View of Los Alamos Canyon Reservoir. Courtesy/LAC

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

The Los Alamos Reservoir has been through a lot. Two major wildfires, a rainstorm cyclone and human tampering have all played a role in causing erosion. When a rainstorm hits the area, a blob of water-drenched sediment descends the canyon walls.

So, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), which is responsible for the reservoir, acted. But even that was a bit of a hurdle. Despite federal funds approved and then taken away and despite having to look and apply for other funds from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), the restoration of the reservoir is completed.

“I’m actually really happy because I knew how much of a recreational asset that whole area is to the public,” said Deputy Utility Manager for gas, water and sewer services Clay Moseley.
According to a County press release, the watershed was restored and stabilized using bioengineering techniques that incorporated natural materials and processes to help the watershed heal itself. This effort resulted in an improved access road and protection for the pipeline and electric conduit between West Road and the reservoir. Furthermore, the watershed flow regime was reconstructed and the reservoir was dredged.

Moseley noted that this will not solve the issue 100 percent, but a recent rainstorm tested the project’s efforts and there was minimal impact.

There have been issues with the reservoir since the beginning. Moseley said the U.S. Army originally installed a pipeline in the canyon, which altered it and ever since then there has been a struggle to address man’s impacts on the area.

“Nature has been winning the battle the whole time,” Moseley said.

He added to address the issue, initially, DPU applied and received funds from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation funds through the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security.

However, those funds were pulled to pay for the border wall. So, DPU looked to NMED and was approved to receive funds through its River Stewardship Grant Mechanism.

DPU applied for the NMED funds in 2020, Moseley said. Keystone Restoration Ecology was contracted to do the work, which began in May.

The project, which cost $800,000, was divided between the County and the NMED funds. Moseley said the County paid 75 percent and the state covered 25 percent.

Grand Reopening Oct. 9

To celebrate the project’s completion, there will be a grand reopening at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9. The public is welcome to attend and is encouraged to hike to the Los Alamos Canyon Reservoir from the trailhead at the Los Alamos Ice Rink. Those who wish to attend but who are unable to hike may meet at the ice rink parking lot at 10 a.m. to ride there in a large van.