TOWNSEND Gas Pipeline Facility in Lovington, New Mexico | Pipeline Infrastructure

TOWNSEND is a gas pipeline facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 6.5 miles northeast of Lovington. As part of the United States' vast natural gas transmission network, it plays a role in transporting natural gas from production areas to distribution systems. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The facility's technical specifications are not detailed in available records, but typical gas pipeline infrastructure in this region includes buried steel pipes with cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion. Lea County is a significant area for oil and gas production, and pipelines like TOWNSEND are integral to moving resources to processing and end-use markets. The pipeline likely connects to larger interstate systems serving the southwestern United States. Environmentally, the pipeline's proximity to rural areas and potential crossings of waterways or wildlife habitats necessitates careful monitoring and maintenance. PHMSA regulations require regular inspections, leak detection, and emergency response plans to minimize risks. The facility contributes to the energy supply chain that supports residential, commercial, and industrial consumers in the region.

The pipeline traverses Lea County, a region with semi-arid climate and sparse vegetation. Proximity to populated areas and potential waterway crossings requires robust cathodic protection and leak detection systems. The commodity transported (natural gas) poses risks of methane emissions and fire hazards, mitigated by PHMSA's integrity management programs and regular inspections.