedness; prudent use of the Nation's flood plains for the flood proofing measures (e.g., elevation, benefit of the national economy and welfare. closures and seals, and anchorage); permanent For other federal agencies, this is especially evacuation and relocation; the National Flood important because they must meet the Insurance Program; and Executive Order 11988. requirements of Executive Order 11988 titled The Corps assists in all aspects of flood plain "Floodplain Management." The locational management planning. This can range from advantages and natural resource values of flood helping a community identify the future of the plains can be balanced with the inevitable flood plain and related problems (present or hazards which floods pose through the future) to a broad assessment of remedial adjustment of land use, based on proper measures (of both the flood modifying and planning and use of a variety of flood damage- occupance modifying varieties) that may be reducing techniques. appropriate. Included are the possible impacts of off-flood plain land use changes on the Types of Activities physical, socio-economic and environmental conditions of the flood plain. Upon request the FPMS Program provides a full range of technical services and planning Guides, Pamphlets, Supporting Studies guidance on floods and floodplain issues under the broad umbrella of flood plain management. The program includes studies to improve With minor exceptions, services are non¬ methods and procedures for flood damage reimbursable. However, involvement of prevention and abatement, and preparation of requesters is encouraged. They may furnish guides and pamphlets on topics such as flood- field survey data, maps, historical flood proofing, flood plain regulations, and important

17 natural flood plain values. Guides and potentials as part of a flood plain management pamphlets are prepared for use by state and program. Government agencies or persons local governments, by private citizens, and by having a need for these services should write federal agencies in planning and in taking to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Planning action to reduce flood damages or damage Branch P.O. Box 1580, Albuquerque, NM 87103 Continuing Authorities

The objective of the Continuing followed by plans, specifications, and Authorities program is to plan, design, and construction. Federal investment is limited to construct certain types of water resources $500,000 per project. projects in a manner more responsive to the immediate needs of local interests than is possible under the longer survey investigations. Constructed Continuing Projects constructed under the Continuing Authorities Projects Authorities Program do not require individual Congressional authorization, as do most other Capshaw Jr. High School, Arroyo de los Corps water resource projects. Similar to the Chamiso, Santa Fe, NM: This Section 205 larger Corps civil works projects, twenty five project protects Capshaw Jr. High School from percent of the total project cost is contributed flooding. It consists of 1.430 feet of channel by the project's local sponsor. The three improvement with rock filled gabions along the continuing authorities in New Mexico are left bank for slope protection. The project described below: was completed in September, 1979.

Section 205 of the Flood Control Act of Mora Sewage Lagoons, Mora NM: This Section 1948, as amended, authorized the Corps of 14 project protects the sewage lagoons at Engineers to plan, design, and construct small Mora, NM from streambank erosion caused by flood control projects. The planning process the Mora River. The project, consisting of involves two levels of study: the 360 feet of dumped rock, was constructed in Reconnaissance Study to establish a federal August, 1981. interest; and the Feasibility Study to refine and select an engineering alternative. Federal Pottery Mound, Rio Puerco: This Section 14 investment is limited to $5,000,000 per project consists of protective earth berm 675 individual project. feet in length protected by Kellner Jetty Jacks constructed along the right bank of the Rio Section 14 of the Flood Control Act of Puerco. Construction was completed in May, 1946, as amended, authorizes the Corps to plan, 1981. design, and construct projects to provide emergency streambank protection and shoreline Truchas Creek, Ft Sumner: This section 14 protection for public and non-profit facilities. project consists of 520 feet of wire wrapped The planning process involves one level of riprap along the east bank of Truchas Creek study, the Feasibility, followed by plans and to protect a sewage lift station and a state specifications, and construction. Federal highway bridge. The project was completed in investment is limited to $500,000 per project. 1984.

Section 208 of the River and Harbor Act Rio Ruidoso, Lincoln County: This section 14 of 1954, as amended, authorizes the Corps to project provides protection for Lincoln plan, design, and construct projects to snag County's B-015 Bridge across the Rio Ruidoso. and clear debris, silt, and vegetation from The project consists of three rock filled waterways to provide flood control. The gabion groins along the north bank of the planning process involves a Feasibility Study river upstream from the bridge and wire

18 wrapped riprap around the bridge abutments. River. Plans and specifications are complete Construction was completed in July, 1986. and construction is currently scheduled for May, 1990. Rio Costilla, Amalia: This section 14 project protects 860 feet of Taos County Road B-060. Hampton Arroyo, Aztec: This Section 14 The project consists of a wire wrapped riprap project is designed to stabilize the streambed blanket and was completed in August, 1986. of Hampton Arroyo and to control an erosion problem threatening a public elementary San Francisco River Reserve: This section 14 school, several utility crossings and a highway project is designed to protect the village of bridge which crosses the arroyo. Preparation Reserve's sewage treatment plant from erosion of plans and specifications are scheduled for from the San Francisco River. The project May, 1990. consists of 700 feet of wire wrapped riprap placed along the right riverbank. The project Zuni River, Zuni: This Section 205 project was completed in April, 1987. will provide flood protection on the Zuni River for the Zuni Pueblo. The reconnaissance San Vincent Arroyo, Silver City: This Section report will be completed by February 1990. 14 project consists of approximately 685 feet of wire wrapped riprap placed along the right bank Tellbrook Arroyo, Las Cruces: This Section of the San Vincent Arroyo to protect the town 205 project will provide flood protection along of Silver City's sewage treatment plant from the Tellbrook Arroyo, just south of Las erosion damages. The project was completed in Cruces, NM. A cost shared Feasibility Study June 1988. is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed in May, 1990. Continuing Authorities Projects in Planning Gallinas River, Las Vegas: This Section 208 project consists of a channel clearing and Alameda Street, Santa Fe River: This Section shaping along 2,500 feet of the Gallinas River. 14 project will provide streambank protection Construction is currently scheduled for along approximately 600 feet of the Santa Fe September, 1990. Other Corps of Engineers Missions

A part of the Corps of Engineers' mission or potential flood problem, a responsible is to assist local and state authorities over and authority representing the threatened above their resource capabilities in flood community may appeal to Congress for the fighting emergencies and in their efforts to Corps to survey their problem. If Congress protect life and property. Following such approves the request and appropriates funds, emergencies, as specifically requested by local the Corps will initiate the survey. Such a and state authorities, the Corps repairs survey not only determines the extent of damaged flood control facilities. Such post- danger, but determines economic and emergency work is accomplished under various engineering justification for possible solutions statutory authorities as it is determined to be of the problem. These studies often contain engineeringly and economically feasible and consideration of other water resource projects funds are appropriated by Congress. for the community other than pure flood control, such as irrigation and recreation. A most important and continuing phase of Corps activities in New Mexico is its survey In addition to the study of a specific investigations program. When a community or locality, these surveys may include a study of other interests in the state are faced with real an entire river basin.

19 Regulatory Program Activities Requiring Permits United States," including adjacent wetlands; (2) all interstate waters including interstate A Corps permit is required if you plan to wetlands; (3) all other waters such as locate a structure in a navigable water of the intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including United States, or discharge dredged or fill intermittent streams), prairie potholes, material, in waters of the United States. This mudflats, playa lakes, etc.; (4) all relates to those individuals, companies, impoundments of these waters; (5) tributaries corporations and government agencies planning of the above listed waters; (6) wetlands construction activities in a river stream, lake or adjacent to the above waters. Section 404 wetland within the jurisdiction of the Corps of permits are required for construction activities Engineers. in these waters.

Discharges of dredged or fill material into Application for an Individual Permit waters of the United States are regulated under provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water An individual Section 404 permit will be Act. Construction and work in navigable waters required for placement of dredged or fill of the United States is regulated under Section material in waters of the United States if the 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. project is not exempted from the Section 404 program and doesn't fall under one of the The purpose of the Section 404 program is nationwide or regional permits. An individual to insure that the biological and chemical Section 10 permit will be required for work in quality of our nation's waters is protected from navigable waters of the United States if the irresponsible and unregulated discharges of project doesn't fall under one of the dredged or fill material that could permanently nationwide or regional permits. alter or destroy these valuable resources. You are encouraged to contact the The program provides for the consideration Albuquerque District Corps of Engineers for of all concerns of the public - environmental, proposed work in waters of the United States, social, and economic - in the Corps decision¬ including wetlands. Permit requirements and making process to either issue or deny permits. exemptions will be reviewed and an official determination as to the need for a permit will Waters of the United States be provided upon request. Detailed information on permits under Section 10 or Waters of the United States are defined Section 404 may be obtained by writing U.S. as: (1) the traditional "navigable waters of the Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch.

For further information regarding U. S. Army Corps of Engineers activities contact:

District Engineer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 1580 Albuquerque, NM 87103

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