The Valles Caldera National Preserve has decommissioned a natural gas pipeline.

 

By Compiled From N... - March 10th, 2023 (Source)

The pipeline that had been supplying natural gas to the Los Alamos National Laboratory has been taken out of service in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

The above-ground infrastructure of a natural gas pipeline that once passed through the Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico has been destroyed.

 

Two block valves, cathodic protection units, mileposts, and pipeline markers were removed from the above-ground infrastructure last fall. Sections of the pipe that straddle perennial rivers were injected with concrete to prevent the pipe from catching and rerouting water over time.

 

 

The U.S. Department of Energy constructed the 12-inch-diameter pipeline in the 1940s to carry natural gas from the San Juan Basin to Los Alamos National Laboratory. After building a new 20-inch pipeline between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico Gas Company decommissioned and started dismantling the DOE pipeline.

 

According to Valles Caldera Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bauelos, decommissioning the pipeline significantly contributes to restore the habitat and values of Valle San Antonio and Valle Toledo while safeguarding significant watersheds.

 

Along with New Mexico Gas Company, Valles Caldera is developing a restoration strategy that will lessen erosion caused by the pipeline access road, reconnect wetland areas, and provide a surface for natural revegetation.

 

"The now-retired pipeline goes through picturesque mountains, which feature many sensitive environmental regions, including important habitat for two federally endangered species, numerous cultural resources, and several clean streams," said Ryan Shell, president of the New Mexico Gas Company. "The Valles Caldera National Preserve is at the center of this exceptional portion of New Mexico, and environmental conservation is a basic principle for New Mexico Gas Company," the company said.

 

As the repair plan is finished, more information will be made

Source: https://bit.ly/3LiAdBD

             (www.nationalparkstraveler.org)