Overview
CAJA DEL RIO BORDER STATION LAUNCHER / RECEIVER is an operational gas pipeline facility in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States. It serves as a critical node for natural gas transmission in the region.
CAJA DEL RIO BORDER STATION LAUNCHER / RECEIVER is a gas pipeline facility located at 13 Caja Del Rio Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States. This operational station is part of the broader natural gas transmission infrastructure that supports energy distribution across the southwestern United States. The facility's location near the border station underscores its role in interstate gas transport. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. As a launcher/receiver station, it is equipped for pigging operations, which are essential for pipeline maintenance and integrity management. The NAICS code 486210 indicates its classification in pipeline transportation of natural gas. This facility plays a key role in the natural gas supply chain, connecting production areas to end-users in Santa Fe and beyond. Its operational status ensures reliable energy delivery, while adherence to federal safety standards mitigates risks associated with gas transmission. The station's strategic position contributes to the resilience of the regional energy grid.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in the semi-arid environment of Santa Fe County, New Mexico, where water resources are limited and ecosystems are sensitive to disturbance. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to soil erosion and potential impacts on local wildlife habitats. The transport of natural gas, while cleaner than other fossil fuels, still poses risks of methane leakage, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Proximity to populated areas requires robust safety measures to protect communities and the environment.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located at 13 Caja Del Rio Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States, with coordinates 35.648030, -106.056470.
It is a gas pipeline launcher and receiver station used for pigging operations, which are essential for cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining natural gas pipelines.
Gas pipeline facilities in the US are regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Typical safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, pressure monitoring systems, emergency shutdown valves, and regular integrity testing such as hydrostatic testing and inline inspection.
As a border station, it facilitates the transfer of natural gas between different pipeline systems, ensuring reliable supply to Santa Fe and surrounding areas, and supporting the overall energy grid in the southwestern United States.
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