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The State of New Mexico has a network of caverns considered the largest in the U.S. Numerous tourists are familiar with the gigantic Carlsbad Cavern outside of the city. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is situated several miles to the southwest of the city itself and is the location of the entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. But the trouble spot lies south of the city on U.S. 285.
The salt cavern has been created by an oil field service company which has pumped millions of barrels of water into a salt bed some 400 feet below the surface and then pumped millions of barrels of brine out for use in drilling. The city officials became concerned after the collapse of two similar caverns north of the city last year. However, those two collapses were in unused and unsettled areas, whereas this one is partially under the U.S. 278 highway. There are some residents and businesses in potential danger. One elderly couple who lives over it in a trailer park, are retired and on a limited fixed income who cannot afford to move away.
Although the I & W Trucking company which has been pumping from the site, has stopped and plugged the well, The city officials fear that it is too late and that the cavern will collapse. Warning signs have been erected on highway 285 and alarms systems have been installed to register any movement or signs of an imminent collapse. Officials believe there will be adequate time to evacuate any who may be affected by it. Those residents, however, state that it still causes a tense feeling which is not helped by all who see them asking about it.
One of the most troubling aspects is the destruction which is likely to occur to the highway. Re-routing through traffic may cause a lot of difficulties, partially dependent upon the size of the hole made by the collapse. There are more implications than just parts of the town being damaged but some crop damage may also be expected.
State officials say that parts of the surface over the cavern are heaving while other parts are sinking. One spokesman said, "The clock is ticking."
This part of the country is extremely scenic and has a large tourist business. And, although there appears little or no likelihood that any of them would be in danger, the very expectation of such a collapse may deter some from visiting.
The great Carlsbad Cavern is the center of attraction but the very countryside itself gives one some of the most breathtaking scenes. The trip from Carlsbad to El Paso, Texas, takes one through some mountainous areas with huge sweeping gorges below which, I promise you, will make you gasp. The very limited plant growth is spectacular.
I always wanted to take my wife on that drive, but never made it, and now we're too old to go. Don't put it off too long.
New Mexico cavern entrance New Mexico scenic highway
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