Public Works Department

             I would like to update our Village Council and residents on the Public Works Department. This season has been pretty slow in the streets department due to the lack of snow and we have yet to be able to put our Unimog snow blower to a real test yet, but fortunately the WWTP gives us plenty of excitement whether it snows or not. We have exceeded limits on nitrates and/or ammonia a couple times this season and we feel that it is a function of a sudden increase in flows and the inability of the plant to recover quickly enough. Within a couple days of a spike the plant has recovered and the monthly averages are very good overall. We recently had a visit from a group of people here at the WWTP that would like to approach the Village about the possibility of doing a study presentation on the feasibility of bio-gas production. They are gathering data from us on electricity, propane, solid waste and recycling. There are some interesting ideas and technology that support the need to look at all renewable/alternative energy sources throughout the Village, as well as the treatment facility. As we move forward with any preliminary reports on wastewater, our goal is to design a treatment plant for the next 100 years, and with that in mind I feel strongly that the Village should look at all the possibilities that can be incorporated into a new wastewater treatment plant design. With carbon footprint, carbon tax and carbon cap and trade being huge environmental topics of discussion in local government and municipalities, we need to make sure we invest due diligence in the environment and ensure the residents and businesses of Taos Ski Valley and the communities below that we are doing as much as we can for the future of this planet. There are a lot of ideas to entertain for renewable/alternative energy and resources but in the long run, some may be viable, others may not, but it would be a greater disservice that we did not look at all possibilities for the future of the Village. We currently spend close to $90,000/yr in electricity, propane, waste disposal and carbon supplement in water and sewer. There are ways to reduce these costs in the future and we need to make sure that any expansion/upgrade or new facility is done with this in mind.

Ray Keen, Public Works Director