The Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association (ESCA) heard updates on Vulcan Materials’ mine reclamation, the Buffalo Tract recreation area and the Forest Service’s North Sandia fuels reduction project at its annual meeting Nov. 17, all aimed at addressing key environmental and infrastructure priorities for Placitas.
Vulcan Materials’ dust control efforts was one key topic presented at the meeting.
Eric Fletcher, plant manager at Vulcan Materials Company, presented an update to the ESCA about the ongoing first phase of the reclamation project that began in autumn on the south side of the arroyo that divides the mine property. Vulcan expects to finish the phase by early spring.
According to Fletcher, mining operations are expected to conclude in the area by the end of 2026, with final reclamation efforts completed by 2027.
While Albuquerque requires mine shutdowns at specific wind speeds, Vulcan Materials in Sandoval County does not have this requirement.
Instead, the company ceases operations in the mine pit when dust levels become too high, pulling all equipment out of the area. The wash plant remains operational, as it adds water to the sand and gravel. Although not legally required, Vulcan voluntarily implements these measures to control dust and comply with environmental standards.
“If anything goes wrong or we don’t like the dust?” ESCA President George Franzen asked Fletcher.
“I get those calls from time to time,” Fletcher responded.
“For the most part, you’ve done a really good job,” Franzen added. “It’s not your fault — it’s nature’s fault. If there wasn’t any wind, we wouldn’t have any dust. I always like to remind folks that 78% of the dust has been proven to come from Rio Rancho.”
Mining operations have shifted to the north side of the arroyo, where a substantial sand and gravel deposit — described by Fletcher as a “honey hole” — has been discovered.
“We anticipate staying in that area well until it runs out,” Fletcher said.
According to Fletcher, Vulcan has signed a $47,000 contract with an independent third-party consultant to oversee the mine reclamation process. The consultant ensures the mine’s reclamation efforts comply with the terms of the Settlement Agreement. While he was unsure if the consultant had visited the site yet, Fletcher confirmed necessary steps had been taken to move forward.
“There’s a lot of homeowners that are very interested in Vulcan complying with the Settlement Agreement,” Franzen said. “Which we know is your intent, there’s no question.”
Franzen asked Fletcher if it would be possible for the consultant to generate reports that could be provided to the ESCA, allowing them to address any concerns homeowners may have.
Fletcher said it should not be a problem but he would ask the consultant.
Buffalo Tract update
The ESCA had Sandy Johnson, president of the Las Placitas Association, speak to the members about LPA’s efforts to develop the 3,000-acre Buffalo Tract into a multi-use recreational area for the community.
According to Johnson, the LPA secured a grant for $99,950 from the Economic Division’s Trails and Grants program in March for an environmental assessment to guide the recreational project. She said ESCA board member Myron Temchin was appointed to be the project manager.
Johnson said LPA sent requests for proposals to eight environmental consulting firms for the Buffalo Tract project and selected companies with local offices. Three firms — Sundance Consultants from Albuquerque, Grouse Mountain Environmental Consultants from Santa Fe and SWCA Environmental Consultants from Albuquerque — submitted proposals before the deadline.
She said the LPA plans to select one of the firms by the first week of December.
According to Temchin, the project is working with a variety of stakeholders, including the Albuquerque Open Space team, Santa Ana Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo and San Felipe Pueblo, to ensure cultural and environmental needs are met.
He said it is important to collaborate with ecologists, biologists and local animal organizations to protect migration corridors for wildlife. Once these efforts are complete and environmental studies confirm no significant impact, the project will move forward with developing trails, campsites, and restoration work to transform the 3,000-acre Buffalo Tract into a public recreational area.
North Sandia Fuels Reduction Project
Bill Rudy, Partnership Coordinator for the Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, and Ken Born, Acting District Ranger for the Sandia Ranger District, discussed the North Sandia Fuels Reduction Project, which aims to reduce wildfire risks by treating 3,000 acres on the north side of the Sandia Ranger District.
Born explained the project would employ thinning, mastication and prescribed burns. After a year of consultations, the project was approved and is expected to begin within one to two years. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with local communities and tribes.
Rudy also highlighted grant opportunities from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department to assist with wildfire mitigation and encouraged groups to apply for funding to support these efforts.
Other meeting notes
Sandoval County District 1 Commissioner Kathrine Bruch, who represents Placitas, presented various topics to the ESCA.
Bruch provided updates on the four bond questions approved in the General Election, which will fund libraries, emergency communications, a new animal resource center and public works in the county.
She also discussed challenges facing the county, including staffing shortages that have hindered the effectiveness of various departments. Bruch acknowledged the absence of specific ordinances addressing issues like lighting, slopes and other planning and zoning concerns in the past, which has contributed to some of the community’s current challenges.