The Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association (ES-CA) held its general meeting on Saturday, August 15. The keynote speaker was Bernalillo Mayor Jack Torres, who spoke about the positive changes taking place in Bernalillo. ES-CA has been meeting regularly with the Mayor to discuss regional issues in the County and how Placitas and Bernalillo can work together. The biggest example of this coordination was the agreement on limiting the time period in which the Fisher Sand and Gravel mine can operate, as well as the other restrictions that were put in place. ES-CA believes that it is important to work with the surrounding towns and areas, such as Algodones, since many of the issues that affect Placitas also affect these areas.
The meeting also dealt with discussing the major issues we are facing, such as the disposition of the Buffalo Tract of the BLM land, proposed future mining in the area, and the current lawsuit with Lafarge. Also, it was noted that the four district officer positions for the ES-CA board are up for election this year. Any members interested in running for these positions should contact Bob Gorrell at
Enterprise Products, which owns and operates three pipelines that traverse the Placitas area, made a presentation to the ES-CA Board at the last meeting on August 3. ES-CA has been communicating with the three companies that own and operate pipelines in the Placitas area and have already received a presentation from Western Refining. Kinder Morgan is expected to make their presentation at the next ES-CA Board meeting.
The ES-CA Board also held its monthly meeting on August 3. The first part of the meeting was a presentation by Enterprise Products, who own and operate three pipelines that traverse through the Placitas area.
Enterprise’s pipelines consist of two pipelines that transport liquid gases and one line that transports refined fuel product. These pipelines are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) and there are specific regulations that must be followed. However, it remains unclear specifically what oversight exists to ensure regulation compliance and the Federal DOT excludes the PRC’s Pipeline Safety Bureau from any oversight.
Enterprise has an Integrity Management Program, a Damage Prevention Program and an Emergency Response Plan to insure that the pipelines are properly maintained and any emergency situation is handled quickly. Enterprise has also made a presentation to the Fire Department and has a plan in place to coordinate with them in the event of an emergency. Enterprise can be contacted at www.enterpriseproducts.com. The pipelines are monitored 24 hours per day/365 days per year and there are automatic shut-off valves along the lines. However, there is always the danger of a leak. The liquid gases are heavier than air and will lie along the ground until they disperse. They are combustible. There are also refined fuel liquids that would seep into the ground. Enterprise would be responsible for all mitigation should a leak occur. Should you observe a leak, please call 888-883-6308.
Pipeline safety is an important issue in Placitas. The current pipelines have been in place for some time and we must all be vigilant in making sure that no one accidently breaches a line. Please call 811 before you dig anywhere in the area. ES-CA will continue to stay in communication with the pipeline companies and insure that they are responsive to Placitans questions.
The next ES-CA board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 14, at the Placitas Fire Station on Rt. 165, beginning at 6:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. Please visit the ES-CA website at www.es-ca.org.