The ES-CA Board had its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 6. The meeting featured a presentation by representatives of Western Refining, which company operates a crude oil pipeline that runs through Placitas. The line was originally placed in the 1950s. Western pressure tested the line to 20% over maximum working pressure and made necessary repairs before recently beginning new operations. They are currently sending crude oil, from the Farmington area, to their refinery in El Paso, Texas.
The line is monitored 24 hours per day, seven days per week, at a control station is Bloomfield, NM. If a drop in pressure is noted, personnel can remotely shut valves that would limit the amount of oil that would leak. There are four shut-off valves located within the Placitas area. Western has an emergency response plan and team to act, should there be a leak. They have also met with the Sandoval County Fire Department and briefed them on response plans. The line is visually inspected on a regular basis and there is a twice per month flyover by a plane.
There are two other pipeline companies that operate lines that run through Placitas – Kinder Morgan and Enterprise. We hope to be meeting with them in the near future as well. The pipelines are marked with flags that have emergency telephone numbers. Should anyone observe a leak, you should call the number listed and call 911.
President Bob Gorrell noted that both pieces of legislation to control sand and gravel mining failed to pass the NM Legislature during the past session. Our local State representatives supported the legislation. ES-CA intends to continue to push for stricter controls and more enforcement power to insure that mining operations are conducted in an environmentally safe manner. The current focus is upon the Counties policies and zoning regulations that can be improved to better protect Placitans. It is important that members make their voices heard to our elected officials.
The Board has drafted a resolution for Sandoval County to adopt that would direct the County Manager to attempt to enact an agreement with the BLM to control and regulate any mining on the BLM lands. We will follow-up with County Commissioner James Dominguez to have this resolution introduced at the next Commission meeting. We will notify members as to when this matter will be heard by the Commission and encourage all to attend the meeting and show our support.
The next ES-CA Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2015, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Placitas Fire House (Sandoval County Fire Station 41), located at 463 Highway 165. All are welcome to attend.