“Buckhorn Geotech has contributed to the DMEA solar array because we see the project as a tangible step in the right direction to ensure that our community has a greener future. By leasing a portion of the solar array, we are investing in the movement to become more energy independent and to reduce our carbon footprint,” explained Laurie Brandt, a professional geologist with Buckhorn Geotech.

“We are excited to see DMEA’s efforts to bring renewable energy resources such as solar energy and hydropower projects to our region and we want to do everything we can to help.”

DMEA estimates that Buckhorn Geotech’s lease of 133.5 watts of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity will save the company roughly $26 a year in 2011 dollars. The value of the solar-generated electricity is expected to increase over time with inflation and an expected rise in the cost of conventional power.

“We greatly appreciate Buckhorn Geotech’s leadership in the business community to help develop local power production in our service territory,” said Jim Heneghan, DMEA’s renewable energy engineer.

Members interested in leasing a portion of the remaining capacity in the solar array should go to http://www.dmea.com.

“This solar array is likely to be sold out soon,” Heneghan said. “However, we encourage members who want to see another solar array installed later this year to contact us so we can assess the appropriate size for the next phase of our local power partnership.”

Click here to view copy of entire article from the CB Weekly dated March 11, 2010.

The first ever permit in Colorado for 100 percent reuse was issued to the Cornerstone Development wastewater treatment plant in 2007. Our second 100 percent reuse permit was issued on July 31, 2009 for the Fairway Pines Sanitation District.

No other firm in western Colorado has our experience in reuse permitting through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water Quality Control Division!

Please contact us about the future in wastewater reuse and how it can benefit your wastewater facility and community.

Lake San Cristobal is Colorado’s 2nd largest natural lake which was formed about 800 years ago when a landslide deposit, the Slumgullion earth flow, blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.

(click on image to enlarge)

In 2007, the owner chartered Buckhorn Geotech, Inc. to design and permit the dam.  The original dam structure was removed, and the dam was rebuilt. The reconstruction was completed in 2008.

The dam will form a reservoir which will be approximately 40 feet deep, cover 23.5 surface acres, and store 306.8 acre-feet of water.

(Click on pictures to enlarge.)

A septic system consists of a septic tank for pre-treatment of the indoor waste water, and a disposal field for soil treatment.  When Buckhorn Geotech designs a septic system, the Owner is given a handout on system operation and maintenance.  Some excerpts from this handout are shown below. 

The main items to remember are:

• WATCH WHAT GOES DOWN THE DRAIN: no harmful chemicals, no oil, minimize use of garbage disposal, no coffee grinds or other large of non-biodegradable items.
• SPREAD OUT WATER USE THROUGH THE DAY AND WEEK: Spread laundry throughout the week and don’t do immediately after a bath, shower or dishwasher cycle, conserve water and fix leaks.
• PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK REGULARLY (3-5 years):  Refer to table below on pumping frequency.
• DON’T IRRIGATE HEAVILY OVER YOUR DISPOSAL BED: Refer to Septic System Dos and Don’ts below.

Septic System Dos and Don’ts

Do: learn the location of your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance record for service visits.
Do: have your septic system inspected annually.
Do: have your septic tank pumped out by a licensed contractor, approximately every three to five years, or as often as is appropriate for your system.
Do: keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumping.  Install risers if necessary.
Do: call a professional whenever you experience problems with your system, or if there are any signs of system failure.
Do: keep a detailed record of repairs, pumping, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.
Do: conserve water to avoid overloading the system.  Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets.
Do: divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps, away from the septic system.  Excessive water keeps the soil in the drainfield from naturally cleansing the wastewater.

Don’t: go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill in minutes.  Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking in.
Don’t: allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system.
Don’t: plant anything over or near the drainfield except grass.  Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the drain lines.
Don’t: dig in your drainfield or build anything over it, and don’t cover the drainfield with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt.  The area over the drainfield should have only a grass cover.  The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will help remove excess water.
Don’t: make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department permit.  Use professional licensed onsite contractors when needed. 
Don’t: use septic tank additives.  Under normal operating conditions, these products usually do not help and some may even be harmful to your system.
Don’t: use your toilet as a trash can or poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.
Don’t: use a garbage disposal without checking with your local regulatory agency to make sure that your septic system can accommodate this additional waste.
Don’t: allow backwash from home water softeners to enter the septic system.

Tank Pumping Frequency Guideline

Click here to view Maintaining Your Septic System - A Guide for Homeowners.pdf

(Excerpts provided by the National Environmental Services Center, WVU Research Center, (800)624-8301, Vol. 15, No. 4.)

Lawson Hill Landslide May 2008 Presentation.pdf