Environmental stewardship and community support are key aspects of ETD’s mission. Recently, ETD provided environmental compliance services for the renewal of New Mexico Gas Company’s (NMGC) rights-of-way (ROWs) across northwestern New Mexico, focusing on critical natural gas pipelines that serve communities across the Navajo Nation and beyond. These ROW renewals enable NMGC to maintain safe, reliable energy infrastructure while adhering to federal, tribal, and state environmental regulations.
Navigating Checkerboard Land Status: A Unique Challenge
Northwestern New Mexico presents a distinctive challenge in land management due to its checkerboard land status. This intricate pattern of land ownership consists of interspersed parcels managed by various entities, including Indian Allotments, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, Navajo Tribal Trust land, state trust land, and private holdings.
This mosaic of ownership requires a multifaceted approach to compliance and planning. ROW corridors must navigate seamlessly across these parcels, adhering to differing regulations and jurisdictional requirements. For instance, pipelines may cross federally managed BLM land in one segment and transition to tribal or private land in the next.
ETD’s work included mapping these complexities to provide stakeholders with a clear visual representation of the land status. These maps, featured alongside this article, illustrate how checkerboard ownership affects ROW alignments, highlighting areas of overlap and the importance of tailored compliance strategies.
Key ROW Projects Completed by ETD
1. ROW #10 – Lybrook Mainline
- Area Served: Nageezi and Counselor Navajo Chapters
- Length: 24,519 feet (4.64 miles) crossing 12 Indian Allotments
- Compliance Highlights: Environmental Assessment updated from the original 2001 ROW application, including biological and cultural clearances.
- Outcome: Continued operation of this pipeline ensures energy reliability for Navajo communities while supporting economic activity.
2. ROWs #6, #7, and #8 – Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle Community
- Area Served: Community facilities, including the Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle Community School, Health Center, Police Substation, and Fire Department.
- Length and Area:
- ROW #6: 2,287 feet (0.47 miles), 2.64 acres.
- ROW #7: 6,279 feet (1.19 miles), 7.2 acres.
- ROW #8: 21,111 feet (3.99 miles), 16.85 acres.
- Compliance Highlights: Provided updated EAs and ensured alignment with federal and tribal requirements.
3. ROWs #11 and #13 – Eastern Navajo Agency
- Area Served: San Juan, Sandoval, and McKinley Counties.
- Length and Area:
- ROW #11: 12,090 feet (2.29 miles), 13.88 acres.
- ROW #13: 87,481.5 feet (16.1 miles), 100.41 acres.
- Compliance Highlights: Addressed impacts on 48 Indian Allotments and other land types, supporting critical energy flow to multiple counties.
A Balanced Approach to Land Use
ETD’s role extended beyond compliance to include collaboration with agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which oversees ROW renewals and approvals for Indian Allotments. By addressing environmental, cultural, and land-use considerations, ETD’s assessments supported sustainable pipeline operations while protecting sensitive resources.
These pipelines are lifelines for communities, providing reliable energy, creating jobs, and generating revenue for tribal governments through lease fees and taxes. By visualizing the complexities of checkerboard land ownership, ETD fosters understanding among stakeholders, paving the way for informed decision-making.
Visit New Mexico Gas Company’s website: https://www.nmgco.com/
Learn more about ETD’s Environmental Compliance Services!
ETD is dedicated to balancing infrastructure needs with environmental and cultural preservation. For more information about our environmental services or to discuss your compliance needs, contact us today!