Border Wall Construction Ordered to Cease Drilling Wells Due to Water Concerns in New Mexico
- Construction crews building border wall in New Mexico were ordered to stop drilling new wells after ranchers raised concerns.
- Ranchers claim that pumping groundwater could threaten their livestock and water supply amid a severe drought.
- CBP instructed contractors to halt drilling, stating they are committed to working with local landowners.
- State engineer's office reported at least six undeveloped wells along the border without necessary permits.
What Happened
In New Mexico, construction crews building a border wall have been ordered to stop drilling new wells due to concerns over groundwater depletion. The decision came after ranchers reported that pumping water for concrete production could jeopardize their livestock and nearby water supplies during a severe drought.
Reactions
Rancher Russell Johnson, whose property borders the construction site, expressed significant worry at a public meeting in July. He noted an industrial well on leased grazing land that was reportedly pumping 300 gallons per minute, significantly more than his own wells which pump between three and seven gallons per minute.
“Whatever they do on that well affects everybody in this basin,” Johnson said, adding that he believes the border patrol does not fully understand the impact of an aquifer. Ranchers at the meeting described a potential catastrophe for their livelihoods if the situation is not addressed.
Official Response
A spokesperson from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) informed the Associated Press that contractors have been instructed to stop drilling new wells in New Mexico. The statement emphasized CBP's commitment to working collaboratively with local landowners to ensure construction does not adversely impact their water needs.
Background
New Mexico’s office of the state engineer has stated that at least six wells along the border are under development, and none have the necessary permits required by state law. Staff visited two wells in July and reported they were pumping 200 gallons per minute.
A statement from the state engineer's office warned: 'All non-tribal wells in New Mexico, whether they are drilled on state or federal land, must have permits from the state engineer before they can be drilled or water can be pumped from them.' This highlights a significant regulatory gap that has allowed for these undeveloped wells to proceed without proper oversight.
Source: The Guardian
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