ATLANTIC D COM A 2R Gas Pipeline Facility near Aztec, New Mexico

ATLANTIC D COM A 2R is a gas pipeline facility situated in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 6 miles south-southwest of Cedar Hill, near the city of Aztec. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas and is currently operational. As part of the United States' extensive natural gas pipeline network, it contributes to the transportation of natural gas from production areas to distribution systems. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. This includes requirements for pipeline design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance, as well as integrity management programs to prevent leaks and ruptures. The pipeline's location in the San Juan Basin, a major natural gas producing region, suggests it plays a role in gathering or transmitting gas from local wells. Environmental considerations for this pipeline include its proximity to rural and potentially populated areas, as well as waterways in the region. The facility's age and cathodic protection systems are critical for corrosion prevention, and the commodity transported (natural gas) poses risks of methane leakage, which has implications for climate change. Regular inspections and compliance with PHMSA regulations help mitigate these risks, ensuring safe and reliable gas transportation.

The pipeline traverses the semi-arid landscape of northwestern New Mexico, an area with sensitive ecosystems and water resources such as the San Juan River. Natural gas pipelines can pose risks of methane leaks, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and potential impacts on soil and groundwater in the event of a rupture. The facility's proximity to rural communities and agricultural land necessitates robust safety measures to protect both people and the environment.