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Legacy gas pipeline decommissioned in Valles Caldera National Preserve

Alamo Canyon Pond in Valles Caldera National Preserve. A 1970s-era natural gas pipeline through the preserve has been recently decommissioned and preparations made for re-wilding the area. (Photo/NPS)

Alamo Canyon Pond in Valles Caldera National Preserve. A 1970s-era natural gas pipeline through the preserve has been recently decommissioned and preparations made for re-wilding the area. (Photo/NPS)

JEMEZ SPRINGS, N.M. — Valles Caldera National Preserve and New Mexico Gas Company achieved a significant milestone in the retirement of a natural gas pipeline in the park.

Last fall, above-ground infrastructure — two block valves, cathodic protection units, mileposts and pipeline markers — were removed.

To prevent the pipe from Valles 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 (DOE) 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 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,” New Mexico Gas Company President Ryan Shell said. “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.”

Information provided by the NPS.


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