A natural gas pipeline that once funneled the fuel to the Los Alamos National Laboratory has been decommissioned in Valles Caldera National Preserve/NPS
A natural gas pipeline that ran through Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico has been decommissioned and its above-ground infrastructure removed.
Last fall, above-ground infrastructure—two block valves, cathodic protection units, mileposts, and pipeline markers—were removed. To prevent the pipe from capturing and redirecting water over time, sections that cross perennial waterways were injected with concrete.
The 12-inch diameter pipeline was built in the 1940s by the U.S. Department of Energy to transport natural gas from the San Juan Basin to Los Alamos National Laboratory. New Mexico Gas Company retired and began decommissioning the DOE pipeline following the construction of a new 20-inch pipeline between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
“Decommissioning the pipeline goes a long way to restoring the habitat and values of Valle San Antonio and Valle Toledo, while protecting important watersheds,” said Valles Caldera Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos.
Valles Caldera is working with New Mexico Gas Company on a restoration plan that reduces erosion coming from the pipeline access road, reconnects wetlands, and creates a surface that allows for natural revegetation.
“The now-retired pipeline runs through scenic mountains, which feature many sensitive environmental areas, including critical habitat for two federally endangered species, multiple cultural resources, and several pristine streams,” said New Mexico Gas Company President Ryan Shell. “Environmental protection is a core value for New Mexico Gas Company and, of course, Valles Caldera National Preserve is at the heart of this special part of New Mexico.”
Additional details regarding the restoration plan will be released as the plan is completed.
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