2007 Ground Water Summit

Wednesday, May 2, 2007 : 8:20 a.m.

Vadose Zone Characterization for the Bear Canyon Recharge Demonstration Project, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Stephanie J. Moore1, John T. Kay1, James A. Kelsey1 and John M. Stomp III, PE2, (1)Daniel B. Stephens & Associates Inc., (2)Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority

Although numerous artificial recharge systems have been successfully implemented throughout the Western United States, there are currently no operating or permitted projects in the State of New Mexico. The Bear Canyon Recharge Demonstration Project is one of the first artificial recharge projects in the State; it is a pilot project designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of artificial recharge through an in-stream infiltration system. The goals of the Project are (1) to implement the existing policy on aquifer storage and recovery, (2) use San Juan-Chama (SJC) water to recharge the aquifer, (3) use the aquifer to store surplus SJC water and establish a drought reserve, and (4) establish the right to recover the recharged groundwater. Approximately 1,000 acre-feet of water will be recharged during the winter months (Nov-Feb), when demand is low. The pilot project will be monitored extensively to track water movement and any changes in water quality, both within the vadose zone and within the aquifer. Recharge is expected to begin in November 2007. Currently, work is underway to characterize the vadose zone and design a suitable monitoring plan to track recharged water along its entire flow path from land surface, through approximately 500 feet of vadose zone, to the regional aquifer. Components of the vadose zone characterization include in-situ and laboratory analysis to assess spatial variability of hydraulic properties.  A combination of thermistors, heat dissipation probes, and lysimeters will be used to monitor fluxes in the upper 50 ft of the vadose zone. Neutron logs will be the primary means of tracking the wetting front through the deeper vadose zone. Data collected during the project will help evaluate the success of the project and to establish a recoverable groundwater right.

Stephanie J. Moore, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates Inc. Stephanie Moore is a Hydrologist with Daniel B. Stephens & Associates. She spent eight years with the U.S. Geological Survey before joining DBS&A in early 2005. She holds a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and an M.S. degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Stephanie’s key areas of expertise include quantitative analysis of stream-aquifer interactions, vadose-zone processes, and spatial and temporal variations in water quality. She has successfully managed a variety of hydrogeologic investigations throughout New Mexico, including several comprehensive water quality studies. Ms. Moore has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed papers and reports.

John T. Kay, Daniel B. Stephens & Associates Inc. John Kay is a Project Hydrologist at Daniel B. Stephens & Associates (DBS&A) with seven years of professional experience in water resource assessments, vadose zone investigations, and automated environmental monitoring systems. He holds a B.S. degree in geology from the University of Northern Arizona and an M.S. degree in hydrology from the University of Arizona. Since joining DBS&A in 2000, John has conducted water resources related project work for numerous New Mexico entities, including the City of Albuquerque, the Interstate Stream Commission, Elephant Butte Irrigation District, the San-Juan Chama Contractor’s Association, Pueblo of Acoma, City of Santa Fe, and the US Army Corp of Engineers.

John M. Stomp III, PE, Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority John Stomp, III, with a Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Mr. Stomp is the Water Resources Manager for the City working as an agent to the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority. The Water Authority provides water and wastewater services to more than 475,000 residents in the metropolitan area. Mr. Stomp has more than 18 years of experience dealing with water and wastewater issues in New Mexico and throughout the southwestern U.S.


The 2007 Ground Water Summit