Gainesville University Meter Station - Gas Pipeline Facility in Gainesville, Florida

Gainesville University Meter Station is a gas pipeline metering facility located at 1725 SW Archer Rd in Gainesville, Florida. It operates within the natural gas distribution sector, serving the University of Florida area and surrounding communities. As a meter station, it measures and regulates natural gas flow from transmission pipelines into local distribution systems, ensuring safe and accurate delivery to end users. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Meter stations like this one are critical components of the natural gas infrastructure, providing pressure regulation, odorization, and flow measurement. The station's location in a densely populated urban area near a major university requires robust safety systems and regular inspections to mitigate risks associated with proximity to buildings and roadways. As part of Florida's natural gas grid, this meter station supports energy reliability for residential, commercial, and institutional customers in Alachua County. Its role in the distribution network helps maintain consistent gas supply for heating, cooking, and power generation. The facility's operational status and adherence to federal safety standards contribute to the region's energy infrastructure resilience.

The facility is situated in an urban environment near the University of Florida campus, with proximity to residential areas, hospitals, and research facilities. Natural gas metering stations have minimal direct environmental impact but are subject to leak detection and emission controls under PHMSA regulations. The surrounding area includes waterways such as Lake Alice and Hogtown Creek, which could be affected in the event of a pipeline incident. Routine maintenance and cathodic protection systems help prevent corrosion-related leaks.