Village of Ruidoso Issues Wastewater Release Advisory

RUIDOSO, NM – JANUARY 21, 2021 - The Village of Ruidoso has issued a wastewater release advisory for the Rio Ruidoso area, downstream from the Ruidoso Downs Race Track. The advisory was issued after raw sewage overflowed into the Rio Ruidoso this afternoon at approximately 3:00 PM.

The cause is currently under investigation but occurred when SAK Construction LLC, a contractor working on the Sewer Line Interceptor Project, experienced pump failure while bypass pumping during installation of slip lining. Upon notification of the wastewater release, crews from the Village of Ruidoso and the City of Ruidoso Downs immediately responded and mitigated the unpermitted release by 3:37 PM.

This precautionary advisory has been issued to warn of a potential threat to public health by recreation in these waters. Please avoid swimming, wading, or fishing while this advisory is active until further notice. This advisory only applies to the Rio Ruidoso downstream of the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and does not extend to any other surrounding water systems.

Samples were immediately taken at, above and below the spill site and are being tested for E.coli analysis. SAK is taking all required measures to ensure the spill is reported and cleaned up in accordance with the State of New Mexico Environmental Department.

For more information, please call the Village of Ruidoso at (575) 258-4343.