Cherokee Basin - Lafontain Station: Gas Pipeline Facility in Lafontain, Kansas

Cherokee Basin - Lafontain Station is a gas pipeline facility located in Lafontain, Wilson County, Kansas, United States. The facility is operational and serves as part of the natural gas transmission infrastructure in the Cherokee Basin region, a known area for natural gas production. As a gas pipeline station, it plays a role in the transportation of natural gas from production areas to distribution networks. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safety of gas pipelines. The NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a pipeline transportation of natural gas facility. The facility is part of a broader network typical of the region's gas infrastructure. Located in a rural area of southeastern Kansas, the facility's environmental context includes proximity to agricultural land and minor waterways. The Cherokee Basin is known for coalbed methane and conventional natural gas production, and the pipeline infrastructure supports the transport of these resources. The facility's operational status and regulatory compliance contribute to the reliability of natural gas supply in the region.

The facility is situated in a rural area of Wilson County, Kansas, with surrounding land primarily used for agriculture. The region's waterways, including the Verdigris River basin, are potential receptors in the event of a pipeline release. The transport of natural gas through pipelines carries inherent risks of leaks or ruptures, which could impact local ecosystems and water quality. Regulatory oversight under PHMSA requires cathodic protection and regular inspections to mitigate these risks.