BHP Billiton - Opal Gas Pipeline Facility in El Paso, Arkansas

BHP Billiton - Opal is a gas pipeline facility located in El Paso, White County, Arkansas, United States. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. As part of the US pipeline infrastructure, it contributes to the regional energy supply network. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safety of gas pipelines. While specific technical specifications such as pipeline length or diameter are not detailed, typical gas pipelines in this region are constructed with steel and employ cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion. The facility's location in rural Arkansas suggests it may serve as a transmission line connecting production areas to distribution networks. Gas pipelines like BHP Billiton - Opal play a critical role in delivering natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. The facility's operational status ensures continued energy supply to the region, supporting local economies and communities. Its proximity to waterways and populated areas necessitates rigorous safety and environmental management practices to mitigate risks associated with gas transportation.

The facility is situated in White County, Arkansas, an area characterized by agricultural land and proximity to the Little Red River. Gas pipelines in this region must manage risks related to soil erosion, waterway crossings, and potential leaks. Cathodic protection systems are essential to prevent corrosion, and regular inspections are mandated by PHMSA to ensure environmental safety. The pipeline's commodity, natural gas, poses lower environmental risks compared to hazardous liquids, but methane leakage remains a concern for greenhouse gas emissions.