LEE GAS PLANT - Gas Pipeline Facility in Buckeye, New Mexico

LEE GAS PLANT is a gas pipeline facility situated in the Permian Basin region of southeastern New Mexico, approximately 0.5 miles south-southeast of Buckeye in Lea County. As an operational pipeline infrastructure asset, it plays a role in the transportation of natural gas within one of the most active oil and gas producing areas in the United States. The facility is classified under NAICS 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas, and is subject to federal safety regulations enforced by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which mandates standards for pipeline design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance to ensure safety and environmental protection. Given its location in a prolific hydrocarbon basin, the pipeline likely connects to gathering systems, processing plants, or transmission lines that serve regional and national energy markets. The specific length of the pipeline segment is not detailed, but typical gas pipelines in this region range from a few miles to hundreds of miles in length. Environmentally, the facility is situated in an arid, sparsely populated area of the Permian Basin, where pipeline infrastructure is critical for transporting natural gas to markets while minimizing truck traffic and associated emissions. The region's pipeline network supports energy production and economic activity, but also requires careful management of potential risks such as leaks or ruptures, particularly given the proximity to sensitive desert ecosystems and groundwater resources. Proper cathodic protection and regular inspections are essential to maintain integrity and prevent environmental harm.

The LEE GAS PLANT is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with sensitive desert ecosystems and limited water resources. Pipeline infrastructure in this area must manage risks associated with soil erosion, potential leaks affecting groundwater, and wildlife disruption. The facility's proximity to populated areas is low, but the transport of natural gas requires robust cathodic protection and leak detection systems to prevent methane emissions and protect local air quality.