Henry Hub Area Facilities - Natural Gas Pipeline Hub in Erath, Louisiana

Henry Hub Area Facilities is a natural gas pipeline hub located in Erath, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. As a central node in the U.S. pipeline infrastructure, it connects to multiple interstate and intrastate pipelines, facilitating the distribution of natural gas across the country. The facility is operational and plays a critical role in the Henry Hub pricing index, which benchmarks natural gas futures on the NYMEX. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines. Its strategic location in Louisiana, a state with extensive pipeline networks and proximity to Gulf Coast production, underscores its importance. The hub's infrastructure includes compression, metering, and storage capabilities typical of major gas trading points. Environmentally, the facility's operations are subject to rigorous safety and leak detection protocols. Its location in a region prone to hurricanes and coastal erosion presents operational challenges, but the hub's design incorporates cathodic protection and regular inspections to mitigate risks. The Henry Hub's role in price discovery and supply reliability makes it a cornerstone of U.S. energy infrastructure.

The facility is situated in coastal Louisiana, an area with sensitive wetlands and waterways. Pipeline operations require careful management to prevent leaks and protect local ecosystems. The region's humid subtropical climate and risk of extreme weather events necessitate robust cathodic protection and emergency response plans. The hub's proximity to populated areas and the Gulf of Mexico adds environmental scrutiny under PHMSA regulations.