NNSA News:

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is proposing new construction that crosses through upper Pajarito Canyon and upper Starmer Canyon from Technical Area (TA) 8 to TA-22 at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).

The project proposes to install a new 12-inch HDPE natural gas line to replace the existing 70+ year old 12-inch bare steel natural gas line. Replacement will prevent loss of service to several LANL technical areas and Bandelier National Monument. The project activities within the 100-year floodplains include new natural gas line installation to replace an existing aging gas line.

The project also includes activities outside the floodplain including relocating a section of fence and three construction equipment and materials storage areas. It is a standard industry practice to abandon
unused utilities in place. Removal increases project cost and would cause more overall environmental disturbance. For example, line removal would require building access roads through upper Pajarito Canyon.

The Floodplain Statement of Findings for the Technical Area 8 to Technical Area 22 Natural Gas Line Replacement Project is available here.