Plans to directly divert flows from the Rio Grande near Santa Fe shouldn't harm the endangered silvery minnow or cause other serious harm to the environment, says an analysis released this week by the U.S. bureau of Land Management...The federally required study is among hurdles the city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County must clear before they can begin work on a massive project intended to help meet the area's growing demand for water...Once built, the project will divert surface flows from the Rio Grande about 15 miles northwest of Santa Fe and treat the water before it is piped to customers...The estimated $145 million project will allow Santa Fe to more fully exploit water rights acquired through the federal San Juan-Chama Diversion Project, which delivers Colorado River water through a tunnel under the Continental Divide.

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