SALT LAKE CITY – The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a $4.28 million contract to Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. of Boulder, Colo., for support services associated with the development of an environmental impact statement for the future Pojoaque Basin Regional Water System in Santa Fe County, N.M.

Once complete, the regional water system will provide a clean, reliable source of drinking water to the Nambe, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso and Tesuque pueblos as well as Santa Fe County residents living in the Pojoaque Basin, and decrease reliance on diminishing groundwater supplies which may have impaired water quality. Additionally, the project will supply water for fire suppression and support future population growth in the area.

"This water distribution project is important to the pueblos it supports and will bring a clean and consistent source of water to these communities," said Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor. "A comprehensive analysis of potential environmental impacts and the fulfillment of our environmental responsibilities are essential steps toward the completion of this project."

Construction of the regional water system, provided in accord with the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act (Public Law 1111-291, Title VI, Sections 601 through 626), requires analysis of the potential environmental impacts that may occur as a result of the project in addition to an evaluation of alternatives. The cumulative effects of project actions – including the diversion of surface water from the Rio Grande and other likely actions – will be addressed in the EIS.

The regional water system will consist of surface water diversion facilities at San Ildefonso Pueblo on the Rio Grande, and treatment, transmission, storage and distribution facilities and aquifer storage and recovery well fields that will supply up to 4,000 acre-feet of water annually to customers within the Pojoaque Basin.