Pipe Springs — Nix Construction

JACKLEG MINING DRILL

**PIPE SPRINGS NATIONAL MONUMENT**

WHATEVER YOU DO,
DON’T MESS WITH THE SALAMANDERS

Pipe Springs National Monument is a natural spring in one of the most arid parts of the country. It provides water to the National Park Service, local ranchers, and the Paiute Indian tribe. Oh, and it seems there’s a pack of endangered Tiger Salamanders who have a vested interest in the spring, as well.

A tunnel collapse had slowed the water flow dramatically, and the CH Nix crew came in to try and revive the spring. It was made very clear from the beginning that the aforementioned salamanders were not to be disturbed during the process. Between that challenge and the tight working quarters of the existing tunnel, it was determined that a low-tech approach would be the best solution for this problem. The plan was to penetrate through the collapsed material with several well screens and a 4” pipe to increase the water flow, so the team chose to use a simple jackleg mining drill to punch access channels through the collapsed area. But that plan soon changed, as the soil material was so loose that it continually crumbled away and wouldn’t allow the drill bit to sustain an opening for the screens. Rather than fight this unwinnable battle, the team quickly switched up the strategy and instead used the drill to hammer the screens into place through the loose soil. Once they were in place and flushed out, the water began to flow freely again. And most importantly, no salamanders were disturbed during the project. Success on all fronts!