Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority

On Tuesday April 7th, the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA) and the Army Corps of Engineers cut the ribbon on the Middle Venada Water Quality Facility project which provides stormwater quality treatment for the Venada watershed west of NM528. The facility is designed to remove floatable debris (e.g. Styrofoam cups, water bottles, etc.), floatable liquids (e.g. oils, fats, etc.), and bed load sediment (which can carry contaminants such as metals) from stormwater prior to be being discharged to the Rio Grande. This treatment is accomplished using inverted ports that allow water to back up behind the water quality structure and discharge, using a siphon effect, from below the water surface to the downstream side of the structure. Bed load sediments are moved upstream of the structure by creating a large settling pond, slowing the velocity of the stormwater, allowing the heavier sediments to settle out.

This project was funded by US Army Corps of Engineers using Section 595 authority from the Water Resources Development Act, a capital outlay appropriation from the State of New Mexico Legislature, and local bond fund proceeds from SSCAFCA’s bonding authority.



Pictured from right to left: Andrés Sanchez, Design Services Director, SSCAFCA; Deb Dapson, District 1 City Councilor, City of Rio Rancho; Senator Cindy Nava, NM State Legislature; Lt. Col. Matthew T. Miller, USACE; Bel Marquez, PE (Ret.), PMP, CFM, Chair Pro Tem, SSCAFCA; Andy Edmondson, Facilities Operations Director, SSCAFCA; Eddie Paulsgrove, Board Member, SSCAFCA; Cynthia Longley, CBKN DIRTWORKS INC; Dave Gatterman, Executive Engineer, SSCAFCA

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If you have any questions about stormwater pollution and solutions, please reach out! https://keeptheriogrand.org/contact-us/