Taos reports NMED approval to advance landfill Cell 5a design; airport terminal and wastewater operations proceed

Town officials reported progress on several infrastructure items at the Sept. 9 meeting, including a regulatory clearance to advance landfill Cell 5a design, movement on the Taos Regional Airport terminal, and operational improvements at the wastewater treatment plant.

Assistant Town Manager (Deputy Manager) Flores told council that, as of approximately 5:12 p.m. on Sept. 9, the New Mexico Environment Department had approved the town’s return-to-design package for landfill Cell 5a. Flores said the approval followed town submissions and an affirmative action plan and allows staff to proceed to refine design work. “We’re hoping, crossing our fingers that by mid to end of summer next year 2026, we’ll have that new cell designed, constructed, and completed,” Flores said.

Flores and other staff noted the landfill has been busy; staff reported the site is averaging over 200 loads and roughly 200 tons per day during recent activity. Flores said survey work and procurement for the new cell design are next steps; construction will require an RFP and contractor selection.

On the airport project, Airport Manager Colton Repstein reported the terminal footings have been poured and that staff are coordinating the removal of overhead power and installation of three‑phase power so the contractor can erect the terminal building. Repstein also told the council that the town received grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and reallocated New Mexico aviation funds to support the airport on-site water/wastewater utilities project; staff awarded that ITB to Double E and estimated roughly 270 days for construction once a notice to proceed is issued.

At the wastewater treatment plant, staff said recent repairs to the belt press (referred to as the “bow press” in the meeting) improved solids handling, and nitrogen levels were low, which staff identified as a positive sign of biological performance. Plant staff are planning electrical upgrades to add aeration capacity and said they feel supported by town leadership.

Town Manager Martinez and staff also noted ongoing coordination with El Prado Water & Sanitation District on a potential water purchase agreement to serve the airport; Floressaid the district returned feedback on a draft agreement and that town staff will meet with the district to continue negotiations.

These infrastructure updates follow council action at the same meeting to approve several contracts and task orders (see the council’s votes at a glance). Staff said they will return with schedules and further details for construction and public notices as work proceeds.