Environment

How The U.S. Failed In Excess Weapons Plutonium Disposition … A Nuclear Sputnik Moment?

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 18, 2016
By CHARLES D. BOWMAN
Los Alamos

Putin’s withdrawal from the U.S./Russia agreement for each nation to destroy 34 tons of excess weapons plutonium, (W-Pu) enough for 17,000 nuclear weapons, is more the consequence of U.S. technical failure than the deterioration of an international relationship. Both nations agreed that the plutonium be either destroyed by fission or converted to a plutonium isotopic form that was not useful for weapons. Russia chose to build a fast-spectrum nuclear reactor in hopes of launching a new breeder technology. The U. S. chose to combine the plutonium with uranium

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Daily Postcard: Greater Roadrunner Visits White Rock

Submitted by CSTadmin on October 17, 2016

Daily Postcard: This greater roadrunner is spotted Friday in the back yard of a home in White Rock. The greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a long-legged bird in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae. Although capable of limited flight, it spends most of its time on the ground and can run at speeds of up to 20 mph, according to wikipedia. Photo by Reva Heron

This greater roadrunner pays a visit to the back yard of a home Friday in White Rock. Photo by Reva Heron Read More

Scenes From Saturday’s Energy Efficiency Home Tour

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 17, 2016
PEEC and Los Alamos County sponsored a tour of energy efficient homes Saturday. The home of Rosmarie and Paul Frederickson features 1.5 inches of insulation added under the stucco. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
 
The Frederickson home has a heat-collecting sunroom. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
 
The Frederickson garden produces much of the family’s food. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
 
The Meyer home has solar panels and a xeric (drought resistant perennials) garden. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com
 
Drought-tolerant
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Santa Fe Area Sees Residual Smoke From Watershed Prescribed Burn

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 16, 2016

SFNF News:

SANTA FE – Smoke from the prescribed burn in the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed last week is lingering over the city as higher-than-expected temperatures created an inversion that has slowed its dispersal.

Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest, in consultation with the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Department of Health, decided Friday morning to stop ignitions on the Watershed prescribed burn based on air quality and smoke impacts to Santa Fe. Fire crews used hand and aerial ignitions on Wednesday and Thursday to burn approximately 1,785 acres of the Read More

A Mountaineer’s Story: Ascent Of Mt. Vinson

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 16, 2016

Evening descent from Mt. Gardner with the view of Antarctica’s northern Sentinel Range. Courtesy/PEEC

PEEC News:

Ever wonder what it would be like to stand on the highest point in Antarctica? Attend the Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25 to hear from adventurer Eiichi Fukishima, who seeks to enliven one’s passion for Antarctica’s Mt. Vinson.

Fukishima’s talk begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Los Alamos Nature Center. The Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting starts at 7 p.m. and covers information about upcoming outings as well.

This is a tale of the first ascent of the last high point Read More

NPS: Prescribed Burns Begin Next Week

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 15, 2016
NPS News:
 
JEMEZ SPRINGS ― Valles Caldera National Preserve will initiate prescribed burn projects beginning early next week, dependent upon suitable weather and fuel conditions.
 
The prescribed burn will take place within an approximately 1,200-acre project area in the Banco Bonito district of the preserve – north of N.M. 4 near mile marker 30. The burn operations will be completed in phases over a total of 3-8 nonconsecutive days. Brief traffic delays may occur during this time, but are not expected to cause road closures or disrupt visitor activities elsewhere on the
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Heinrich To Tout Economic Bright Spots In Torrance County And Santa Fe

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 15, 2016
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
 
SENATE News:
 
ALBUQUERQUE ― U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will be in Moriarty and Santa Fe Monday, Oct. 17, to highlight two new sectors with potential for significant job growth that could lead to a more diverse and prosperous New Mexico economy.
 
Monday morning, Heinrich will participate in a celebration of El Cabo Wind Farm Project at the Estancia Valley Economic Development Association in Moriarty. El Cabo will be one of the largest wind energy projects ever built in New Mexico. The
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LANL: Rocket Motor Concept Could Boost CubeSat Missions

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 13, 2016

 

Artists concept of a CubeSat on-board propulsion system. Courtesy/Inside Out Visuals

LANL News:

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a rocket motor concept that could pave the way for CubeSats zooming across space. These small, low-cost satellites are an easy way for scientists to access space, but are lacking in one key area, on-board propulsion.

“The National Academy of Sciences recently convened a meeting to look at science missions in CubeSats,” said Bryce Tappan, an explosives chemist at Los Alamos National Laboratory and lead researcher on the CubeSat Read More

Local Expert Chick Keller Leads Final Wildflower Walk Of Season Oct. 17

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 13, 2016

Goldenrods like this Solidago simplex bloom in late summer and into the fall. Photo by Chick Keller

PEEC News:

Pajarito Environmental Education Center’s Jemez Mountain Herbarium curator, Chick Keller, will lead the final Wildflower Walk of the season at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17.

Wildflower expert Chick Keller (right) leads a wildflower walk for PEEC. Photo by Josip Loncaric

This will be an easy walk to identify some of the wildflower beauties found in and around Los Alamos. Keller picks the trail based on what is blooming at the time. This outing is free, and no advance registration Read More

The Regional Coalition Of LANL Communities Discusses Consent Order Agreement And Gross Receipt Tax Issue

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 12, 2016
RCLC News:
 
SANTA FE ― The Regional Coalition of LANL Communities (RCLC) will hold its monthly board meeting 9-11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 14, at the Taos Plaza Old County Courthouse, 121 N Plaza, Mural Room, 2nd floor in Taos.
 
The Regional Coalition has invited New Mexico Secretary of Environment, Bruce Tongate and Katie Roberts, Director of the Resource Protection Division at New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Roberts will report on the Consent Order Agreement, an agreement between the NMED and the U.S. Department of
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Open Letter To The Next President And Members Of The 115th Congress

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 12, 2016
NEMA News:
 
To the 45th President of the United States and Members of the 115th Congress:
 
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents electrical and medical imaging manufacturers, innovators, job creators and voters. We speak on behalf of pro-growth American industries that envision a modern electrical infrastructure and affordable, reliable health programs.
 
As you take on your sworn duties in service to the American people, we ask that you bear in mind five basic priorities that will expand the economy, increase employment rates, improve
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Expanded Garden Showcases Northern New Mexico Ethnobotanical History

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 12, 2016
SFBG News:
 
SANTA FE ― Life wasn’t easy for American Indians and Spanish settlers in northern New Mexico 400 years ago. And now thanks to the newest addition to the Santa Fe Botanical Garden (SFBG) on Museum Hill, modern day visitors can see for themselves what it took to survive and flourish here.
 
Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands, the garden’s latest expansive hands-on living exhibit, opens to the public Saturday, Oct. 22, with a free program of flamenco and mariachi performances, Native American dances, story-telling and other activities.
 
“We’re
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10th Annual Pajarito Trail Fest Saturday

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 11, 2016
Pajarito Trail Fest runner. Photo by Jim Stein
 
PTF News:
 
The aspens are aflame on Pajarito Mountain this month. On October 15, trail runners converge on one of the most breathtaking courses to join the Pajarito Trail Fest, a popular nonprofit race.
 
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Trail Fest is hosted by Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, on the outskirts of Los Alamos in the Jemez Mountains. A 10k- and 15-mile race begin 9 a.m. on Saturday.
 
Runners take off from mountain’s base (9,200 feet), climbing 1200 vertical feet in a clockwise
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WIPP: Updates On Ground Control Activities―Additional Rock Falls In Panel 3 Access Drift

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 11, 2016
WIPP News:

Nuclear Waste Partnership (NWP) was evaluating the area of the rock fall in the Panel 3 exhaust drift Oct. 7, and determined that additional sections have dislodged since the initial report earlier in the week.

This area was, and continues to be, prohibited which means no personnel are allowed to enter. Being an inactive area of the mine, no ground control measures are being taken and additional falls may occur in this area until the remainder of the unstable portions of the drift have fallen.
 
This additional rock fall in the Panel 3 drift
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New Mexico’s Longest Yard Sale Spans More Than 26 Miles Oct. 15-16

Submitted by Chris Clark on October 11, 2016
 
COMMUNITY News:
 
JEMEZ SPRINGS — The longest yard sale in New Mexico – the 13th annual Jemez Mountain Trail Sale, Oct. 15-16, will give bargain shoppers and sellers alike a chance to buy and sell new and used items with a complimentary view of fall colors along the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway drive.
 
In addition, Jemez Valley Animal Amigos – a no-kill rescue group – will be selling raffle tickets with two chances to win a vacation package in Jemez Springs.
 
The Jemez Mountain Trail Sale spans more than 26 miles, beginning at San Ysidro
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Los Alamos Energy Efficiency Home Tour Highlights Real-world Applications To Reduce Energy Consumption

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 10, 2016

Energy saving features at the Shankland family residence in White Rock. Courtesy/PEEC

Energy saving features at the Frederickson family residence in Los Alamos. Courtesy/PEEC

COUNTY News:

  • Self-guided Tour of Homes in Los Alamos County Saturday, Oct. 15

The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities has announced the Energy Efficiency Home Tour to highlight real-world applications to reduce energy consumption and improve all-season comfort in the home.

Los Alamos County homeowners will open their doors 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 to share their homes and the energy-efficient design Read More

Bandelier To Unveil Statue Honoring CCC Workers

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on October 9, 2016
CCC enrollees at Bandelier working in the stone quarry that is now the amphitheater at Juniper Campground, where the CCC Worker Statue will be installed. Courtesy/NPS
 
CCC enrollees at Bandelier working in the stone quarry that is now the amphitheater at Juniper Campground, where the CCC Worker Statue will be installed. Courtesy/NPS
 
BANDELIER News:
 
During the Great Depression, young men all over the country got badly-needed jobs with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), learning skills, doing civic improvements and protecting resources. One of the camps was at Bandelier
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