MERIT ENERGY - WIDEAWAKE BOOSTER STATION: Gas Pipeline Facility in Liberal, Kansas

MERIT ENERGY - WIDEAWAKE BOOSTER STATION is a gas pipeline booster station located in Liberal, Kansas, within Seward County. The facility is operational and plays a role in the natural gas transmission network of the United States, classified under NAICS 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas. As a booster station, this facility is designed to maintain pressure and flow in natural gas pipelines, ensuring efficient transport over long distances. The U.S. pipeline infrastructure is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets standards for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of gas pipelines. Booster stations like this one are critical components of the interstate gas grid, often equipped with compressors and monitoring systems. The facility is situated in the High Plains region of southwestern Kansas, an area with significant oil and gas activity. Its location near Liberal supports the regional energy supply chain, connecting production areas to downstream markets. The station's role in maintaining pipeline integrity and reliability contributes to the broader energy infrastructure serving residential, commercial, and industrial users.

The facility operates in a semi-arid region with agricultural land use. Proximity to populated areas and waterways is a consideration for pipeline safety. The commodity transported (natural gas) poses risks of leaks or ruptures, which can affect air quality and soil. Cathodic protection systems are typically employed to prevent corrosion, a key factor in pipeline integrity.