Comanche Trail and a sister project, the Trans Pecos pipeline, are intended to carry Texas natural gas into Mexico. Each has generated concerns over safety and property rights.

The El Paso Times is reporting that a federal judge in El Paso on Tuesday called a halt to work boring a 42-inch natural gas pipeline under El Paso County's main irrigation canal at least until a hearing can be held on Monday.

U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo issued the temporary restraining order to stop Energy Transfer Partners from digging its Comanche Trail pipeline under the Franklin Canal.

"The United States represents by testimony attached to its application that installation of Comanche's pipeline at a depth of 10 feet under the Franklin Canal could result in collapse of the canal or damage to the pipeline, the El Paso water supply, or persons in vicinity of the pipeline,” the order said. “Such damage would be irreparable as the water could not be recovered and loss of life cannot be restored.”

U.S. Marshals were at the construction site early Wednesday morning to ensure that work had been halted, said Jesus “Chuy” Reyes, general manager of El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1, which operates the canal.

Comanche Trail and a sister project, the Trans Pecos pipeline, are intended to carry Texas natural gas into Mexico. Each has generated concerns over safety and property rights.

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