AMERENCIPS ASHMORE GAS STORAGE FIELD - Gas Pipeline Facility in Ashmore, Illinois

AMERENCIPS ASHMORE GAS STORAGE FIELD is a gas pipeline facility located at 24818 E County Rd 850N, Ashmore, Illinois, in Coles County. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. As a gas storage field, it serves as a critical component of the natural gas infrastructure, providing storage capacity to balance supply and demand fluctuations. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and must comply with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. This includes requirements for pipeline integrity management, cathodic protection, and emergency response plans. The facility's location in a rural area of Illinois is typical for gas storage fields, which often utilize depleted reservoirs or aquifers for storage. Environmentally, the facility's proximity to agricultural land and minor waterways necessitates careful monitoring to prevent leaks and protect local ecosystems. The storage field contributes to energy reliability in the Midwest, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its operational status ensures continued service in the regional natural gas grid.

The facility is situated in a rural agricultural area of Coles County, Illinois, near minor waterways. Gas storage fields require robust monitoring to prevent methane leaks, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pose explosion risks. The site's distance from dense population centers reduces immediate risk, but groundwater protection and soil contamination prevention are key environmental considerations. Regular integrity testing and cathodic protection are essential to maintain pipeline safety.