SERlrrp-232-3597

UC Category: 244

DE89009511

Evaluation pf Available Saline

Water Resources in New Mexico

for the Production of Microalgae

R. Lansford

J. Hernandez

P. Enis

D. Truby

C. Mapel

August 1990

Prepared under Task No. BF911 01 0

Solar Energy. Research Institute

A Division 01 Midwest Research Institute

1617 Cole Boulevard

Golden, Colorado 80401-3393

Prepared for the

U.S. Department of Energy

Contract No. DE-AC02-83CH10093
NOTICE

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither the United States government nor any

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Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation. or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions 01 authors

expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

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can be found in the current issue of the following publications which are generally available in most libraries: Energy Research Abstracts (ERA); Govemment Reports Announcements and Index (GRA and I); Scientific and TechnicalAbstract Reports (STAR); and publication NTIS-PR-36D available Irom NTIS

at the above address.
TP-3597

SUMMARY

The major objective of the research was to select potential sites in New Mexico for

1000-ha (2470-acre) microalgae production facilities using saline water resources. The

emphasis of the research was twofold.

First, a data base was created following jhe Solar Energy Research Institute's (SERI)

criteria for locating microalgae production facilities in New Mexico. Specific criteria

included location, depth to water, aquifer characteristics, saturated thickness of

aquifers, salinity, ionic composition and well-yields, growing season, topography, and land

ownership.

Second, the data base was digitized for the construction of maps. The desirable water

supply for algae culture was limited to moderately or more saline groundwaters

(3000 mg/L TDS) because of the demands for the limited supply of better-quality water.

After a review of the 15 billion acre-ft of saline water resources in the state, areas that

appeared to generally meet the SERI criteria for site selection were narrowed to the

following: the Tularosa Basin in south-central New Mexico, the Estancia Basin in central

New Mexico, the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico, the Tucumcari area in

Quay County on the east side of the state, the area east of the Pecos River Basin in eastern New Mexico, and the Crow Flats area in southern New Mexico.

A detailed analysis was completed for the six locations. Three basins were eliminated

for failing to meet all the criteria developed for the study: Pecos Basin, San Juan Basin,

and the Tucumcari area. Of the remaining basins, the Tularosa was judged best suited

for a microalgae production facility, Crow Flats the next best, and Estancia the poorest

of the three choices because of a short growing season.

The reserves of saline waters ranging from 2.3 million to 5.0 million acre-It were identified as possible large-scale microalgae production areas in New Mexico.

ii
TP-3597

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••• 1

7

7

7

8

8

8

8

9

9

9

10

10

10

.....................................

............................

Salt Basin ••••.••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••

Pecos Basin

Tucumcari Area •.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

San Juan Basin •••••••••••

Ogallala Aquifer •••••••••

Microalgae Siting ••••••••••••••••••••••

Agricultural Siting

Saline Water Resources ••••••.•••••••••

1.2.3.1 Rio Grande Basin.

1.2.3.2 Tularosa Basin

1.2.3.3 Estancia Basin •••••.•••••

1.2.3.4

1.2.3.5

1.2.3.6

1.2.3.7

1.2.3.8

1.2.1

1.2.2

1.2.3

Objectives ••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••

Literature Review.

1.1

1.2

2.0 Methodology ..•.•.................................................... 11

2.1 Task 1 ·........·............................ ·........... 2.2 Task 2 ·........·........... ................. ·............... 2.3 Task 3 ·........·......... ..... ........... ·......... 2.4 Task 4 ·........·......... ·............... ·......... 2.5 Task 5 ·........·............·............... ·............ 2.6 Task 6 ·........·............·................ • ••••• It ••

2.7 Task 7 ·........ ........·................ ·........ .... 2.8 Task 8 ·.....................................................

11

11

11

12

12

13

13

13

3.0 Results . 14

14

14

14

14

17

17

17

19

19

23

23

24

24

24

32

32

32

32

35

......... II •••••••••••••• III

........................................

Site A

Site B

........................................

Introduction .•••••••••.••••••••••••••

Setting and Climatic Characteristics •••••••••••••••••

Study Area .••.••••••••••••••••••••

3.5.3.1 Land Ownership and Slope •.

3.5.3.2 Water Resources •••••••••.

3.5.3.3 Groundwater Quality •••••••••.•••••••••••••••••

Potential Production Areas •••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••

Setting and Climatic Characteristics ••••••.•••••••.•.

Study Area •.....••.....•••••••••.••.......•......•.....

The Tularosa Basin •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.

3.5.1 Introduction •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

3.5.2

3.5.3

Climate and Surface Characteristics ••••••••••••••••••••••

Groundwater Quality

Unappropriated Saline Water Resources •••••••••••••••••••

Basin Selection

3.5.4

3.5.4.1

3.5.4.2

3.5.5 Summary

The Estancia Basin

3.6.1

3.6.2

3.6.3

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

iii
TP-3597

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Concluded)

35

35

40

40

40

43

43

44

44

44

44

44

50

50

50

54

54

54

56

56

56

57

58

58

58

58

58

60

60

60

62

.............

............................

............................

.....................................

.........................................

.........................................

............................................

...............................................

...............................................

Site A

Site B

Land Ownership and Slope •••••••••••••••••••••••• Water Resources ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••

Groundwater Quality

Potential Production Areas ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

3.6.3.1

3.6.3.2

3.6.3.3

Introduction .

Groundwater Quality

Setting and Climatic Characteristics •••••••••••••••••••••••• Groundwater Resources •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

3.6.4

3.6.4.1

3.6.4.2

3.6.5 Summary

The Crow Flats Area

3.7.1

3.7.2

3.7.3

3.7.4

3.7.5

Setting and Climatic Characteristics •••••••••••••••••••••••• Area Geology and Aquifer Recharge ••••••••••••••••••••••••

Effect of Irrigation on Area Recharge ••••••••••••••••••••••• Summary

The Pecos Basin .

Setting and Climatic Characteristics ••••••••••••••••••••••••

Study Area •••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••

3.7.3.1 Land Ownership and Slope •••••••••••••••••••••••• 3.7.3.2 Groundwater Resources ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

3.7.3.3 Groundwater Quality

Potential Production Areas ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Summary

The Tucumcari Area. • • . . • • • • • • . . . . . • • • • • • • . . . . • • • • • • •••....

3.8.1 Introduction .

3.8.2

3.8.3

3.8.4

3.8.5

3.9.1

3.9.2

3.9.3

.3.9.4 Summary II II •••

The San Juan Basin f) ••• e ••• II ••••••••••••••••

3.10.1 Setting and Climatic Characteristics. 0 0 •••••••••••••••••••••

3.10.2 Groundwater Resources ••••••••• 0 •••••••••••••••••••••••••

3.10.3 Summary GO.

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

4.0 Summary and Conclusions •••••••••••••• ............................... 63

.................................................... Additional Study Areas .

Tularosa Basin .

Estancia Basin .

Crow Flats Area ...............••.........•....•.........

4.1

4.2

4.3

Objectives and Methodology .

Basins Reviewed .

4.2.1

4.2.2

4.2.3

Conclusions

4.3.1

63

63

63

63

66

66

66

5.0 References ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• e •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 67

Appendix A • • . • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 70

Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 76

iv
TP-3597

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

1-1 General occurrence of saline groundwater in New Mexico • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2

1-2 Estimated potential yield of wells in New Mexico. • • • • • •• . • • ••• • •• • • •• •• • • 3

1-3 Estimated thickness of aquifers with slightly saline groundwater in

New Mexico ••••••••••••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4

1-4 Estimated thickness of aquifers with moderately saline groundwater

in New Mexico • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • 5

1-5 Estimated thickness of aquifers with very saline groundwater in

New Mexico ••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • 6

3-1 Microalgae study areas in New Mexico •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 16

3-2 Location of the Tularosa Basin, New Mexico ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18

3-3 Study area and potential production areas in the Tularosa Basin,

New Mexico •••••••••••••••••• • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 20

3-4 Tularosa Basin, places with land slopes that exceed 296 within the

study area and potential production areas. • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 21

3-5 Tularosa Basin, land ownership within the study area and potential

production areas ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••. 22

3-6 Tularosa Basin, saturated thickness (in It) of the moderately

saline water zones (3-10 gIL TDS) within the study area

and potential production areas ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••• 25

3-7 Tularosa Basin, saturated thickness (in ft) of fresh-water

zones within the study area and potential production areas. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 26

3-8 Tularosa Basin, saturated thickness (in It) of slightly

saline water zones 0-3 gIL TDS) within the study area and potential

production areas ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••. 27

3-9 Tularosa Basin, saturated thickness (in rt) of the very saline

water zones 00-35 gIL TDS) within the study area and potential

production areas ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••. 28

3-10 Tularosa Basin, potential well-yields (in gprn) within the study

area and potential production areas • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •. 29

v
TP-3597

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)

3-11 Tularosa Basin, depth to groundwater (in f't) within the study area

and potential production areas •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 30

•

3-12 Location of the Estancia Basin, New Mexico •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 33

3-13 Study area and potential production areas in the Estancia Basin,

New Mexico 0 36

3-14 Estancia Basin, land ownership within the study area and potential

production areas 37

3-15 Estancia Basin, places with land slopes that exceed 2% within the

study area and potential production areas. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 38

3-16 Estancia Basin, geologic zones within the study area and potential

production areas fl 39

3-17 Estancia Basin, water quality (specific conductance in micromhos per em

at 25°C) within the study area and potential production areas ••••••••••••• 41

3-18 Location of the Salt Basin and the Crow Flats Area, New Mexico. ••• • • •• •• 45

3-19 Study and potential production areas in the Crow Flats Area,

New Mexico 47

3-20 Crow Flats Area, places with land slopes that exceed 2% within the

study area and potential production areas. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 48

3-21 Crow Flats Area, land ownership within the study area and

potential production areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

3-22 Crow Flats Area, depth to groundwater (ft) within the study area and

potential production areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

3-23 Crow Flats Area, water quality (specific conductance in micromhos per ern

at 25°C) within the study area and potential production areas ••••••••••••• 52

3-24 Location of the Tucumcari Area, New Mexico. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 55

3-25 Location of the Pecos Basin, New Mexico. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 59

3-26 Location of the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. ••• •• • • • • • • •• •• • • • • • •• • • • •• 61

4-1 Potential microalgae production areas in the state of New Mexico ••••••••• 64

A-I Median length of growing season (in days, 32°F base temperature)

showing study areas in New Mexico ••••••••••••••••••• • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 71

vi
TP-3597

LIST OF FIGURES (Concluded)

A-2 Annual mean daily temperature (in OF)showing study areas in

New Mexico •••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 72

A-3 Normal annual precipitation (in in.) showing study areas in

New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

A-4 Annual mean daily solar radiation (in Btu/ft2/d) showing study

areas in New Mexico • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • 74

A-5 Gross annual lake evaporation (in in.) showing study areas in

New Mexico 75

B-1 Diagram showing systems of numbering wells •••••••••••••••.•••••.•••••• 77

vii
TP-3597

LIST OF TABLES

3-1 Water Available for New Appropriations in Declared Underground

Water Basins ...•••.................•.•............................. 15

3-2 Selected Climatic Data for Stations within the Tularosa Basin,

New Mexico ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••••.•••••••••••• 19

3-3 Site and Groundwater Characteristics for Potential Production Areas

in Tularosa Basin, New Mexico ••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 31

3-40 Selected Climatic Data for Stations within the Estancia Basin,

New Mexico 34

3-5 Site and Groundwater Characteristics for Potential Production

Areas in Estancia Basin, New Mexico •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 402

3-6 Selected Climatic Data for Stations within the Crow Flats Basin,

New Mexico 46

3-7 Site and Groundwater Characteristics for Potential Production

Areas in Crow Flats Basin, New Mexico •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 53

3-8 Selected Climatic Data for Stations within the Tucumcari Basin,

New Mexico ..................•..................................... 57

3-9 Selected Climatic Data for Stations in Potential Production

Areas in the Pecos Basin, New Mexico ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 60

3-10 Selected Climatic Data for Stations in Potential Production

Areas in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 62

40-1 Qualitative Summary of Chosen Sites and Specific Criteria Used in

Selection of Areas Suitable for Microalgae Production. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 65

B-1 Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells in the Tularosa Basin ••••••••••••• 78

B-2 Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells and Springs in the

Estancia Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

B-3 Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells in the Crow Flats Basin. • • • • • • • • • • 83

viii
TP-3597

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This report contributes to compiling an inventory of saline water resources in New

Mexico and screening them for suitability as locations for large-scale microalgae production facilities. Production of microalgae could provide a renewable source of fuel, chemicals, and food, and could also use the state's unused saline water resources to increase

economic activity.

Approximately 2596 of the estimated 20 billion acre-ft of groundwater reserves in New

Mexico is classified as fresh or slightly saline. The remaining 15 billion acre-ft of unused

water is characterized as moderately saline, very saline, or brine (Bureau of Reclamation

1976). The locations of the state's groundwater reserves are relatively well known

(Figure 1-1), but the magnitude of these resources and aquifer characteristics has not

been rigorously assessed on a statewide basis.

The recoverability of these saline groundwater reserves is also not well known because

little effort has been made to use these aquifers. The Bureau of Reclamation (1976), in

cooperation with the New Mexico State Engineers' Office, published general maps for

potential well-yields and average aquifer thicknesses of the different classes of saline

waters (Figures 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, and 1-5) in New Mexico Water Resources: Assessment for

Planning Purposes.

Average well-yields across the state vary from less than 25 to more than 500 gpm

(Figure 1-2). The lower potential well-yields cover a large area in eastern and central

New Mexico. The highest potential well-yields are typically associated with alluvial valley fills in or adjacent to river basins and range as high as 1500 gpm,

The aquifers with the greatest potential quantity of slightly saline waters (1000 to

3000 mg/L total dissolved solids [TDS]) are located in the Middle Rio Grande Basin

(Figure 1-3). However, the saline waters lie at great depths below fresh water in the

area. The second largest quantity of slightly saline water is located in northwestern

New Mexico with aquifer thicknesses between 2000 and 4000 ft. Again, these saline

waters are deep, and potential well-yields are low.

The moderately saline water resources (3000 to 10,000 mg/L TDS) with the greatest aquifer thicknesses are in the same general areas as the slightly saline water resources

(the Middle Rio Grande Basin and northwestern New Mexico) (Figure 1-4). The

moderately saline waters generally lie below the slightly saline water resources in these

regions.

The very saline water resources (10,000 to 35,000 mg/L TnS) are shown in Figure 1-5.

The area in Sierra and Socorro counties with the largest aquifer thicknesses (more than

6000 ft thick) is overlaid with slightly and moderately saline water resources. These very

saline water resources are generally more than 2000 ft deep. Areas with aquifer thickness between 4000 and 6000 ft are generally deep, with the exception of a small area in

the Estancia Valley. Other aquifers of lesser thicknesses are located in New Mexico at

estimated great depths.

Large areas in the state are still open to the drilling of wells for new production without

requiring prior permission from the New Mexico state engineer to drill and to use water

for beneficial purposes. These are the undeclared basins where the available groundwater supply is poorly known but where it is unlikely that major new reserves will be discovered.

1





TP-3597

There are a number of declared basins where new groundwater appropriations are

possible, particularly for saline waters having more than 3000 mg/L TDS. An application

must be filed with the state engineer who must find that the requested water resource is

available, that existing uses are not impaired, and the proposed water application is not

contrary to the conservation of water in the state or to public welfare. Legal protests

from existing water users are likely to be lodged with the state engineer if an effort is

made to use better quality water.

1.1 Objectives

The major objective of the research was to select potential locations for siting microalgae production facilities in New Mexico. The specific objectives of the research were

to

1. Define areas within the state with saline aquifers with average depths to

groundwater of less than 500 ft.

2. Determine those areas, as defined in objective 1, that would provide water yields of

less than 4 million gpd (12.3 acre-It), 4 to 12 million gpd, and greater than 13 million

gpd (40 acre-It) without causing a serious decline in groundwater pumping levels and

without a requirement for a large number of low-capacity wells.

3. Define the chemical composition (major ions and nutrients) of the groundwaters in

areas that meet objectives 1 and 2.

4. Define possible environmental or legal constraints of the use of these saline water

resources, including those related to land acquisition and siting, and the impact on

existing users and land subsidence.

1.2 Literature Review

1.2.1 Microalgae Siting

Little technical information is available in the literature concerning the siting of microalgae production facilities. Siting techniques have not been considered in feasibility

studies of biomass fuel production facilities. For microalgae production facilities, there

is a lack of specific information on potential sites or locations (New Mexico Solar Energy

Institute 1978). The standard method of generalized siting has been to consider locations

with desert lands and saline water resources. Site criteria have not been well defined,

but a 1978 New Mexico report identified some requirements. These included ease of

access and high rates of solar energy (New Mexico Solar Energy Institute 1978). Past

studies implied that resources needed to develop a viable production facility must be

cheap and abundant (Maxwell, Folger, and Hogg 1984).

The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) developed a stratification process for evaluating land and saline water resources of the Southwest for location of microalgae production facilities (Maxwell, Folger, and Hogg 1984). The evaluation process involved four

steps:

1. An application and resource systems study

2. Overlay map production

3. Map digitization

4. Composite map preparation.

7
TP-3597

1.2.2 Agricultural Siting

Some information is available concerning the location and siting of agricultural

operations and energy production facilities that would use saline water (Hernandez 1986;

Bureau of Reclamation 1984). Other associated studies are the Southwest Region Solar

Pond Study (Boegl, Dahl, and Remmers 1983) and the Establishment of an Energy-Water

Complex in the Tularosa Basin (Lansford et ale 1976). These two studies emphasized the

feasibility of using these· areas for producing energy or developing agricultural

operations; siting was not a major issue.

1.2.3 Saline Water Resources

The data describing the saline water resources of New Mexico are abundant but inconsistent. Data sources include reports by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Bureau of

Reclamation, the New Mexico State Engineers' Office, the New Mexico Bureau of Mines

and Mineral Resources, the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, the New

Mexico universities, and the U.S. Office of Saline Water Research and Development.

The following subsections contain brief literature reviews for the major saline groundwater basins in New Mexico.

1.2.3.1 Rio Grande Basin

The USGS prepared a report for the Rio Grande Drainage Basin titled Saline Ground

Water Resources of the Rio Grande Draina e Basin--A Pilot Stud (Kelly, Myers, and

Hershey 1970 • This study evaluated the saline water resources of the Rio Grande Drainage Basin of Colorado, New Mexico, and west Texas as potential sources for desalinization plants.

The identification of sites was based on water quality of slightly saline (1000 to

3000 mg/L TDS), moderately saline (3000 to 10,000 mg/L TDS), very saline (10,000 to

35,000 mg/L TDS), and brine (more than 35,000 mg/L TDS). The moderately saline

groundwater areas favorable for development in New Mexico were the areas between the

Middle Rio Grande and San Juan basins with saturated thicknesses as great as 5500 ft. In

the Jornado del Muerto, the saturated thickness was as great as 5000 ft. Very saline

groundwater areas favorable for development in New Mexico were the Jornado del

Muerto-Estancia Basin complex with saturated thickness as great as 8000 ft. The slightly

saline groundwater in the middle Rio Grande region of New Mexico is 500 to 1000 ft

below ground level (Kelly, Myers, and Hershey 1970). The moderately saline and very

saline waters underlie the slightly saline groundwaters in the Rio Grande region.

1.2.3.2 Tularosa Basin

Extensive research has recently been conducted on the use of the saline groundwater resources of the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico (Hernandez 1986; Bureau of Reclamation

1984; Lansford et ale 1976). Hernandez's research was concerned with the identification

of potential sites for irrigation with saline waters. The principal publication on groundwater characteristics is from the research conducted by McLean (1970) that identified

characteristics, such as geographic location, potential well-yields, depth to water, and

water quality (IDS). Within the alluvial valley, McLean (1970) provided well-yield information in four broad ranges: (l) areas with higher yields (greater than 700 gpm) that are

along the alluvial boundary adjacent to the surrounding mountains; (2) the valley floor to

the west of the area of interest where water depths are shallow (50 n), yields are low

8
TP-3597

(50 gpm), and the water is saline; (3) a zone within the area of interest to the southwest

that has estimated potential well-yields of less than .300 gpm but greater than 50 gpm;

and (4) the central region of the study area that has potential well-yields of .300 to 700

gpm,

McLean (1970) estimates the basin groundwater reserves as follows:

1. Freshwater resources on the east side of the valley are about 3 million acre-it, and

deposits on the west side contain about 7 million acre-ft of fresh water.

2. Slightly saline water 0000 to 3000 mg/L TDS) in the unconsolidated alluvial

materials is estimated at .30 million acre-ft.

3. Moderately and very saline water resources in storage are each on the order of

30 million acre-ft.

McLean (1970) and Hernandez (1986) also included comments on the suitability of the

groundwaters of the Tularosa Basin for irrigated agriculture. By extension, suitability

for irrigation implies that a microalgae production operation could be located in specifically defined geographic areas identified by Hernandez (1986). From these data sources,

information was obtained to show that the majority of the SERI criteria for site selection

can be met, including the criterion of topography.

1.2.3•.3 Estancia Basin

Basic data for the groundwater resources of the Estancia Basin were taken from Smith

(1957) and the New Mexico State Engineer (l975g). Additional well data were gathered

with the help of the USGS (personal communications with Mr. Kim Ong of the

Albuquerque, N. Mex., office). The report by Smith (1957) provided geologic information,

water quality, depth, yields, and geographic locations within the basin.

1.2.3.4 Salt Basin

Basic groundwater data for the Salt Basin were obtained from a New Mexico State Engineer's Office report by Bjorklund (1957). In the valley fill between the areas of limestone

to the east and west, Bjorklund reported well-yields ranging from .350 to 840 gpm, with

several wells reporting more than 1000 gprn. Reported well-yields were derived from

irrigation wells oriented in a north-south direction along the limestone outcropping in the

central portion of the area. There were no published well-yield data for the alkali flats

region at the southern end of the valley where water quality is the most saline and depths

to groundwater are the shallowest. However, data from farmers in the area indicate that

well-yields in excess of 1000 gpm are not uncommon.

1.2•.3.5 Pecos Basin

Basic data for groundwater resources of the Pecos Basin came from Geohydrology

Associates (1978) and the city of Roswell, N. Mex. (personal communications with

Charlie Sparnon), A detailed study of the area east of the Pecos River was conducted by

Geohydrology Associates (1978) under contract with the U.S. Bureau of Land

Management (BLM). Although prepared by a private consulting firm, the report of this

study was placed in an open file with the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources. The report covers all of Lea County and those portions of Eddy and Chaves

counties lying east of the Pecos River. The Geohydrology Associates report contains

water table maps, depth-to-water maps, a well-yield map, well records data, and

9
TP-3597

water-quality data. Depth to water ranges from about 35 to 400 ft in the area east of

the Pecos River valley. In Chaves County, yields were estimated at only 5 to 10 gpm

(Geohydrology Associates 1978). In the Pecos Basin, Kelly, Myers, and Hershey (1970)

identified areas with saturated thickness of approximately 1000 ft.

1.2.3.6 Tucumcari Area

Basic data for the groundwater resources of the Tucumcari area came from Berkstresser

and Mourant (1966) and Trauger and Bushman (1964). Basic well data include depth, ionic

composition, transmissivity, and potential well-yield. Well-yields are generally low; the

production of municipal wells is between 150 and 300 gprn. Berkstresser and Mourant

(1966) report the capacity of wells tapping the Entrada formation to range from 1.5 to

250 gpm, This is the result of the relatively poor transmissivity of the aquifer, which has

been found to be less than 7000 gpd/ft of aquifer width in pumping tests. A number of

lower values are reported by Trauger and Bushman (1964).

1.2.3.7 San Juan Basin

A detailed study of this region was conducted jointly by the New Mexico Bureau of Mines

and Mineral Resources, the USGS, and the New Mexico State Engineer (Stone et ale 1983)

during the period of peak interest in energy-resource development. The report covers all

of San Juan County and parts of Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley, Rio Arriba, and Sandoval

counties. It includes data on structure, depth, and thickness of all aquifers and depth to

water as well as potentiometric surface maps for most confined aquifers, various aquifer

properties, and water quality. In the San Juan Basin, Kelly, Myers, and Hershey (1970)

identified areas with saturated thickness as great as 7000 ft. Potential well-yields are

commonly 25 to 100 gpm,

1.2.3.8 Ogallala Aguifer

Two studies were used to review the Ogallala Aquifer High Plains portion of New Mexico

as an area with potential for siting a microalgae production facility. Lansford et ale

(1982) and Krothe and Weeks (1982) determined depth to groundwater and salinity in

terms of TDS, respectively. At depths that range from 10 to 325 ft, salinity in terms of

TDS ranged from 500 to 1000 mg/L as determined by Krothe and Weeks (1982).

Generally, below 500 ft, groundwater quality deteriorates to levels that would be acceptable according to SERI criteria. However, at greater depths, the well-yields in the

aquifer tend to be low as salinity increases.

10
TP-3597

2.0 METHODOLOGY

The emphasis of the research was twofold. First, a data base was created based on SERI

criteria for location of a microalgae production facility. Specific criteria include location, depth to the aquifer, saturated thickness of the aquifer, aquifer characteristics,

growing season, salinity, ionic composition, well-yields, topography, and ownership.

Second, the data base was digitized to enable required map construction.

Statewide consideration of all groundwater basins was not feasible because of the legal

and institutional framework of water rights within New Mexico. This research reflects

the analysis of a selected group of groundwater basins within New Mexico that have

known, unappropriated saline water resources. The following subsections outline the

eight research tasks.

2.1 Task 1

Basins were chosen based on published reports and verbal communications with the New

Mexico State Engineer's Office and other federal and state water agencies. Guidelines

for basin selection were based on the availability of potential unappropriated water and

the feasibility of using this water in a beneficial manner.

Within areas containing potentially available and appropriable groundwater, based on

information from the New Mexico State Engineer's Office, a data base was constructed

following SERI criteria. Data to be used in tasks 2 through 8 were collected on selected

basins. Data included groundwater quality and quantity and land surface

characteristics. The sources for the majority of these data were published maps and

charts and individual well data.

2.2 Task 2

The second task was to define depth to groundwater. Where possible, the depth to saline

water was mapped in isorythmic form based on data from individual wells. The economic

recoverability criteria of 500 ft of depth were adjusted by individual basin, and calculations of total dynamic head (TDH) (the distance from the water level in the well during

pumping to the point of discharge above ground level plus all other energy losses) were

made where possible.

The pumping lift is an economic consideration. Net returns per acre of pond (not taking

capital recovery into account) will depend on pond size, the source of the water supply,

the quality of the supply, the makeup water required, and the pumping depth. Pumping

lifts in excess of 500 ft will seriously affect the profitability of an algae culture operation. The TDH should not exceed 500 ft unless other factors change the economics of

the operation.

2.3 Task 3

Well-yields were mapped in isorythmic form, where possible, and were based on data for

specific wells. In addition, a calculation was made to determine the well-yields needed

for a lOOO-ha facility in a region with a given rate of evaporation. The characteristics of

the saline water source available at a particular site for use in algae production are probably the most important factor in selecting or rejecting an area.

11
TP-3597

First, there must be a sufficient supply. Wells should have a yield at least sufficient to

meet the net evaporation in the area during the peak summer months. A commonly used

rule of thumb is that the water supply capacity required for irrigated agriculture must be

about 5 to 10 gpm for every acre irrigated.

After completing the first three tasks, a set of maps was developed that grossly identified those areas with the greatest possibilities for microalgae production. The maps,

presented in the following sections, are based on published information or are adapted

from published maps. All maps are geographically correct. Base maps included BLM

land status maps, USGS topographic maps, hydrologic unit maps of the state, and various

published maps from the state engineer and the USGS. Each generated map is a single

color and portrays an individual variable. This approach was used for simplicity and clarity.

After individual criteria were mapped and the associated tasks completed, individual

estimations were made of the quantity of water, water quality including pH, and potential recharge rates. Areas that met the SERI criteria were mapped for each basin. Each

map contains information for a single variable.

2.4 Task 4

Basins were further limited by climate criteria. Data on growing season, precipitation,

solar energy, temperature, and evaporation were collected from the state climatologist,

and additional maps were constructed.

Net annual evaporation rates from ponds are site specific and a function of elevation,

wind velocity and duration, precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity. Evaporation rates during peak months are also a function of site location. Peak months for New

Mexico are normally June, July, and August. Evaporation during these months can

constitute almost half of the total annual water loss from a small lake in southern New

Mexico. If the peak month represents 1596 of the total evaporation, and the rate of

evaporation for a saline pond in southern New Mexico is assumed to be 6 ft!yr, then the

combined daily rate of production from wells that supply a section (640 acres) of algae

pond area must be about 6.3 mgd, If wells are only expected to pump 7096 of the time

during summer peak periods, then the combined rate of production of the wells that service a section of land must be about 6250 gpm, or approximately 10 gpm/acre, If 15 wells

is the maximum that can serve a section of land (assuming a minimum spacing of 1000 ft

between wells to avoid interference), then the minimum acceptable capacity of a well is

400 gpm for evaporation rates in southern New Mexico. Lower-eapacity wells could

possibly be acceptable in northern New Mexico. If serious leakage from a pond bottom

occurs, additional well capacity will be required.

2.5 Task 5

Potential sites for microalgae production facilities were further constrained by land

ownership and land use. Ownership was described as private, federal, or state but

mapped as either public or private to reduce complexity.

In New Mexico, traditional patterns of land use and ownership were detailed by individual

basin in tabular form. Maps for each basin describe land ownership as either public or private. The only type of land ownership that would strictly prohibit microalgae production

facilities would be federal military lands. There are land uses that can prohibit microalgae production facilities. These include national parks; Indian lands; and, possibly,

12
TP-3597

irrigated cropland. Land ownership was derived from BLM land status maps at scales of

1:1,000,000.

2.6 Task 6

The next constraint for site selection was the maximum slope criteria of 296 as set forth

by SERI.

Areas that met the land slope criteria of no greater than 296 slope were determined for

each basin. Within a given basin, the criteria were met using a template that allowed

measurement of areas in topographic maps where altitude change given linear change

does not exceed 296.

2.7 Task 7

Water-quality data (salinity and ionic composition) were gathered for individual wells and

isorythmic maps were constructed. The report titled New Mexico Water Resources:

Assessment for Planning Purposes (Bureau of Reclamation 1976) characterizes saline

groundwater resources as slightly saline, moderately saline, very saline, and brine based

on milligrams per liter of TDS. For purposes of this research, groundwater was

considered in terms of TDS. In addition, individual well data for basins of interest were

collected, and specific ionic compositions of water were recorded. Ions of interest were

silicon, iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, bicarbonate, chlorine, sodium, and potassium.

2.8 Task 8

The final task was to briefly describe the environmental and legal issues for areas that

were selected as potential sites.

The concept of water conservation in New Mexico is best served by the beneficial use

doctrine. This doctrine pertains to all state water resources, including those waters with

high TDS contents. Algae culture using saline waters could result in the preservation or

saving of fresh water.

Based on past decisions by the state engineer, it is clear that actions that lead to significant changes in water quality must be considered as potential sources of impairment of

existing water rights. Seepage from a saline algae pond that leaks downward into a freshwater aquifer could lead to significant degradation and, thus, must be considered an

impairment of an existing water right (Kelly, Myers, and Hershey 1970). Sites where the

quality of a shallow fresh-water aquifer will be subject to contamination by the use of

saline water will not be acceptable.

The major environmental concerns are groundwater degradation from pond seepage,

encroachment of saline groundwater on fresh-water aquifers, toxic ionic buildup in

exposed pond waters, and brine disposal of pond waters.

The buildup of specific ions in saline pond waters is also of concern. A number of naturally occurring chemical constituents in water have no adverse effects on wildlife in the

concentrations in which they are normally found. However, unique situations do occur

where these constituents are found in greater quantities, and their concentration in ponds

may result in serious environmental problems. An example is the relatively high levels of

selenium that have developed in wet-lands vegetation growing in irrigation drain waters

in the central valley of California (Burau 1985). Another consideration of specific ion

buildup is possible disposal problems.

13
TP-3597

3.0 RESULTS

The first two tasks of the methodology were used to reduce to a workable number the

potential areas suitable for large-scale (1000 ha) microalgae production facilities. The

reduced number of potential areas was then screened using tasks 3 and 4. Detailed maps

were prepared for tasks 5 and 6. Finally, detailed analyses were prepared for the areas

with the highest potentials for the location of large-scale microalgae production facilities. Tasks 7 and 8 were then utilized to prepare the descriptions of these selected sites.

3.1 Climate and Surface Characteristics

Five maps were developed to provide a description of statewide climate characteristics--

growing season, mean daily temperature, annual precipitation, annual mean daily solar

radiation, and annual lake evaporation. These maps do not reflect sudden changes that

can occur in microclimates but generally reflect what occurs within basins. These

climatic maps are presented in Appendix A.

A set of two maps for each basin was constructed to detail the land surface characteristics-land ownership (ownership was broken into federal, state, and private) and land

slope (areas with greater than 296 slope were eliminated from consideration).

3.2 Groundwater Quality

Detailed composition of groundwater by basin for major ions, pH, and specific conductance is presented in tabular form later in the document.

3.3 Unappropriated Saline Water Resources

New Mexico follows the doctrine of prior appropriation in establishing the right to use

water and does not make any quality distinction between fresh and saline water in its

methods of assigning priorities and recognizing rights for the use of surface water or

groundwaters. The available water supply for algae production in New Mexico will probably be limited to the unappropriated moderately or very saline waters because of the

current allocation of better-quality water to existing uses. Both fresh and slightly saline

waters are now used for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes. Moderately

saline waters (3000 to 10,000 mg/L TDS) and more saline supplies are used sparingly at

this time.

The New Mexico state engineer identified areas in New Mexico with unappropriated

groundwater in a letter to Charles DuMars (1984). This communication was amended in a

letter to Charles DuMars from S. E. Reynolds, New Mexico state engineer, dated

December 26, 1985 (DuMars et ale 1986). These estimates are presented in Table 3-1.

Personnel from the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, USGS, and other

state and federal water-related agencies discussed those basins identified by the New

Mexico state engineer as having unappropriated groundwater. They were asked about

more precise location, availability of data on depth to the saline groundwaters, wellyields, and the quantity of water available.

3.4 Basin Selection

After completing the first two tasks, the state was effectively limited to six groundwater basins as areas having the greatest potential for siting microalgae production

14
Table 3-1. Water Available for New Appropriations

in Declared Underground Water Basins

TP-3597

Basin

Closed Aquifers

Animas

Estancia

Hueco

Jal

Lea County

Lordsburg

Mimbres

Nutt-Hockett

Tucumcari

Tularosa

Tributary Aguifers

Upper Rio Grande

Middle Rio Grande

Lower Rio Grande

Pecos River

San Juan

Source: DuMars et ale 1986

Unappropriated

Groundwater

(million acre-It)

0.00

2.04

6.20

0.04

0.77

0.60

3.70

0.13

0.40

10.70

9.30

2.70

5.00

8.00

21.50

facilities. These basins were the Tularosa Basin, the Estancia Basin, the Crow Flats

Basin, the Tucumcari area, the Pecos Basin, and the San Juan Basin (Figure 3-1).

The Animas, Lordsburg, Mimbres, and Nutt-Hockett basins were eliminated based on

water-quality considerations. Nearly all the unappropriated groundwaters in these basins

are classified as fresh or slightly saline (Figures 1-3 and 1-4). The Jal, Lea County,

Upper Rio Grande, Middle Rio Grande, and Lower Rio Grande were eliminated based on

depth to moderately to very saline groundwater resources. In these basins, nearly all the

saline water is overlaid by fresh water.

The Hueco Basin was eliminated because of the moderately to very saline groundwaters

located near the edge of the basin that are overlaid by fresh water. The center of the

basin also includes part of the Fort Bliss Military Reservation.

The Tularosa Basin lies in south-eentral New Mexico and is part of the Central Closed

Basin. There are large quantities of unappropriated saline groundwater in the Tularosa

Basin. Alamogordo is the principal city in the basin.

The Estancia Basin is in central New Mexico just north of the Tularosa Basin. It is also

part of the Central Closed Basin. The unappropriated groundwaters tend to be in the

saline waters on the east side of the basin.

15

TP-3597

The Crow Flats Basin within the Salt Basin is southeast of the Tularosa Basin and is also

part of the Central Closed Basin. However, the Salt Basin is not a declared basin, but

there are large quantities of unappropriated groundwaters in the basin.

The Tucumcari Basin is part of the Canadian River Basin in northeastern New Mexico.

The unappropriated groundwater is primarily irrigation return flows.

The unappropriated groundwaters in the Pecos Basin generally lie between the Pecos

River and the Ogallala Aquifer to the east. This region also has large areas of saline

groundwaters,

The San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico is part of the Colorado Plateau. The

San Juan Basin is of potential interest for microalgae production because moderately

saline water lies at a depth of less than 500 ft in most places and less than 200 ft in some

areas.

The following subsections present a detailed description of the analysis of the six groundwater basins selected for analysis.

3.5 The Tularosa Basin

3.5.1 Introduction

The Tularosa Basin in south-eentral New Mexico was selected as having a high potential

for the location of a large-scale (l000 ha) microalgae production facility. The Tularosa

Basin is part of the Central Closed Basin in New Mexico. It is bordered by the Rio

Grande Basin to the west, the Pecos River Basin to the east, the Estancia Basin to the

north, and the state ~f Texas to the south (Figure 3-2). The area of the Tularosa drainage basin is 6540 mi (Bureau of Reclamation 1976). Elevations within the basin range

from more than 12,000 ft in the eastern mountains to less than 4000 ft in the alkali flats

in portions of the central valley.

3.5.2 Setting and Climatic Characteristics

The major cities of the Tularosa Basin are Alamogordo and Tularosa. These cities

compose the bulk of the approximately 50,000 persons that live within the basin (Diemer

and Morrison 1984). Other population centers in the basin are the White Sands Missile

Range and Holloman Air Force Base.

The climate in the Tularosa Basin is typical of the arid to semiarid regions of the southwestern United States. Table 3-2 presents a summary of climatic information for the

Alamogordo, Tularosa, Cloudcroft, and Orogrande stations. Alamogordo, Tularosa, and

Orogrande are typical of the central portion of the basin, and Cloudcroft is typical of the

bordering mountains. The mean annual precipitation in the basin ranges from 8.8 in. in

the central portion of the basin at Orogrande to 25.4 in. at Cloudcroft in the bordering

mountains. Precipitation on the slopes of the surrounding mountains produces intermittent stream runoff that drains toward the center of the basin or moves as groundwater

flow through the alluvial fans as interflow. The intense summer thunderstorms produce

high runoff of short duration, most of which flows into the playas or alkali flats and

evaporates. Temperatures in the basin range from an average of about 61°F in the

central portion of the basin to about 45°F in the bordering mountains (Table 3-2).

17





TP-3597

mixture of land ownership. Land use was determined to be closely tied to land ownership, i.e., military activities or livestock grazing on federal lands.

North of this study area, potential sites for microalgae production facilities are limited

by slopes of greater than 296 and the outcrop of consolidated rock that forms the upper

boundary of the alluvial valley. To the east and south, acceptable locations are limited

by the Lincoln National Forest, the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, and the Fort

Bliss Military Reservation (McGregor Range). Land slope is a further constraint on the

eastern boundary. To the west of the study area, the availability of sites is limited by the

White Sands Missile Range, which occupies a majority of the western half of the Tularosa

Basin. White Sands National Park is also in the valley floor to the west of the identified

tract. Land ownership was digitized by public and private ownership within the study

area. This represents the area with the greatest potential for location of a microalgae

production facility within the Tularosa Basin.

3.5.3.2 Water Resources

For the purposes of this report, a static water level of 250 ft was determined to be the

maximum, economically feasible depth from which groundwater could be used for microalgae production in the Tularosa Basin. This further restriction on aquifer depth was

based on aquifer characteristics, anticipated drawdown in wells, and site topography.

Basic data for the groundwater resources of the Tularosa Basin were taken from McLean

(1970) and Hernandez (1986). Additional well data were obtained from USGS personnel.

Recharge of the groundwater resources of the Tularosa Basin comes principally from precipitation in the mountains that forms the western, northern, and eastern boundaries of

the basin. As noted earlier in this section, the precipitation at higher elevations is more

than 20 in./yr. Recharge occurs in two ways: (1) infiltration and deep percolation into

the aquifers exposed at high elevations and eventual discharge as springs or seeps in the

central valley floor or (2) movement through the alluvial materials in the channels that

carry runoff from the better-watered areas of the basin into the central valley. From

McLean (I970), it is clear that there is an abundant reserve of saline waters in storage

that can be readily used for microalgae culture. For example, the moderately saline

water resources can support 100 sections of algae ponds in the central valley area for a

period of 100 years (5 acre-ft of net evaporative losses per year per acre over a 640-acre

area per section times 100 sections for a total annual water consumption of

320,000 acre-It),

3.5.3.3 Groundwater Quality

The water-quality classes are as follows: fresh water with less than 1000 mg/L rDS;

slightly saline water (1000 to 3000 mg/L TDS); moderately saline (3000 to

10,000 mg/L TDS); and very saline (10,000 to 35,000 mg/L TDS). In areas where the presence of more than one quality of water is indicated, the better-quality water overlies the

more saline water.

Density stratification, with the more saline water at the lower level, is the rule in this

basin, but at places where water of two different dissolved solid concentrations meet,

one of the two may be a thin zone. A well located at such a point would take water from

both water-quality zones. In this respect, McLean (1970) reports the following:

23
TP-3597

The intertonguing of saline-water units and the heterogeneity of alluvial

deposits make it difficult to find areas where large quantities of water of a

specific quality might be obtained. As pumping progresses over months or

years, the total dissolved solids in a well may change due to the influx of

either more saline or less saline water. The individual ions may likewise

change.

3.5.4 Potential Production Areas

Two possible sites that met SERIfs criteria for location of a large-scale (1000 ha) microalgae production facility f'ere identified within the Tularosa Basin (Figure 3-6). An area

of approximately 115 mi composed of two distinct sites was selected based on availability of moderately and very saline groundwater. The basic SERI site-selection criteria

and groundwater characteristics are presented in Table 3-3 for each of the sites.

3.5.4.1 Site A

Site A encompasses approximately 40 mi2 (approximately 25,000 acres) and lies in

T.17 S., R.8, and 9 E. (Figure 3-3). This area is southwest of Alamogordo and borders on

White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base. The slope criteria (not greater

than 2%) is met within this area (Table 3-3 and Figure 3-4). Land ownership in this area

is approximately 40% private, 35% federal, and 25% state owned (Figure 3-5). The growing season is more than 200 d.

Figures 3-7 through 3-9 present the alluvial boundary and the locations and saturated

thicknesses of different qualities of water within the study area. Groundwater quality in

the site is between 10,000 and 35,000 mg/L TDS and has a range of saturated thickness as

great as 2000 ft. Potential well-yields are about 300 gpm for the entire area

(Figure 3-10), and the depth to groundwater is less than 50 ft (Figure 3-11). In terms of

an acceptable site, well-yields are marginal because a minimum of ten wells will be

required to meet the SERI criteria of well production of 4 million gpd. More than

30 wells would be required to meet the SERI criteria of production of 13 million gpd,

The reserves of saline water in storage were estimated for the site A potential production area. Reserve estimates were based on a saturated thickness of 250 to 500 ft and a

storage coefficient (effective porosity) of 6% to 10%. The recoverable volume of water

in storage would be about 385,000 to 1,248,000 acre-ft. Recharge of groundwater within

the basin occurs primarily from precipitation and runoff within the closed basin.

The groundwater quality in this site is classified as very saline with a range from

10,000 to 35,000 mg/L TDS (Table 3-3). There is almost no occurrence of groundwater of

less than 3000 mg/L TDS. The pH of the groundwater ranges from 7.0 to 7.6. The ionic

concentrations for the groundwater of the area are also presented in Table 3-3. Sulfate

and chloride ions have the highest concentrations.

3.5.4.2 Site B

This area encompasses approximately 75 mi2 and meets all of the SERI criteria

(Figure 3-3). It is located in T.18 S., R.8 and 9 E. and T.20 S., R.8 and 9 E. The site

characteristics are similar to site A, with the exception of land ownership (Table 3-3).

Land ownership patterns approximate the following: 15% federal, 10% state, and 75%

private.

24






Table 3-3. Site and Groundwater Characteristics for Potential Production Areas in

Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

Potential Production Areas

Site Characteristics

Site A Site B

Area

Slope

Ownership

Federal

State

Private

Growing Season

Evaporation

Water Resources

40 mi 2 75 mi 2

<296 <296

3596 1596

2596 1096

4096 7596

200-205 days 205-210 days

70-75 in. 75-80 in.

178-191 ern 191-203 cm

Depth to

Groundwater

Potential

Well-Yield

Average pH

Estimated Reserves

Groundwater Quality

Ionic Composition

Calcium

Sodium and Potassium

Magnesium

Sulfate

Chlorine

Bicarbonate

0-50 ft

0-15 m

up to 300 gpm

up to 1135 Lpm

7.0-7.6

384,000-1,280,000 acre-It

10,000-35,000 T[JL

4.74-15.8 x 10 L

50-3100 mg/L

20-12,600 mg/L

20-3400 mg/L

30-9300 mg/L

30-24-,000 mg/L

20-380 mg/L

31

0-50 ft

0-15 m

up to 300 gpm

up to 1135 Lpm

7.0-7.6

720,000-2,400,000 acre-ft

3,000-10,000 m,{L

9/99 = 20/6 x 10 L

100-950 mg/L

50-2100 mg/L

50-1660 mg/L

300-3100 mg/L

50-4200 mg/L

80-250 mg/L
TP-3597

The groundwater characteristics for site B are quite similar to those found in site A with

the exception of water quality (Table 3-3). The water quality is moderately saline (3000

to 10,000 mg/L TDS) for site B as compared with very saline for site A (Figures 3-8 and

3-9). Therefore, the ionic concentrations are much lower than for waters found in site A.

Well-yields for the area are below 300 gpm for the site (Figure 3-10) and the depth to

water is 50 ft or less (Figure 3-11). There is virtually no occurrence of fresh water or of

water below the 3000 mg/L TDS level in the area.

3.5.5 Summary

When all of the SERI criteria are considered, only two areas in the Tularosa drainage

basin were identified as acceptablz potential sites for large-scale microalgae production

facilities. Approximately 115 mi were found (just over 73,000 acres) that possess the

necessary land and groundwater conditions to meet SERI standards. One exception to

this may possibly be the relatively low well-yields that are characteristic of the identified areas. For a 1000 ha (2470 acre) facility, low yields may be offset by more wells. A

field study is needed to ascertain actual well-yields and to define the allowable spacing

between wells. While there are no pH data available for the potential production area,

well data are presented in McLean (1970) for specific ionic composition of groundwater

in this area.

3.6 The Estancia Basin

3.6.1 Introduction

The Estancia Basin is located in central New Mexico and is part of the Central Closed

Basin. The basin ends in a series oj playa lakes, the largest of which is Laguna del Perro,

whic~has an area of 7 to 8 mi. The total playa area in the valley floor is about

19 mi • The basin is bordered by the Rio Grande Basin to the west and north, the Pecos

River Basin to the east, and the Tularosa Basin to the south (Figure 3-12). The area of

the Estancia Basin is 2220 mi (Bureau of Reclamation 1976). Elevations within the basin

range from 6000 ft in the basin floor to more than 10,000 ft in the western mountains

(Smith 1957).

3.6.2 Setting and Climatic Characteristics

The major towns in the basin are Estancia, Moriarty, and Mountainair. They are all on

the east side of the basin and are relatively small. They make up the bulk of the population in the basin, which is approximately 10,000 persons (Diemer and Morrison 1984). A

major interstate, 1-40, bisects the northern portion of Torrance County through the town

of Moriarty.

The climate in the Estancia Basin is typical of the semiarid regions of the southwestern

United States. Table 3-4 presents a summary of climatic information for the basin. The

mean annual precipitation averages 12.5 in. in the central portion of the basin. Precipitation on the slopes of the surrounding mountains produce intermittent stream runoff that

drains toward the center of the basin or moves as groundwater flow through the alluvial

fans as interflow. The intense summer thunderstorms produce high runoff of short duration, most of which flows into the playas or alkali flats and evaporates. Average

temperatures in the basin range from an average of about 50°F in the central portion of

the basin to about 40°F in the bordering mountains.

32

TP-3597

Table 3-4. Selected Climatic Data

for Stations within the Estancia Basin,

New Mexico

McIntosh

Elevation

(above msl) 6250 it

Average days

above 32°F 133 days

Average frost- May 19-

free period September 28

Mean annual

precipitation 12.5 in.

Maximum mean

monthly air July

temperature 70.1oF

Minimum mean

monthly air January

temperature 30.2°F

Average annual

air temperature 50.2 of

Source: New Mexico State Engineer

1975

Basic climate data suggest that, with no major surface water sources and evaporation

greater than precipitation, the Estancia Basin is not recharged -ignificantly. Rather, it

is mined for groundwater. Irrigated agriculture has produced declines in the groundwater

levels in these areas of most intense pumping, and as in the Tularosa Basin, water withdrawal for microalgae production would be considered water mining. Smith (1957)

estimates the average annual evaporative losses from the playa lakes to be about 50,000

acre-ft; this may also be assumed to be the inflow to the valley floor and the volume of

saline water that is available for use.

The major crops grown in the Estancia Basin are corn, wheat, potatoes, alfalfa, and

planted pasture (Lansford 1985). The majority of irrigated agriculture in the basin exists

in an area between the western mountains and the alkali flats in the basin floor. The

agriculture exists on a north-to-south axis from north of Moriarty to south of Willard

following New Mexico Highway 41. Water quality and well-yields of the hydrogeologic .formations are most suited to irrigated agriculture in these areas.

34
TP-3597

3.6.3 Study Area

For the purpose of siting large-scale microalgae production facilities within the Estancia

Basin, a limited study area was identified (Figure 3-13). The borders of this area are

T.IO N. on the north, T.2 N. on the south, R.8 E. on the west, and Rsl l E. on the east,

inclusive. This study area lies north and east of Moriarty on the north to about 15 mi

south of Willard on the south. It was derived using natural boundaries, geologic formations, political boundaries, and slope criteria. North of the area, sites are limited by

slope as the drainage basin merges with plateau lands. In the east and west of the basin,

the Pedernal Hills and Manzano Mountains, respectively, produce slopes greater than

296. The selection of the southern boundary of the area was made based on the existence

of mesa lands and on federal ownership in the Cibola National Forest. Surface waters

from the west, north, and east drain into the central valley that terminates at the southern end of the long playa lake of Laguna del Perro.

3.6.3.1 Land Ownership and Slope

Figure 3-14 presents land ownership within the Estancia Basin and Figure 3-15 shows the

areas with the required slope of less than 296. Ownership was defined as 1596 federal

2596 state, and 6096 private. A further breakdown of ownership would require a detailed

field survey. Land use was determined to be closely tied to land ownership within the

study area. The major land use in the study area is livestock grazing.

3.6.3.2 Water Resources

Little information is available on the volume of saline water in the basin, the thickness

of the saline alluvial aquifer, or the yield of wells that produce solely from the saline

zone.

Basic data for the groundwater resources of the Estancia Basin were taken from Smith

(I957) and the New Mexico state engineer (1979). Additional well data were obtained

from the USGS.

The principal geologic zones in the study area are presented in Figure 3-16. This figure

was adapted from Smith (1957). The sharp boundaries between zones are approximations

based on geological changes and groundwater of different quality and of different

depths. Zones Hand B denote the Quaternary and Tertiary valley-fill, which comprise

the principal basin aquifer. Zone H has depths to water that range from 0 to 250 ft,

potential well-yields of more than 1000 gpm, and water quality that is satisfactory for

domestic use and irrigated agriculture. This is, coincidentally, the area where the majority of the irrigated agriculture in the Estancia Valley exists. Zone B has depths to water

that range from 0 to 120 ft, potential well-yields from the better-quality areas of more

than 1000 gpm, and shallow water quality that is generally unsatisfactory for domestic

use and irrigation. There are large areas of evaporative lakes or playas in zone B, with

the poorest quality water found in shallow valley alluvia below these playas.

Zones A and C denote areas in which the Glorieta member of the San Andres Formation

is the principal aquifer. Zone A has depths to water that range from 25 to 100 ft, potential well-yields of more than 1000 gpm, and water quality that ranges from satisfactory

to marginal for domestic and agricultural uses. Zone C has depths to water that range

from 30 to 200 ft, and potential yields and water quality that are generally unsatisfactory for domestic use and irrigated agriculture.

35




TP-3597

Zones F, G, I, and D denote areas in which the Yeso Formation is the principal aquifer

(Figure 3-16). Zone F has depths to water that range from 15 to 325 ft, with quality unsuitable for domestic and irrigated agricultural uses. Zone G has depths to water of 175

to 750 ft, with quality unsatisfactory for domestic and agricultural purposes. Zone I has

depths to water that range from 20 to 50 ft, potential well-yields recorded as high as

2000 gpm, and chemical quality that is unsatisfactory for domestic and irrigated agricultural uses. Zone D has depth to water of 40 to 625 ft, with marginal water quality for

domestic and agricultural uses. Zone E contains areas in which the principal aquifer is of

Precambrian rocks. The depth to groundwater of this geologic zone is 30 to 375 ft, and

the water quality is satisfactory to marginal for domestic uses and irrigated

agriculture. Well-yields are likely to be low in this zone, with a maximum yield of about

100 gpm.

3.6.3.3 Groundwater Quality

Figure 3-17 presents the groundwater quality in the Estancia Basin with the TDS content

measured in specific conductance (rnicromhos per em at 25°C). The general trend of this

characteristic is the same as in the Tularosa Basin; the higher quality water is at the

perimeter of the area of interest and the lower quality water is in the valley floor of the

basin. There is one major difference, however; the poorer quality water lies above the

better quality water. The TDS in the Estancia Basin range from 500 to 1000 mg/L at the

western edge to 10,000 mg/L at the eastern edge. In the central valley floor, TDS range

from 1500 to 3000 mg/L.

Water quality is also an unknown in the shallow upper-zone of the alluvial material in the

southern end of the valley. Many of the wells sampled in zone B (Figure 3-16) are likely

to penetrate both the more saline upper layer and the better-quality water below and

may not reflect the water quality at the surface in the playas. Based on a few available

samples from wells in the playa lake area, the TDS content of the upper saline zone is

probably about 5000 to 6000 m2/L. The volume of the saline water in storage can only be

estimated. Assuming a 100-m area, a saline zone thickness of 30 to 80 ft (Smith 1957),

and a storage coefficient of 1096, the recoverable volume of poor quality water in storage would be about 192,000 to 512,000 acre-ft.

3.6.4 Potential Production Areas

The geology of the valley floor makes the Estancia drainage basin a prime location for

microalgae facilities. There are a series of playas or dry alkali lake beds on a north-south

axis in the southern end of the drainage that meet all of the SERI criteria for siting a

microalgae production facility.

Two connecting areas within the Estancia Basin met the SERI criteria for the location of

a microalgae production facility, with the possible exception of growing seasons

(Figure 3-D). The average growing season of 140 to 160 days may be a major limitation

for these sites (Table 3-5). Groundwater quality, depth, potential well-yields, and land

slope were identified and met SERI standards.

3.6.4.1 Site A

The 80-m2 area lies immediately east of Estancia trending north to about 5 mi south of

Willard (Figure 3-D). The area is approximately 6 mi wide. The best site for the location of a facility is near the existing playa lakes because the water quality is poorest and

surface flows terminate at these alkali flats and provide groundwater recharge. The land

40

Table 3-.5. Site and Groundwater Characteristics for Potential Production Areas in

Estancia Basin, New Mexico

Potential Production Areas

Site ASite B

Site Characteristics

Area

Slope

Ownership

Federal

State

Private

Growing Season

Evaporation

Water Resources

Depth to

Groundwater

Potential

Well-Yield

Average pH

Estimated Reserves

Groundwater Quality

Ionic Composition

Calcium

Sodium and Potassium

Magnesium

Sulfates

Chlorine

Bicarbonate

<2%<2%

15%10%

25%30%

60%60%

150-160 days

50-55 in.

127-140 em

0-30 ft

0-9 mO-9 m

up to 1000 gpm

up to 3790 Lpm

7.3-7.8

155,000-615,000 t~re-ft

1.91-7.59 x 10 L

3000-5500 mg/L

50-640 mg/L

20-750 mg/L

40-480 mg/L

120-3200 mg/L

10-1440 mg/L

65-900 mg/L

42

140-150 days

45-50 in.

114-127 em

0-30 ft

up to 1000 gpm

up to 3790 Lpm

7.3-7.8

173,000-692,000 f~re-ft

2.13-8.54 x 10 L

1500-3000 mg/L

40-290 mg/L

30-210 mg/L

20-180 mg/L

60-1050 mg/L

30-4900 mg/L

190-350 mg/L
TP-3597

ownership pattern is approximately 1596 federal, 2596 state, and 6096 privately owned

lands. The growing season ranges from 150 to 160 days (Table 3-5).

Groundwater quality in the shallow zone is expected to have TDS of 3000 mg/L or more

(Table 3-5). The thickness of this poor quality alluvial zone varies from 30- to 80-ft

thick in the center of the playa portion of the basin (Smith 1957). However, there is

groundwater with less than 3000 mg/L TDS below the upper zone.

Potential well-yields from this saline zone are not well known, but could be as high as

1000 gprn, Depth to groundwater ranges from 0 to 30 ft. Actual well-yields cannot be

predicted without field tests. If well-yields are high, a minimum of four wells would produce the SERI requirement of at least 4 million gpd, Approximately 13 wells would be

required to meet the SERI criteria for areas with a daily production of 13 million gpd.

A range of possible reserves was estimated for the 80-m2 surface area, assuming a saturated thickness of 30 to 80 ft and a storage coefficient of 1096 to 1596. The estimated

recoverable volume of poor quality water in storage would be about 155,000 to 615,000

acre-ft. Groundwater recharge occurs primarily from precipitation and runoff because

there are no major surface water sources.

The pH of waters in the basin were estimated to range from 7.3 to 7.8 with some

outliers. The specific ions likely to be found in the more saline waters in the valley fill

immediately below a playa are calcium, magnesium, sodium, chlorides, sulfates, and bicarbonates (Table 3-5).

3.6.4.2 Site B

A second, large area (90 mi 2) appears to generally meet the criteria except for groundwater quality and the growing season of 140 to 150 days (Table 3-5). This area is east of

Highway 41 between Moriarty and Estancia (Figure 3-13). The width of this tract is

approximately 5 mi. The slope criteria of 296 is met and ownership patterns approximate

the following: 6096 private, 1096 federal, and 3096 state.

The water resource characteristics in site B are almost identical to those found in site A,

with the exception of water quality (Table 3-5). The TDS in the well samples runs from

1500 to 3000 mg/L, which was classified slightly saline. Throughout this site, poorer

quality water is believed to overlie better quality water. The depths to groundwater for

poorer quality waters range from 0 to 80 ft. The saturated thickness of the relatively

poorer quality upper-zone is not known, nor are the well-yields. Water quality in the

upper-zone is not known with sufficient specificity to accept or reject the area.

Because the water quality in this upper-zone is likely to be classed as slightly saline and

is potentially useable for irrigated agriculture, there may be legal challenges and opposition to its use for microalgae culture. The very short growing season combined with

slightly saline groundwater would, in all likelihood, eliminate this site from consideration.

3.6.5 Summary

The geology of the valley floor makes the Estancia drainage a prime location for microalgae facilities. Two connecting areas within the Estancia Basin meet all of the SERI

criteria for potential location of microalgae production facilities. These locations ha~

been designated as Potential Production Areas and encompass approximately 170 mi •

43
TP-3597

Groundwater quality, depth, potential well-yields, and land slope were identified and

found to meet SERI standards, with the exception of the growing season, which may be

too short. The larger of the two areas may not be acceptable because the groundwater

resource is classified as being only slightly saline. Owners of existing water rights in the

basin may oppose the use of this water for microalgae culture and claim that new appropriations of groundwater will impair existing rights.

There are a series of playas or dry alkali lake beds on a north-south axis in the smaller of

these two areas. This may be one of the best areas in New Mexico for locating a 1000 ha

(2470 acre) microalgae production facility.

3.7 The Crow Flats Area

3.7.1 Introduction

The Crow Flats area in south-eentral New Mexico is part of the larger Salt Basin

(Figure 3-18). Crow Flats is an area within the Salt Flats Basin as defined by the New

Mexico state engineer. The Salt Flats Basin is bordered by the Tularosa Basin on the

west, the Pecos River Basf on the north and east, and the state of Texas on the south

and has an area of 2370 mi (Bureau of Reclamation 1976). The vast majority of the area

is located within Otero County and very small sections of the basin are located in Chaves

and Eddy counties (Figure 3-18). Altitudes range from 3000 it near the alkali flats in the

southern end of the basin to approximately 4500 it in the surrounding hills (Bjorklund

1957).

3.7.2 Setting and Climatic Characteristics

The climate of the Crow Flats Basin is similar to that of the southern end of the Tularosa

Basin around the city of Orogrande (Table 3-6). Mean annual precipitation is low and

mean annual temperature is approximately 78°F. As in the Tularosa Basin, intermittent

stream runoff drains from surrounding mountains to the alkali flats in the center of the

basin.

The majority of the irrigated agriculture in the basin is located along the New MexicoTexas border. The major city in the area is Dell City, Texas, and access to the area

via U.S. Highway 180 from El Paso, Texas. There is an area of approximately 650 mi

that runs north-south through the eastern edge of the basin where well-yields and groundwater quality are suitable to marginally acceptable for irrigated agriculture.

3.7.3 Study Area

A limited study area within the Crow Flats area has been identified for the purpose of

locating a microalgae production facility. This area lies in the southeast portion of

Otero County and is presented in Figure 3-19. The borders of the area are T.21 S. on the

north, T.26 S. on the south (New Mexico-Texas state line), R.16 E. on the west, and

R.19 E. on the east, inclusive.

3.7.3.1 Land Ownership and Slope

The SERI slope and ownership criteria were also used to define the study area

(Figures 3-20 and 3-21). North and east of the area of interest, slopes greater than 296

exist near the Guadalupe Mountains. Potential sites for microalgae production facilities

44

Table 3-6. Selected Climatic Data

for Stations within the

Crow Flats Basin, New

Mexico

Dell City

Texas

Elevation

(above MSL)

Average days

above 32°F

Average frostfree period

Mean annual

precipitation

Maximum mean

monthly air

temperature

Minimum mean

monthly air

temperature

Average annual

air temperature

3770 it

365 days

2.1 in.

July-93.3°F

78.I OF

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce

1986

46



TP-3597

are also limited on the north and east by outcrops of limestone rock. To the south of the

area of interest, acceptable locations were limited by the New Mexico-Texas state line.

The researchers did not have access to data for Texas, although the valley of the basin

runs south into the state of Texas and it is reasonable to believe that acceptable sites

can be located in Texas. To the east of the study area lies the Corundas Mountains,

which produce land slopes that are greater than 296. The eastern edge is also limited

geologically by outcrops of limestone rocks. Within the study area, land ownership patterns were digitized and areas with highest potential for microalgae production facilities

were located.

3.7.3.2 Groundwater Resources

The Bjorklund (1957) report contained depth-to-groundwater data. The central portion of

the north-south-trending valley contains shallow water (less than 100 rt), Depth to

groundwater increases near the surrounding hills both to the east and west, and depths

increase to 400 ft in the area of limestone outcrops.

Recharge is minimal in the basin and groundwater mining is occurring. There were significant declines in groundwater levels in the 1950s, but the rate of change in water levels

has stabilized because of reduced pumpage. Some decline has continued to occur, and

any new use of groundwater in the basin will result in additional declines in the piezometric surface (Figure 3-22).

3.7.3.3 Groundwater Quality

Figure 3-23 presents the groundwater quality (as specific conductance) in the study area

in the Crow Flats area. Again, this map is of limited value for specific site selection because very few wells have been sampled. Water quality at the edges of the valley floor is

about 1000 micromhos specific conductance; water quality in the valley floor ranges

from 1500 to 3000 rnicromhos, Assuming that a specific conductance of 1000 micromhos

is equivalent to a TDS of 750 mg/L, then the poorest quality water in the basin would

have a TDS of less than 2500 mg/L.

3.7.4 Potential Production Areas

A limited study area within the Crow Flats area was identified. This area lies in the

southeast portion of the Salt Basin bordering on the New Mexico-Texas state line on the

south (Figure 3-0. North and east of the study area, slopes greater than 296 exist near

the Guadalupe Mountains. Potential sites were also limited on the north and east by outcrops of limestone rock. To the south, acceptable locations were limited by the New

Mexico-Texas state line. The researchers did not have access to data for Texas. To the

east of the area of interest lie the Cornudas Mountains, which produce land slopes that

are greater than 296. The eastern edge is also limited geologically by outcrops of limestone rocks.

There is one potential production area in the Crow Flats area where all of the SERI

criteria for a facility are met. This area is situated on a north-south axis from the New

Mexico-Texas state line in the south (T.26 5.) to Pinon Creek Drainage in the north

(T.21 5.) (Figuri 3-19). The average width of this area varies from 4 to 6 mi for an area

of about 36 mi. The growing season is in excess of 200 days. The approximate landownership pattern is 2096 private, 7096 federal, and 1096 state (Table 3-7).

50


Table 3-7. Site and Groundwater Characteristics for Potential

Production Areas in the Crow Flats Basin, New

Mexico

Potential

Production Area

Site Characteristics

Area

Slope

Ownership

Federal

State

Private

Growing Season

Evaporation

Water Resources

Depth to

Groundwater

Potential

Well-Yield

Average pH

Estimated Reserves

Groundwater

Quality

Ionic

Composition

Calcium

Sodium and Potassium

Magnesium

Sulfate

Chlorine

Bicarbonate

53

36 mi2

<296

7096

1096

2096

200-210 days

70-75 in.

178-191 ern

50-110 ft

15-35 m

up to 1000 gpm

up to 3790 Lpm

6.9-7.3

576,000-1,382,000 acre ft

1000-3000 mg/L

224-556 mg/L

22-65 mg/L

177-264 mg/L

719-2230 mg/L

32-275 mg/L

158-284 mg/L
TP-3597

Potential well-yields for the area of interest were obtained from a New Mexico State

Engineer's Office report by Bjorklund (1957). In the valley fill, reported well-yields ranged from 350 to 840 gpm, with several wells reporting more than 1000 gpm, Data from

farmers in the area indicate well-yields in excess of 1000 gprn are not uncommon.

Potential well-yields would require a minimum of four 2wells to meet the SERI criteria of

4 million gpd. Depth to groundwater in the 36-mi area ranges from 25 to 100 ft

(Table 3-7). Depth to groundwater increases near the surrounding hills and increases to

400 ft in the area of limestone outcrops.

Water quality at the edges of the valley floor is about 1000 mg/L TDS; water quality in

the valley floor ranges from 1500 to 3000 mg/L (Table 3-7). The water quality for the

alkali flats would be classed as slightly saline with TDS ranging from 1500 to 2500 mg/L.

This water resource may not be available for use in microalgae production because of

legal protests from existing water-right owners. This groundwater is currently used for

irrigation, livestock, and domestic uses.

3.7.5 Summary

When all of the SERI criteria were considered, only one area in the Crow Flats Basin w':12

identified as acceptable for potential microalgae production. Approximately 36 mi

exist that possess the necessary surface and groundwater resource characteristics. An

exception to this would be relatively good quality groundwater and possible competition

with agricultural uses. Specific well data, including ionic composition, were extracted

from Bjorklund (1957).

3.8 The Tucumcari Area

3.8.1 Introduction

The Tucumcari area is a part of the Canadian River Basin that begins in the northcentral section of New Mexico and drains much of the north-east quadrant of the state.

In the vicinity of Tucumcari, topography varies from the alluvial stream valley of the

Canadian River to the rolling, cut plains of the irrigated lands in the area to high mesas.

The maximum relief is approximately 1000 ft from the top of the mesa that marks

Tucumcari Mountain to the bed of Pajarito Creek, a local major drainage channel that

runs, from west to east, a distance of about 30 mi before entering the Canadian River

near Tucumcari. The other major drainage system in the area is Plaza Larga-Revelto

Creek that flows south and east of town and enters the Canadian River near Logan.

Saline waters are found in the shallow groundwater system in the vicinity of Tucumcari.

Tucumcari is located in the east-eentral part of the state, just 40 mi west of the TexasNew Mexico line (Figure 3-24) and is on Interstate Highway 40. Poor quality waters exist

in the areas near Tucumcari Lake, Pajarito Creek, Plaza Larga-Revelto Creek, and area

springs, seeps, beggs, and waterlogged lands. The usable supply of saline water consists

of the evaporation losses from Lake Tucumcari and the perennial flow from the local

stream system. The total amount of water that may be available is approximately

3000 to 3500 acre-ft/yr. The sections that follow describe the source of this brackish

water, potential well-yields, and the recharge of the groundwater system.

54

TP-3597

3.8.2 Setting and Climatic Characteristics

Tucumcari is the principal community in the area, with a population of about 7000.

Water supplies for the town come from nearby well fields. Potential sources of saline

water in the vicinity are associated with the irrigation system of the Arch-Hurley

Conservancy District. The project was built in the 1940s and furnishes water to about

40,000 acres by way of a 30-mi canal from Conchas Reservoir located to the northwest

of Tucumcari. Principal crops grown on district lands are wheat, alfalfa, and sorghum.

The Tucumcari area lies at an elevation of about 4000 ft above sea level. The effects of

latitude and elevation combine to give the region a semiarid climate with moderate temperatures and a short, but acceptable growing season. Annual temperatures range from

80°F in July to 37°F in January. The mean annual temperature is about 60°F (Table 3-8).

Regional annual rainfall averages 14 to 15 in./yr with most of the precipitation derived

from summer storms that, while local in nature, can result in high rates of rain for short

periods of time. Winter snows rarely accumulate and snowfall averages only 1096 of the

total annual precipitation. The growing season is typically 191 days per year from

April 16 (the average date of the last killing frost) to October 25 (the average date of the

first killing frost) (Table 3-8).

3.8.3 Area Geology and Aquifer Recharge

Because of the topography of the Tucumcari area, it is possible to see many of the geological formations of interest as they outcrop in the relief of the river and creek channels and on the mesas, of which Tucumcari Mountain is the highest. The deepest and

oldest formation of interest is the Entrada Sandstone, which is the principal aquifer in

the area. The depth of wells taking water from the Entrada are as shallow as 50 to 60 ft,

but depths of about 350 to 400 ft, as those in the municipal well field, are more common

in the Tucumcari vicinity.

Water quality in the Entrada Sandstone is quite good: calcium 30 mg/L, chlorides 10 to

15 mg/L, sulfates 35 to 65 mg/L, and TDS 550 to 650 mg/L. Recharge to the Entrada

Sandstone comes principally in those areas where it outcrops; a relatively high percentage of the available precipitation on the outcrop zone is recharged. There is some recharge to the Entrada from the Morrison, the next formation upward, where the pressure

head in the Entrada is below that in the Morrison.

Above the Morrison are the Tucumcari Shale, the Mesa Rica Sandstone, and the Pajarito

Shale. Depending on the locale, alluvial materials of various ages may be found. None of

these formations contribute significantly to the recharge of the Entrada because of their

low permeability and because they are typically above the water table. Another factor is

the lack of any significant water course crossing the alluvia within the city.

3.8.4 Effect of Irrigation on Area Recharge

The Arch-Hurley Conservancy District began irrigation deliveries in 1946 and an almost

immediate increase in water levels in alluvial wells occurred. The water level in one

well rose more than 100 ft from 1952 to 1962. Tucumcari Lake was originallY2a playa,

but it soon became a permanent body of water that has grown to about 1 mi in area

since irrigation began. The source of this water appears to be leakage from the unlined

canals and laterals as water levels fluctuated with the annual introduction of irrigation

water into the transmission system. Recharge to the shallow aquifers from these ditches

56
Table 3-8. Selected Climatic Data for Stations within the

Tucumcari Basin, New Mexico

Logan Tucumcari

Elevation

(above msl) 3830 ft 4096 ft

Average days

above 32°F 185 days 182 days

Average frost- April 19- April 16-

free period October 21 October 25

Mean annual

precipitation 14.5 in. 15.1 in.

Maximum mean

monthly air July July

temperature 80.1°F 79.1°F

Minimum mean

monthly air January January

temperature 37.5°F 37.7°F

Average annual

air temperature 58.5°F 58.2°F

Source: New Mexico State Engineer 1975d

has been estimated to be about 2000 acre-ft/yr (Trauger and Bushman 1964). Soon after

the initiation of the irrigation system, springs in the area began to appear, perennial flow

in area streams began, and boggy, waterlogged lands developed. There has also been a

corresponding decline in water quality in these surface waters and in the shallow groundwater. Water quality in the surface system (creeks and springs) now has the following

characteristics: sulfates 500 to 1400 mg/L, chlorides 70 to 270 mg/L, and TDS of 2100 to

4900 mg/L.

3.8.5 Summary

The saline waters available in the Tucumcari area are the result of irrigation return

flows and leakage from the canal and lateral system. The volume and the potential yields

of wells in the shallow alluvium are not sufficient to warrant a microalgae production

facility. However, some use of the shallow and surface waters may be of merit because

they tend to degrade the quality of the Canadian River.

The Tucumcari area was removed from consideration because the volume of saline water

and potential well-yields in the area were too low to meet SERI criteria for consideration

as a site for microalgae production. The saline waters in the area are largely a result of

irrigation return flows and leakage from the canal and lateral system.

57
TP-3597

3.9 The Pecos Basin

3.9.1 Setting and Climatic Characteristics

The Pecos Basin lies in the Great Plains Physiographic Province (Figure 3-25). Like all of

southeastern New Mexico, the geology is characterized by strata of the Permian and

Triassic ages, lying at or near the surface (New Mexico Geological Society 1982). Mean

air temperature ranges from 38°F in January to 79°F in July (Table 3-9). Precipitation is

highly variable but generally ranges from 9 to 16 in. annually (Geohydrology Associates

1978). Pan evaporation averages about 94 in.lyr. (Cabin and Lesperance 1977) and lake

evaporation is about 70 to 75 in./yr. (Figure A-5, Appendix A).

The portion of the Pecos Basin that was considered in this research is contained in Quay,

Curry, Roosevelt, Lea, Eddy, Chaves, and DeBaca counties. The bulk of the area is in

Chaves County (Figure 3-25). The basin is bordered on the east by the Ogallala Aquifer.

3.9.2 Groundwater Resources

The water table slopes west-southwest and groundwater flow is generally toward the

Pecos River, which forms the western edge of the basin. The well-records tables for

Chaves County were siarched for wells in T.9, 10, and 11 S. and R.25, 26, and 27 E. This

encompasses an 18-mi area just east of Roswell. Unfortunately, records were found for

only six wells that lie within this area. Other nearby locations did not yield better results. The sparsity of data precludes preparation of the detailed maps necessary for further evaluation of the area. Low well-yields suggest the area may be unsuitable for

microalgae production.

3.9.3 Groundwater Quality

The Pecos Basin (the area east of the Pecos River) was removed from consideration as a

potential location for a production facility because the area had poorly documented and

very limited data on volume and potential well-yield of saline waters (Geohydrology

Associates 1978). One exception is the area immediately east of Roswell (between

Roswell and the Pecos River). However, this area is in a declared groundwater basin

(Roswell Basin). There is a possible site east of Roswell (The Roswell Saline Water Test

Facility), which has a well that produces 400 to 600 gpm pumping from a depth of 120 ft

<Communication with Mr. Charlie Sparnon of Roswell, New Mexico). If appreciable

amounts of saline water are available, the Roswell area may be suited for microalgae

production.

3.9.4 Summary

Further study of the saline water resources of the Roswell area is needed. However, size

of facility (1000 ha), groundwater use, slope, and land ownership constraints in the area

were additional factors that led to the elimination of the Roswell area as a potential

site. Owners of existing water rights in the area would probably oppose any new appropriations of water because the basin is already overappropriated. Any unappropriated

water exists in the area east of the Pecos River and extends to the Ogallala Aquifer.

58

Table 3-9. Selected Climatic Data for Stations in Potential Production

Areas in the Pecos Basin, New Mexico

Potential Production Areas

Artesia Roswell Fort Sumner

Elevation

(above rnsl) 3375 it 3612 ft 4030 ft

Average days

above 32°F 208 days 196 days 191 days

Average frost- April 19- April 16- April 15-

free period October 21 October 25 October 22

Mean annual

precipitation 11.6 in. 13.7 in.

Maximum mean

monthly air July July

temperature 79.0°F 79.3°F

Minimum mean

monthly air January January

temperature 39.6°F 38.5°F

Average annual

air temperature 59.8°F 58.9°F

Sources: New Mexico State Engineer 1975b; New Mexico State Engineer 1975C;

New Mexico State Engineer 1975a.

3.10 The San Juan Basin

3.10.1 Setting and Climatic Characteristics

The San Juan Basin includes the Navajo and Acoma-Zuni sections of the Colorado Plateau

Physiographic Province (Figure 3-26). Over most of the region, rocks crop out around the

basin margin (New Mexico Geological Society 1982). Average annual precipitation ranges

from less than 6 in. near Shiprock to 30 in. at Mt. Taylor; pan evaporation ranges from

63 in. at El Vado Dam to 72 in. at Gallup (Stone et ale 1983). Mean air temperatures

range from 26° to 29°F in January and range from 68° to 75°F in July (Table 3-10).

3.10.2 Groundwater Resources

The San Juan Basin is of potential interest for microalgae production because moderately

saline water lies at less than 500 ft in most places and less than 200 ft in some areas.

Potential well-yields are commonly 25 to 100 gpm, but locally 100 to 500 gpm capacities

are reported (Bureau of Reclamation 1976).

60

Table 3-10. Selected Climatic Data for Stations in Potential

Production Areas in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico

Potential Production Areas

Bloomfield Cuba

Elevation

(above rnsl) 5794 ft 7045 ft

Average days

above 32°F 171 days 105 days

Average frost- May 1- June 7-

free period October 19 September 20

Mean annual

precipitation 8.2 in. 13.8 in.

Maximum mean

monthly air July July

temperature 75.8°F 68.JOF

Minimum mean

monthly air January January

temperature 28.5°F 26.0°F

Average annual

air temperature 52.1°F 46.5°F

Sources: New Mexico State Engineer 1975e; New Mexico

State Engineer 1975f

Most water occurs in artesian sandstone aquifers. The water table and potentiometric

surface for these aquifers slope toward discharge areas along the major streams and canyons. Depth of the various aquifers increases toward the center of the basin because of

the regional structure. Transmissivity, (T) (hydraulic conductivity times thickness) may

be taken as a measure of well-yield. For Cretaceous sandstone aquifers, T ranges from

less than 10 to 400 gpd/ft (per foot of width of aquifer); for Tertiary sandstones, T is 40

to 200 gpd/ft (Stone et al. 1983). In most areas, the lower end of the range applies.

For wells with a reasonable diameter, yields of less than 300 gpm would probably

be obtained and therefore, be considerably less than that required for development of a

satisfactory algae production facility.

3.10.3 Summary

The San Juan.Basin was also removed from consideration as a potential site for a production facility. The basin contains saline waters, but depths to water and low potential

well-yields make the area unsuitable (Stone et ale 1983). The San Juan Basin also has the

disadvantage of highly complex land ownership patterns involving tribal Indian, federal,

state, and private lands.

62
TP-3597

4.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 2596 of the estimated 20 billion acre-ft of groundwater reserves in New

Mexico are classified as fresh or slightly saline. The remaining 15 billion acre-ft of unused water is characterized as moderately saline, very saline, or brine. The location of

the state's saline groundwater reserves are relatively well known, but the magnitude of

these resources and aquifer characteristics have not been rigorously assessed.

4.1 Objectives and Methodology

The major objective of this report was to identify potential site locations for large-scale

(loao ha or 2470 acres) microalgae production facilities in New Mexico using unappropriated saline groundwater resources.

After a review of the 15 billion acre-ft of saline water resources in the state, areas that

appeared to meet SERI's criteria for site selection were narrowed to the following--the

Tularosa Basin in south-central New Mexico, the Estancia Basin in central New Mexico,

the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico, the Tucumcari area on the east side of

New Mexico, the area east of the Pecos River in eastern New Mexico, and the Crow

Flats area in southern New Mexico (Figure 4-1).

4.2 Basins Reviewed

A preliminary analysis was completed for the six locations. The Pecos River Basin, the

Tucumcari area, and the San Juan Basin were eliminated for failing to meet the preliminary SERI criteria (Table 4-0.

A detailed analysis using all of the SERI criteria for siting a microalgae production facility was then completed for the remaining three areas--Tularosa Basin, Crow Flats area,

and Estancia Basin. These areas possess the necessary land, site characteristics, and

groundwater conditions set forth by SERI (Table 4-0.

4.2.1 Tularosa Basin

Two potential sites were identified for the Tularosa Basin. Both sites (A & B) met all of

the SERI criteria. One exception may be the relatively low well-yields that are characteristic of the areas in the Tularosa Basin. For a 1000-ha (2470 acres) facility, low

well-yields may be offset by more wells.

4.2.2 Estancia Basin

Two potential sites were identified for the Estancia Basin. A short growing season of

approximately 140 to 160 days would be a major limitation in the basin:tnd would eliminate the basin from consideration for microalgae facilities. One 80-mi site (A) met all

other SERI criteria. The best site for the location of a facility would be near the existing playa lakes. The second site (B) met all of the criteria, with the exception of groundwater quality. The groundwater is classified as slightly saline. An additional limitation

for site B is that poorer quality water overlies better quality water with a potential for

degradation of the higher quality water. Owners of existing water rights in the area may

oppose any new appropriations of water.

63

III

Table 4-1. Qualitative Summary of Chosen Sites and Specific Criteria Used in Selection of Areas Suitable for Microalgae Production III

'"

Tularosa Basin Crow Flats Estanc la Basin Pecos San Juan Tucumcari -

•

I 1

Criterion Site A Site B Basin Site A Site B Basin Basin Basin 'I_I"

Supply of

Unappropriated Limited

Groundwater Available Available Availablea Available Available Availabilityb Available Available

Depth to

Saline Marginal to Marginal to Marginal to

NJAc Groundwater Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory

Potential Marginal to Marginal to

Well-Yield Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Unsatisfactory NJA

Water Quality (IDS) Satisfactory Satisfactory Marginal Satisfactory Marginal Satisfactory Satisfactory Marginal

Adequate

Q'\ Reserves Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Uncertain Yes No

VI

Growing Marginal to

Season Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Unsatisfactory Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Satisfactory

Land Slope Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory NJA N/A N/A

Ownership Majority is Majority is Majority is Majority is Majority is

N/Ad Private Private Federal Private Private N/A NJA

Data Base Poor to

Quality Excellent Excellent Good Good Good Poor Good Good

Further

Study

Yese Recommended Yes Yes Yes No No No No

NIA =not available.

~unappropriated water is available, but competition from agriculture is likely because water quality is suitable for agriculture.

Unappropriated water is available, but competition from existing uses may exclude microalgae production.

cData on depth to groundwater was available only for the Pecos Valley not the Pecos Basin. -I

dOwnership was not described for the Pecos Basin. Ownership in the Pecos Valley was predominantly private. '"C

I

eFurther study is recommended for the area around Roswell if less than a 1000 ha facility is considered. \.1'1

\D

......
TP-3597

4.2.3 Crow Flats Area

One 36-mi2 area in the Crow Flats area was identified as a potential site. The area is on

the valley floor in the alkali flat portion of Crow Flats. However, the water would be

classified as slightly saline and is currently being used for irrigation, livestock, and

domestic purposes. It is unlikely that current water-right holders will readily accept requests for new appropriations of groundwater.

4.3 Conclusions

The Tularosa Basin was judged as the best-suited area for a lOOO-ha microalgae production facility, and Crow Flats was the next best alternative. The Estancia Basin has the

limitation of a short growing season and possible opposition from current water-right

holders.

4.3.1 Additional Study Areas

There are two potential sites where additional research on the saline water resources

would be required to determine if enough saline water is available at economic depths.

They are the area east of Roswell in Chaves County and the Jornada del Muerto in Sierra

and Socorro counties.

66
TP-3597

5.0 REFERENCES

Berkstresser, C.S., and W.A. Mourant, 1966, Ground-Water Resources and Geology of

Quay County, New Mexico, Ground-water Report 9, New Mexico Bureau of Mines

and Mineral Resources.

Bjorklund, L.J., 1957, Reconnaissance of Groundwater Conditions in the Crow Flats Area,

Otero County, New Mexico, Technical Report 8, New Mexico State Engineer.

Boegl, W.J., M.M. Dahl, and H.E. Remmers, May 1983, Southwest Region Solar Pond

Study for Three Sites-Tularosa Basin, Malaga Bend, and Canadian River, Press

Project No. DE-30, U.S. Department of Interior.

Burau, R.G. "Environmental Chemistry of Selenium," July 1985, California Agriculture,

Vol. 39, Nos. 7 and 8, pp. 16 - 18.

Bureau of Reclamation, April 1984, Tularosa Basin Water and Energy Study, New Mexico,

Amarillo, TX: U.S. Department of Interior.

Bureau of Reclamation in Cooperation with the State of New Mexico, November 1976,

New Mexico Water Resources: Assessment for Planning Purposes, Amarillo, TX:

U.S. Department of the Interior•

Diemer, J.A. and J.F. Morrison, 1984, New Mexico Land Use, By County 1977-1982,

Research Report 532.

DuMars, C.T., 1984, The Impact of Recent Court Decisions Concerning Water and Interstate Commerce on Water Resources of the State of New Mexico, A report to

Governor Toney Anaya and the Legislative Council pursuant to Laws, 1983, Chapter

98. Report prepared by the Water Law Study Committee, University of New

Mexico Law School.

DuMars, C.T., F.L. Brown, R.G. Cummings, R. Lansford, A.B. Rodgers, and A.E. Utton,

January 1986. State Appropriation of Unappropriated Groundwater: A Strategy for

Insuring New Mexico a Water Future, New Mexico Water Resources Research

Institute and University of New Mexico Law School Special Report.

Gabin, V.L. and L.E. Lesperance, 1977, New Mexico Climatological Data, Precipitation,

Temperature, Evaporation, and Wind-Monthly and Annual Means, Socorro, NM: W.

K. Summers and Associates.

Gelhar, L.W., March 1977, Use of Brackish Groundwater Resources for Regional Energy

Center Develo ment, Tularosa Basin, New Mexico, Preliminary Evaluation, Contract

No. FEA G-77 101, Los Alamos, NM: "Los Alamos Laboratories.

Geohydrology Associates, 1978, Collection of Hydrologic Data, Eastside Roswell Range

EIS Area, New Mexico, Open-file Report 95, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and

Mineral Resources.

Hernandez, J.W., 1986, Criteria for the Identification of Potential Sites for Irrigation

with Saline Waters in New Mexico, Unpublished Engineering Research Report, New

Mexico State University.

67
TP-3597

Kelly, T.E., B.N. Myers and L.A. Hershey, May 1970, Saline Ground-Water Resources of

the Rio Grande Drainage Basin - A Pilot Study, Research and Development Progress

Report No. 560, U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Saline Water.

Krothe, N.C. and J.B. Weeks, 1982, Dissolved Solids and Sodium in Water from the High

Plains Aquifer in Parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma,

South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming, Hydrologic Atlas No. 658, U.S. Geological

Survey.

Lansford, R.R., et al., February 1976, A Preliminary Economic Feasibility Study for the

Establishment of an Energy-water Complex in the Tularosa Basin. Report No. 068,

New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute.

Lansford, R.R., et al., June 1982, High Plains-Ogallala Aquifer Study: New Mexico,

WRRI Report No. 151, New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute.

Lansford, R.R., et a1., 1985, Sources of Irrigation Water and Irrigated and Dry Cropland

Acreages in New Mexico, by County, 1980-84, Research Report 571, Agricultural

Experiment Station, New Mexico State University.

MacMillan, J.R., R.C. Naff, and L.W. Gelhar, December 1976, "Prediction and Numerical

Simulation of Subsidence Associated with Proposed Groundwater Withdrawal in the

Tularosa Basin, New Mexico," Publication No. 121, Proceedings of the Anaheim

Symposium, International Association of Hydrological Sciences, pp, 600-608.

Maxwell, E.L., A.G. Folger, and J.E. Hogg, November 1984, Resource Evaluation and Site

Selection for Microalgae Production Systems, SERI/TR-215-2484, Golden, CO: Solar

Energy Research Institute.

McLean, J.S., July 1970, Saline Groundwater Resources of the Tularosa Basin, New

Mexico, Research and Development Progress Report No. 581, U.S. Department of

Interior, Office of Saline Water.

New Mexico Geological Society, 1982, Highway-Geological Map, New Mexico Geological

Society, Scale 1:1,000,000.

New Mexico Solar Energy Institute, February 1978, Bio-Production of Liquid Fuels via

Algal Captured Solar Energy, Proposal No. NMSU-78-00339, Las Cruces, NM: New

Mexico State University.

New Mexico State Engineer and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, 1975a,

County Profile: Chaves County Water Resources Assessment for Planning Purposes,

Santa Fe, NM.

New Mexico State Engineer and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, 1975b,

County Profile: De Baca County Water Resources Assessment for Planning

Purposes. Santa Fe, NM.

New Mexico State Engineer and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission; 1975c,

County Profile: Lea County Water Resources Assessment for Planning Purposes,

Santa Fe, NM.

68
TP-3597

New Mexico State Engineer and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, 1975d,

County Profile: Quay County Water Resources Assessment for Planning Purposes,

Santa Fe, NM.

New Mexico State Engineer and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, 1975e,

County Profile: Sandoval County Water Resources Assessment for Planning

Purposes, Santa Fe, NM.

New Mexico State Engineer and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, 1975f,

County Profile: San Juan County Water Resources Assessment for Planning

Purposes, Santa Fe, NM.

New Mexico State Engineer and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, 1975g,

County Profile: Torrance County Water Resources Assessment for Planning

Purposes. Santa Fe, NM.

Smith, R.E., 1957, Geology and Ground-Water Resources of Torrance County, New

Mexico, Ground-Water Report 5, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral

Resources.

Stone, W.J, F.P. Lyford, P.F. Frenzel, N.H. Mizell, and E.T. Padgett, 1983, Hydrogeology

and Water Resources of the San Juan Basin, New Mexico, Hydrologic Report 6, New

Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources.

Trauger, F.D. and F.X. Bushman, 1964, Geology and Groundwater in the Vicinity of

Tucumcari, Quay County, New Mexico, Technical Report 30, New Mexico State

Engineer.

U.S. Department of Commerce, July 1986, Climatological Data, Texas. Vol. 91, No.7.

69
APPENDIX A

NEW MEXICO

CLIMATE CHARACTERISTIC MAPS

70

TP-3597





TP-3597

APPENDIX B

GROUNDWATER CHARACTERISTICS FOR POTENTIAL PRODUCTION AREAS

76

III

III

N

Table 8-1. Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells in the Tularosa Basin -III,

~-"

Sodiulll

INA) + Specific

Magne- Potas- Bicar- Carbon- nUD- Dis- Calcium Non- Conductance TeaperaSOlea Iron Calciua slum slUIll bonate ate Sulfate Chloride ride Nitrate Boron solved Magneslum Carbonate IlIicro IIIOOos) ture local Wall Number Depth (SI02) (FE) ICA) IMG) Ik) (NC03) (C03) IS04) ICl) IF) (N03) IR) So11ds Barduese Hardness (25 oeg C) PM (Oeg C)

17S 8. 13.231 110 965.0 3360.0 12600 200 9280 24000.00 50300 16200 16000 61700 6.7

17 S 8E 13.311 160 327.0 3070.0 1715.0 9900 1940 15000.00 32000 14500 14400 7.6

17 S 9 E 1.112 145 1260 356.00 2620 3310

17 5 9E 1.141 1670 720.00 3900 4930

175 9 E 1.311 50 426.0 307.0 802 363 2680 878.00 5660

175 9 E 1.440 104 262.0 137.0 233 104 1194 221.00 2516

17 S 9E 2.111 132 1180 432.00 2640 3410

17S 9E 2.300 80 316.0 149.0 470 134 1472 465.00 3288

175 9E 3.100 65 252.0 80.0 339 104 1111 288.00 2933

17 5 9 E 3.400 135 2584

175 9E 4.300 130 252.0 126.0 331 119 915 510.00 2476

" 175 9E 5.122 SO 600 265 1350 910.00 1610 1390 SOlO 00

17 5 9 E 5.200 60 470.0 371.0 1211 37 2580 1897.00 7280

17 S 9F 8.744 341 95 2020 490.00 2130 2050 4370

175 9E 8.400 100 521.0 169.0 517 53 2097 620.00 4740

17S 9E 10.000 32 413.0 223.0 365 102 1977 865.00 3800

175 9 E 12.422 200 774 196.00 1720 21SO

17S 9E 12.422 270 203 814 215.00 1100 934 2210 7.1 19.4

17S 9;' 12.433 165 109 214 700 140.00 6.3 870 694 1850

17 S 9E 13.244 310 16.0 131.0 63.0 95 176 487 96.00 .30 5.2 980 586 442 1380

17 S 9 E 13.244 310 16.0 131.0 63.0 95 176 487 96.00 .30 5.2 980 586 442 1380

17 S 9E 13.244 120 14.0 117.0 61.0 94 130 7 507 88.00 .30 5.6 938 543 425 1380

17 S 9E 13.400 85 114.0 61.0 37 109 340 55.00 821

17S 9 E 14.422 95 205 652 141.00 840 672 1830

17S 9E 19.240 62 755.0 750.0 1482 302 0 3841 2841.00 11640

175 9E 23.310 85 241.0 120.0 201 213 976 244.0 2140

17 S 9E 23.310A 50 525.0 184.0 392 343 1949 439.0 3760
Table B-1. Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells in the Tularosa Basin (Continued)

III

III

N

-

.

- '" I I

'\l

Sodium

{NI,.+ Specific

Magne- Potas- Bicar- Carbon- Fluo- Dis- Calc1n Non- Conductance TellperaSilica Iron Calcium siuIR siUII bonate ate Sulfate Chloride ride Nitrate Boron solved Magnesium Carbonate (llicro .. 000$) ture Local Wan Number Depth (SI02) (FE) ICA) IMG) (k) (NC03) (C03) (S04. rcu If) {N03. (R) Sol1ds Barduese Hardness (25 Deg C) PM (Deg C)

17S 8E 5.431 892 - 119.0 192.0 1926 111 2970 2540.00 8406 2585

17S 8 E 5.431 892 SO.O 0 759.0 288.9 3033 3450.00 7580

17S 9E 5.431 892 3.6 947.0 89.0 3115 2880.00 9111

17S 9E 5.431 892 120 2610.00 11100

17S 9E 5.431 892 1662.0 2100 78 32 2150 4218.00 10240 16000 7.1

17S 9E 12.113 40 550 86 2070 865.00 2250 2180 3510

17S 9E 1.200 71 - 108.0 54.0 83 114 330 100.00 788

17 S sc 1.400 82 - 180.0 107.0 69 108 421 299.00 1468

17 S 9E 10.443 35 - 312.0 290.0 392 1811 566.00 3751 '-I 10.443 40 441 200 1720 520.00 1730 1570 4280 '-D 17S 9E

17S 9 E 11.144 35.0 - 480.0 326.0 443 224 1830 1000.00 6.3 4230 2540 2360 7.3

17S 9E 11.213 100 39.0 99.0 52.0 53 236 0 306 44.00 .7 710 460 266 1030 7.5

175 9E 11.400 50 . 204.0 179.0 286 111 1183 321.00 2724

175 9E 11.412 302 43.00 1020

175 9E 11.431 103 - 216.0 116.0 150 244 827 199.00 1804

175 9E 14.300 - 156.0 97.0 126 125 558 194.00 1452

175 9E 23.442 222 1390 302.00 1510 1330 3300 7.8

17S 9E 26.311 SO - 611.0 304.0 829 3016 953.00 6912

175 9E 26.311 100 618 156 2690 1060.00 33080 2950 6860

17S 9E 27.422 68.0 - 610.0 311.0 753 146 2610 77.0 5590 2000 2680 7130 7.3 23.0

175 9E 36.222 91 14.0 - 242.0 169.0 127 106 0 1210 162.00 .4 1980 1300 1210 2500 7.1

175 9E 25.212 236 15.0 0 96.0 34.0 36 221 0 221 36.00 .30 1.6 540 380 199 817 7.3 20.0

17 5 9E 25.212 236 20.0 0 100.0 35.0 216 0 227 36.00 .40 2.0 560 394 217 846 7.3 18.3

175 9E 25.212 236 21.0 0 92.0 38.0 32 220 0 210 38.00 .30 2.4 542 386 206 831 7.5 21.1

175 9E 25.213 243 95.0 36.0 41 227 238 34.00 1.2 559 393 207 862 7.8

175 9:: 25.2t:! 243 20.0 0 100.0 370.0 35 219 0 231 38.00 .30 1.4 571 400 220 862 7.4 20.0

175 9E 25.213 243 0 95.0 41.0 45 220 0 249 42.00 .30 1.7 604 404 224 891 8.1 20.0

......

toO

I

Va

\D

.......
Table 8-1. Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells in the Tularosa Basin (Continued)

III

III

N

I I

-,,_ ..

50diull

(NA) + 5peclflc

Magne- Potas- Blear- Car1lon- nuo- DIs- Calciull Non- Conductance Tellpera5111ca Iron Calciull stUll stUll bonate ate Sulfate Chloride ride Nitrate Boron solved Magnestull Car1lonate (lI1croIlOhos) ture local Wan NUlIber Depth (5102) (FE) (CA) (MG) (t) (NC03) (C03) (504) tcu (F) (N03) (R) 501lds Barduese Hardness (25 Deg C) PM (Deg C)

175 9£ 23.333 208 244 2000 545.00 2420 4720

175 9£ 23.333 107 376 4470.00 5750 15800

175 9£ 23.431 300 155 0 700 110.00 740 1700

175 9£ 23.431 390 15.0 176.0 69.0 126 155 686 110.00 .60 7.9 1270 730 603 1700

175 9£ 23.431 51 350 0 1000 161.00 1220 2590

175 9£ 24.142 312 192 0 375 120.00 590 1410

175 9£ 24.142 312 20.0 141.0 63.0 86 192 446 120.00 .20 7.6 978 611 454 1410

00 17 5 9£ 24.142 80 222 0 350 113.00 532 1320

0 175 9£ 24.222 314 15.0 100.0 40.0 60 242 0 240 45.00 .30 1.8 622 418 220 908

17 5 g£ 24.222 314 190 0 250 54.00 424 262 908

17 5 9£ 24.222 105 242 0 180 45.00 416 218 894

17 5 9£ 24.342 231 20.0 99.0 46.0 33 218 260 41.00 .20 1.4 607 436 259 920 7.3

17 5 g£ 24.342 231 20.0 .03 106.0 43.0 44 217 0 279 47.00 .30 2.1 648 442 264 961 7.3 20.0

17 5 9£ 24.342 211 0 108.0 39.0 40 218 0 250 46.00 .30 1.8 619 428 250 927 7.4 20.0

175 9£ 24.342 231 21.0 0 104.0 43.0 30 220 0 259 49.00 .20 2.1 624 438 258 954 7.1 22.8

17 5 g£ 24.343 255 24.0 109.0 63.0 21 212 300 56.00 .20 3.0 0 688 531 358 1020 7.3

175 .9 £ 24.343 255 22.0 0 115.0 41.0 210 0 293 52.00 .40 2.7 675 454 282 1000 7.3 20.0

17 5 9£ 24.343 255 22.0 0 108.0 46.0 45 212 0 289 56.00 .30 3.0 673 460 286 1020 7.7 21.1

17 5 9£ 25.111 73 48 242 316 53.00 2.4 500 302 1100

17 5 9£ 25.112 250 105.0 100.0 360 86.00 798 570

17 5 9£ 25.123 80 238 0 300 50.00 440 1024

17 5 9£ 25.123 312 21.0 105.0 47.0 66 185 336 65.00 .30 4.7 736 456 304 1070

17 5 9£ 25.123 312 185 0 350 65.00 435 . 1070

17 5 9£ 25.132 250 162.0 88.0 326 68.00 730 510

175 9£ 25.200 186.0 86.0 III 128 481 244.00 1363

175 9£ 25.212 236 19.0 89.0 47.0 15 217 213 33.00 20.00 1.4 525 416 238 810 7.3

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Table 8-1. Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells in the Tularosa Basin (Concluded)

III

III

-I I

_v

Sodiu.

(NA)+ Specific

Magne- Potas- Btcar- Camon- Fluo- Dfs- Calcfull Non- Conductance TellperaStltca Iron Calcium slum slum bonate ate SUlfate Chloride ride Nttrate Boron solved Magnesium Camonate ( mtcroII ohos) ture

local Wall NUllber Depth (S102) (FEI (C A) (MG) (k) (NCD3) (C03) (504) rcu (F) (H03) (R) Solids Bardllese Hardness (25 Deg C) PM (Deg C)

175 8E 25.213 271 21.0 .01 100.0 19.0 38 217 0 245 41.00 .20 1.6 593 410 232 887 7.4 20.0

175 8E 25.222 271 86.0 40.0 31 223 212 30.00 1.5 510 379 196 805 7.8

17 S 9 E 25.212 271 19.0 .10 97 36.0 33 217 0 272 44.00 .40 1.7 550 392 214 840 7.2 20.0

17S 9E 25.222 271 20.0 0 98.0 34.0 34 216 0 223 35.00 .30 1.6 552 386 209 833 7.4 20.0

175 9E 25.222 271 21.0 0 96.0 37.0 35 216 0 224 40.00 .30 2.1 561 392 215 857 7.5 21.1

175 9 E 25.300 45 197.0 94.0 106 301 689 104.00 1463

175 9E 25.324 517 19.0 81.0 39.0 68 179 201 48.00 4.00 2.5 427 362 216 946 7.8

17 S 9E 25.324 512 179 0 300 48.00 234 946

175 9E 25.324 80 224 0 325 107.00 300 1260

00 175 9E 25.323 23.0 0 102.0 40.0 31 218 0 249 36.00 .40 1.8 588 420 242 884 7.4 20.0

- 175 9E 25.323 23.0 0 107.0 39.0 49 213 0 200 41.00 .40 1.7 654 428 254 952 7.1 20.0

175 9E 25.343A 22.0 .01 98.0 41.0 41 221 0 259 36.00 .40 1/6 506 412 231 903 7.4 20.0

17S 9E 25.343A 23.0 0 105.0 40.0 42 210 0 271 43.00 .40 1.0 629 424 254 930 7.5 20.0

175 9E 25.444 307 19.0 48.0 28.0 184 184 0 203 176.00 .90 .8 745 214 64 1230

175 9E 25.484 80 20.0 122.0 52.0 148 262 0 290 222.00 .20 2.4 997 510 304 1570

175 9i 26.200 40 186.0 119.0 127 134 720 177.00 1680

175 9E 28.242 344 136.00 1340

175 9E 24.414 312 103 0 270 41.00 330 238 868

175 9E 26.414 75 252 0 275 45.00 450 244 984

175 9E 24.481 100 210 1200 168.00 1400 2730

175 9E 28.481 209 194 700 123.00 830 1790

175 9E 35.242 298 32.0 110.0 51.0 10 223 299 53.00 .20 2.0 687 484 302 10101

175 9E 05.332 100 15.0 190.0 134.0 511 112.00 850 660 7.1

17S 9 E 35.332 100 76 187 505 104.00 660 507 1480

175 9E 05.444 297 34.0 95.0 48.0 59 20 32 41.00 .40 1.0 703 434 268 10lD

175 9E 05.414 312 26.0 89.0 37.0 63 183 240 41.00 .60 1.4 386 324 174 868

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III

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Table B-2. Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells and Springs in the Estancia Basin

-

III I "

Specific

lien Conductance Sodlu.lnd Hlrdness

Locltlon (.lcro.hos SIlICI Cilclu. Ml9nesiu. Potasslu. 81C1rl1onlte Sulfite ChlOl1de Florlde Nitrate Dissolved as Percent

Nu.ber It 25"CI (51

021 (CII (M9) (Ni+K) (HC0l) (SO,) IClI (F) (NOl) Solids CaCOl Sodlu.

4.9.6.400 597 250 15

4.9.11.112 5,280 65 450

Do. 8,630 379 1,140

4.9.11.112 8,270 1,040

Do. 8,540 371 1,070

Do. 8,510 1,070

4.9.11.312 4,390 137 213 812 326 1,400 580 0.8 1.7 3,110 1,220

Do. 4,440 340 592

4.9.16.131 3,280 316 193

4.10.2.143 5,050 24 642 125 505 570 1,660 685 0.9 7.1 3,910 2,070 35

5.9.6.311 533 297 11

00. 559 297 10

5.9.18.400 660 22 53 41 31 359 120 12 1.2 1.1 419 300 18

5.9.18.424 650 21 58 40 24 260 121 13 1.2 1.4 408 309 15

5.10.13.443 4,210 20 626 152 249 92 1,820 524 2.3 16 3,450 2,190 20

5.10.28.400 7,250 565 483 745 262 3,220 1,020 3.0 2.3 6,170 3,400

00 6.9.1.300 2,640 24 228 107 226 252 780 336 1.1 5.4 1,830 1,010 33 N 6.9.2.400 3,il6O 420

6.9.9.222 2,260 368 300

00. 2,190 286

00. 2,280 302

00. 2,420 325

6.9.11 1,800 177 69 122 295 462 190 1,160 725 27

6.9.11.211 2.300 265 285

6.9.12 9.450 322 1,440

6.9.28.333 4,380 903 244

6.9.33.333 1,980 79

00. 2,010 81

00. 1.900 86

00. 1,840 518 72

6.10.6.3009 3,290 352 138 238 222 1,180 385 1.4 8.2 2,410 1,450

00. 3,010 22 274 149 215 284 948 380 1.2 5.0 2,130 1,300 26

6.107.112 2,370 219 94 194 256 686 302 0.9 2.7 1,620 933

Do. 2.360 260 285

6.10.8 2,680 22 248 126 189 276 818 328 1.4 4.6 1,870 1,140 27

6.10.8.112 2.660 272 325

6.10.27.400 3,500 300 195 260 266 1,200 455 2.0 1.0 2,540 1,550

6.10.32.200 4,070 360 246 311 330 1,520 515 2.1 0.9 3,210 1,910

6.10.32.222 4,020 20 366 251 283 335 1,500 508 2.3 1.4 3.100 1,940 24

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Table B-3. Chemical Analyses of Water from Wells in the Crow Flats Basin

Dissolved Hardness

Che mtcal Constituents Solids as CaC 01

Tons Specific

TemDera- Sodium and Bicar- Parts per Sodium Conductance

t.ocatlcn ture Calcium Magnesium Potassium bonate Sulfate Cloride Flouride Nitrate 80ron per Acre- Calcium Non- Percent Absorption Micromhos

Number Gf Ca Mg Na .. K HC03 S04 Cl F N03 B million foot Magnesium carbonate Sodium Ratio (SAR) at 25°C pH

25.18.8.242 65 284 1,820 65 2,200 1,910 3,100 6.9

25.18.21.441 65 254 2,020 215 2,500 2,290 3,080 6.9

25.18.25.240 158 119 19 940 810 1,650 1.2

25.18.26.111 61 556 264 65 202 2,230 82 3.2 2.4 .48 3,300 4.49 2,410 2,310 5 .6 3,530 1.1 00

VJ 25.18.21.411 68 244 111 22 210 1,010 32 1.0 2.1 .43 1,680 2.28 1,340 1,120 3 .3 2.070 1,2

26.18.21.223 71 190 77 4.4 272 541 15 1.1 4.1: .24 981 1. 33 810 588 1 .1 1,320 7.0

26.18.21.411 72 268 563 25 850 630 1,370 1.1

26.18.28.113 72 265 500 47 890 613 a 0 1,470 1.0

26.18.29.113 68 230 92 17 242 672 57 1.1 11 .05 1,200 163 952 754 4 .2 1,610 7.1

26.18.30.213 68 207 751 60 990 820 1,700 7.0

Do. 68 214 749 56 1,010 834 1,700 1.1

26.18.30.321 68 213 76 1,060 806 1,800 1.1

UI

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-
Document Control 11. SERI Report No. 12. NTIS Accession No.

Page TP-232-3597 DE89009511

3. Recipient's Accession No.

4. Title and Subtitle Evaluation of Available Saline Water

Resources in New Mexico for the Production of

5. Publication Date

August 1990

6.

Microalgae

7. Author(sj 8. Performing Organization Repl. No. R. Lansford, J. Hernandez, P. Enis, D. Truby, C. Mapel

10. ProjecVTaskiWork Unit No.

11. Contract (C) or Grant (G) No.

(C)

(0)

of Agricultura~-:-~~~~~~~-~

9. Performing Organization Name and Address

New Mexico State University, Department

Economics and Agricultural Business

Box 3169

Las Cruces, NM 88003

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address

Solar Energy Research Institute

1617 Cole Boulevard

Golden, Colorado 80401-3393

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

Technical

14.

15. Supplementary Notes

16. Abstract (Limit: 200 words)

Researchers evaluated saline water resources in New Mexico for their suitability

as sites for large-scale microalgae production facilities. Production of microalgae could provide a renewable source of fuel, chemicals, and food. In addition,

making use of the unused saline water resources would increase the economic

activity in the state.

After analyzing the 15 billion acre-ft of unused saline water resources in the

state, scientists narrowed the locations down to six sites with the most potential

With further analysis, they chose the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico as

the best-suited area for a 1000-hectaremicroalgae production facility.

17. Document Analysis

a. Descriptors

renewable energy, liquid fuels, saline water, microalgae production

b. Identifiers/Open-Ended Terms

c. UC Categories 244

18. Availability Statement 19. No. of Pages

National Technical Information Service

U.S. Department of Commerce

5285 Port Royal Road

Springfield, Virginia 22161

92

20. Price

A05

Form No. 0069 (6-30-87)