City of Las Cruces
- environmental
- Las Cruces, New Mexico
Project Scope
160 acres
Construction Type
Environmental restoration
Project Delivery Method
T and M
Project Components
Project planning, permitting and monitoring
A property located in eastern Las Cruces, N.M., was a disposal site for municipal waste until 1965. Waste at the site was covered with soil, and the property has been environmentally stressed and limited in use since. At the time of waste disposal, the site was located well east of the City of Las Cruces. Over the years, Las Cruces has grown eastward and engulfed the site.
The city disposed of municipal waste at the site under terms of a lease with the Bureau of Land Management and has since acquired the 160-acre property with the intent to restore the site to a “no environmental stress” status to allow development. The city is removing and transporting the waste to South Central New Mexico Solid Waste Authority’s Corralitos Landfill, located about 20 miles west of Las Cruces.
Waste disposal practices at the pre-1965 Foothills Landfill were primitive. Wastes were not placed in excavated regularly shaped cells but were deposited on existing land surfaces in low-lying areas, generally next to or inside arroyos.
As wastes were placed, soil from the adjacent arroyo banks was pushed downhill over the wastes. The resulting buried waste bodies are irregular. Test borings and potholes were advanced to allow estimates of the thickness and lateral extent of wastes.
The City of Las Cruces chose Parkhill to assist with planning, permitting, and site operations to excavate approximately half of the waste (Phase I, Areas 1-3). Parkhill’s assistance with Phase I began with preparing projections of waste volumes and geometry, estimating project costs, and preparing a waste excavation plan approved by the New Mexico Environment Department. Parkhill currently supports site excavation with updated waste delineation, air quality monitoring, excavation base soil sampling for clean confirmation, documenting the project progress, keeping the client informed, and ensuring a successful project. Parkhill anticipates follow-up assignments for waste characterization, excavation planning and site support services for Areas 4-5 (Phase II).
This project is aligned with the Parkhill goals of engagement in projects that contribute to community improvement, as well as to environmental diligence and sustainability. The project will result in a significant area in eastern Las Cruces being transformed from an environmental liability to a valuable real property, will profit the city monetarily and will improve quality of life for Las Cruces residents.
Sustainability
Site restoration
Project Leadership
- Charles Fiedler, PE
- Michael Ramirez, PE
- Clay Kilmer, PG
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