Overview
The Arkansas River HDD Crossing Project 3 is an operational gas pipeline in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. It serves as a critical infrastructure component for natural gas transmission under the Arkansas River.
The Arkansas River HDD Crossing Project 3 is a gas pipeline facility located in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States. This operational pipeline utilizes horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology to cross beneath the Arkansas River, a key waterway in the region. The project is part of the broader natural gas transmission network serving the central Arkansas area. As a gas pipeline, this facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with Title 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safety of natural gas pipelines. The use of HDD technology indicates a focus on minimizing environmental disruption during river crossings, a common practice for modern pipeline installations. The pipeline's scale is typical for a regional transmission line, supporting local distribution and industrial demand. The Arkansas River HDD Crossing Project 3 enhances the reliability of natural gas supply in the Little Rock metropolitan area. By providing a secure river crossing, it ensures uninterrupted gas flow to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility's operational status underscores its role in maintaining energy infrastructure resilience in the region.
Environmental context
The pipeline crosses the Arkansas River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, which supports diverse aquatic habitats and recreational activities. HDD technology reduces surface disturbance and protects riverbed integrity during installation. Proximity to the river and urban areas like Little Rock necessitates rigorous monitoring for leaks and corrosion to safeguard water quality and public safety.
Frequently asked questions
The Arkansas River HDD Crossing Project 3 is located just outside the wastewater treatment plant in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States.
It is an operational natural gas pipeline that uses horizontal directional drilling to cross beneath the Arkansas River, facilitating the transmission of natural gas in the region.
HDD is a trenchless method used to install pipelines under obstacles like rivers, minimizing environmental disturbance. It involves drilling a pilot hole and then enlarging it to pull the pipeline through.
Gas pipelines in the U.S. are regulated by PHMSA under 49 CFR Part 192, which covers design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance to ensure safety.
The use of HDD technology reduces surface disruption and protects the river ecosystem. Regular inspections and cathodic protection systems help prevent leaks and corrosion.
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