Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority

05/01/2026

04/24/2026

🌲 Arbor Day at SSCAFCA started with the Sandoval Extension Master Gardeners tending to the Pollinator Demonstration Garden and the crew from Santiago's Native Landscape planting a Modesto ash. Happy Arbor Day!

Santiago's Native Landscape Services, LLC

04/10/2026

On Tuesday April 7th, the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA) and the Army Corps of Engineers cut the ribbon on the Middle Venada Water Quality Facility project which provides stormwater quality treatment for the Venada watershed west of NM528. The facility is designed to remove floatable debris (e.g. Styrofoam cups, water bottles, etc.), floatable liquids (e.g. oils, fats, etc.), and bed load sediment (which can carry contaminants such as metals) from stormwater prior to be being discharged to the Rio Grande. This treatment is accomplished using inverted ports that allow water to back up behind the water quality structure and discharge, using a siphon effect, from below the water surface to the downstream side of the structure. Bed load sediments are moved upstream of the structure by creating a large settling pond, slowing the velocity of the stormwater, allowing the heavier sediments to settle out.

This project was funded by US Army Corps of Engineers using Section 595 authority from the Water Resources Development Act, a capital outlay appropriation from the State of New Mexico Legislature, and local bond fund proceeds from SSCAFCA’s bonding authority.



Pictured from right to left: Andrés Sanchez, Design Services Director, SSCAFCA; Deb Dapson, District 1 City Councilor, City of Rio Rancho; Senator Cindy Nava, NM State Legislature; Lt. Col. Matthew T. Miller, USACE; Bel Marquez, PE (Ret.), PMP, CFM, Chair Pro Tem, SSCAFCA; Andy Edmondson, Facilities Operations Director, SSCAFCA; Eddie Paulsgrove, Board Member, SSCAFCA; Cynthia Longley, CBKN DIRTWORKS INC; Dave Gatterman, Executive Engineer, SSCAFCA

02/05/2026

We want to hear from you!

If you have any questions about stormwater pollution and solutions, please reach out! https://keeptheriogrand.org/contact-us/

01/07/2026

The Willow Creek Watershed Park Management Plan is now open for public comment. You can click the link below to view than plan and appendices. If you would like to see the model, contact Sara Rassa at 505-892-7246. All public comment should be sent via email to Sara Rassa at [email protected]

https://www.sscafca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WCWMP_Report.pdf

https://www.sscafca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WCWMP_Appendices.pdf

The main goals presented in the plan are:
• To document current and future improvements necessary to provide flood protection up to the 100‐year storm for the public health, safety and welfare of residents and
properties within its boundaries.
• To recognize the value of the land purchased or controlled for stormwater conveyance as areas with multi‐use potential.
• To manage sediment and erosion for the public health, safety and welfare of residents and properties within the boundaries of SSCAFCA.
• To assist other entities within SSCAFCA’s jurisdiction in the construction of flood control for the good of the public.
• To provide discharge guidelines for future development.
• To preserve the natural character of the arroyos where possible.

The Willow Creek Watershed Park encompasses a 1.82 square-mile drainage basin that discharges to the Rio Grande at its downstream end. The watershed lies primarily within the City of Rio Rancho, in Sandoval County and is within the jurisdictional area of SSCAFCA, with a small portion on the eastern side extending into the Town of Bernalillo.

01/05/2026

On National Bird Day, here are some photos of birds that live in and around our surrounding area.

09/26/2025

Hazard mitigation plan update: The Authority has finished drafting its hazard mitigation plan. Your input is welcome. To access a copy of the plan and to provide any comments to the Authority, visit this website:

https://www.sscafca.org/hazard-mitigation-plan/

09/23/2025

HAPPY STORM WATER AWARENESS WEEK! This year’s theme focuses on storm water quality and the importance of protecting receiving waters from pollutants. Urban storm water has been identified as a significant polluter of the Nation’s waterways. At SSCAFCA, we are taking proactive steps toward protecting the Rio Grande from urban stormwater pollution. We have constructed storm water quality facilities on several drainages into the Rio Grande and are working on completing storm water treatment facilities on those drainages currently lacking protection. Additionally, we have been working with a collaborative group of local and state partners on educational efforts to help prevent pollutants from entering storm water. The Stormwater Quality Team is working to get information out to everyone in the Middle Rio Grande about protecting the Rio Grande from storm water carried pollutants.

https://www.facebook.com/Keeptheriogrand

09/10/2025

Hazard mitigation plan update. For more information visit

08/27/2025

New Mexico State Senator Nava and Lt. Col. Matthew T. Miller, District Commander, US Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District cut the ribbon on the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA) Tortugas Arroyo Improvements Project. Joining them from left to right are: Jim Fahey, Mayor, Village of CorralesCorrales, Shane Meihaus, Project Manager/Estimator, Compass Engineering & Construction Services, LLC, Andrew Petersen, Project Manager, Civil Works Branch, , Albuquerque District, Omar Ruiz Lopez, PE, Water Resources Assistant Project Manager, HDR, Bel Marquez, PE, PMP, CFM, Director, SSCAFCA, Ron Abramshe, Director, SSCAFCA and David Gattermane Gatterman, Executive Engineer, SSCAFCA

This completed project will protect the Rio Grande from pollutants running off the Industrial Park, including managing floatable debris/trash/pollutants and will divert the confluence with the Montoyas Arroyo to a location upstream of the Montoyas Water Quality Facility, thereby increasing the level of treatment of stormwater from the Industrial Park.

08/27/2025

The Stormwater Team was formed in 2004! 🗓️
Our mission is simple: educate individuals and businesses about reducing stormwater pollution. Let's work together for cleaner water!