Overview
Merit Energy Company, LLC - Stephens-McBride Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA. It operates under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
Merit Energy Company, LLC - Stephens-McBride Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located at 5021 Bonanza Road in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas. The facility is operational and serves as a compressor station within the broader natural gas pipeline infrastructure, supporting the transport of natural gas across the region. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Compressor stations like this one are critical for maintaining pressure and flow in long-distance pipelines, typically featuring gas turbines or electric motors to drive compressors. Located in western Arkansas near the Oklahoma border, the station plays a role in the regional natural gas grid, serving industrial and residential consumers. Its proximity to the Arkansas River and populated areas of Fort Smith necessitates robust safety measures, including cathodic protection and regular inspections to mitigate corrosion and leak risks.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in an area with a mix of industrial and residential land use near the Arkansas River. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to soil corrosion and potential waterway crossings. The station's operations are subject to environmental regulations that require spill prevention and leak detection systems to protect local ecosystems and groundwater.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located at 5021 Bonanza Road in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the pipeline system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipeline safety.
Typical safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, leak detection systems, emergency shutdown valves, and regular inspections to ensure pipeline integrity.
Compressor stations are essential for boosting pressure to move natural gas over long distances, ensuring reliable supply to industrial and residential consumers.
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