The nature and extent of peat deposits and possible effects of peat mining on manmade features and springs near Mescalero, New Mexico

A study was made during May 1971 by the U.S. Geological Survey to: (1) determine the nature and extent of peat deposits near Mescalero, N. Mex. ; (2) determine whether mining of the peat will affect the stability of three manmade features near the deposits; (3) determine whether peat mining will affect springs. Peat deposits with organic-matter contents between 15 and 35 percent are generally 1- to 2-feet thick and occur within 8 feet of land surface. The deposits underlie an area of about 26 acres. The total volume of peat probably ranges from 40,000 to 80,000 cubic yards.