DOE/NNSA News:

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is proposing new construction at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This wetland assessment evaluates potential impacts to wetlands from implementation of the proposed waterline project, identifies alternatives to the proposed project, and allows for meaningful public comment.

The waterline replacement project would install two 12-inch water lines along an alignment from Technical Area (TA) 48 to Pecos Road on the east side of Technical Area (TA) 55. The water lines would replace aging cast iron pipes that provide water for fire suppression to buildings within TA-55, and potable water to other areas in the Pajarito Corridor. A wetland assessment was published June 2022 addressing potential wetland impacts from the project as proposed in 2022. Part of the project was completed but due to issues with the original construction method, the project is proposing a different construction method along the northern fenced boundary of TA-55.

Details about changes in the proposed project are in the wetland assessment here.

DOE/NNSA will publish this wetland assessment for a 15-day public review and comment period. Please provide comments on this Wetland Assessment to Karen Armijo at karen.armijo@nnsa.doe.gov or by mail.

U.S. Department of Energy
Los Alamos Field Office
ATTN: Karen Armijo
3747 West Jemez Road
Los Alamos, NM 87544

The comment period closes on July 14, 2025. After the close of the public comment period, DOE/NNSA will reevaluate the practicability of alternatives to the proposed wetland action mitigating measures, taking into account all substantive comments received during the public comment period. DOE/NNSA shall endeavor to allow at least 15 calendar days of public review before implementing a proposed wetland action.