According to Dorothy Firecloud, superintendent of Montezuma Castle National Monument and Montezuma Well, Montezuma Well has experienced a number of leakage issues with its outlet canal over the last two years.
These issues came to a head over the summer. Park staff determined that the retaining wall below the outlet trail was unstable, allowing water to leak under the sidewalk and creating an unsafe environment for visitors and staff. In October, a retaining wall started to seep additional water. The outlet — where visitors can see how water drains from the well — was closed as a result.
Since the closure, Firecloud has been working with park and regional staff to come up with treatment options. Contractors drilled holes in the sidewalk in order to test core samples and determine the extent of the damage. Recently, costs for repairing the area have been calculated — downgraded, in fact, from an original estimate of $600,000, according to Firecloud.
“It’s going to cost us close to $170,000,” Firecloud said.
Regardless of the reduced estimate, the issue with the well is not an easy one to resolve.
“The problem causing the leaks and subsequent instability is multi-layered, including unique habitat, complex hydrology and sensitive cultural and historical resources,” a press release from Monetzuma Well Chief Ranger Caleb Kesler stated. “As a result, there are complicated engineering, legal compliance and tribal concerns to consider.”
In addition to tribal concerns — always an important issue when dealing with monuments that may contain human remains and significant cultural artifacts, Firecloud said — the removal of various trees will make the repair a challenge. Nonetheless, Firecloud assured readers that the issue is not as dire as it may sound: Some of the pressure on the wall has been alleviated by a temporary fix. Currently, there are no additional leaks.
“We recognize the impact the closure has and we understand the frustration this is causing our visitors,” Kesler stated. “Unfortunately, the outlet will remain closed until we get the repairs made and it is safe once again for visitors and staff.”
