Recent study refutes the 2013 NM Tech study on the hot springs

A new study and evaluation refutes a 2013 study done on the city’s hot springs.

The new study was done over a three-year period, 2020 to 2023, by a geophysicist, John Bruce Davies. His curriculum vitae are attached to this article, as well as his study.

Davies did the study on behalf of two commercial hot springs owners, La Paloma Hot Springs and Spa and the Artesian Bath House. They, along with about a half dozen other parties, including the City of Truth or Consequences, were among those protesting the Riverbend Hot Springs application to the Office of the State Engineer. The Riverbend applied to appropriate 400 acre feet a year of additional hot springs water in 2018. That application, submitted five years ago, still has not been resolved by the OSE’s hearings division.

The most recent schedule on OSE hearings was posted Oct. 2. The Riverbend case, which application was submitted under the name Cloverleaf Trust Organization, states that discovery documents are due Jan. 1, 2024 and motions are due February 9, 2024. A hearing is scheduled for May 14 through May 16, 2024.

The OSE dropped La Paloma and the Artesian as protestants because their attorney retired and the OSE hearings division requires that one be represented by an attorney. They submitted the study to the City of Truth or Consequences about a week ago, sharing information that may help the city in its protest.

Since the Riverbend’s support of its application relies on the 2013 study done by New Mexico Tech hydrologist Dr. Mark Person, as well as private hydrologist James Witcher’s statements, Davies’ investigation concentrates on their claims.

Dr. Davies said he would make himself available to answer questions about his study. Please use the Citizen’s comment section to submit questions.