Anderson Ranch Station: Oil Pipeline Facility in Lovington, New Mexico

Anderson Ranch Station is an oil pipeline facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 15 miles west of Lovington. As part of the United States' extensive pipeline infrastructure, it supports the transportation of crude oil within the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions in the country. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486110 for crude petroleum pipeline transportation. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), specifically 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines. This includes requirements for pipeline integrity management, corrosion control, and emergency response planning. The Permian Basin's pipeline network is critical for moving crude oil from production areas to refineries and export terminals. Anderson Ranch Station plays a key role in the regional energy supply chain, connecting oil production in southeastern New Mexico to broader pipeline networks. Its location in a semi-arid environment with sparse population reduces certain community risks, though proximity to sensitive ecosystems like the Pecos River watershed requires careful operational oversight. The facility contributes to the economic activity of Lea County, a key area for oil and gas development.

The facility is located in the arid Permian Basin region, characterized by low rainfall and sensitive desert ecosystems. Pipeline operations in this area must manage risks related to soil erosion, groundwater protection, and wildlife habitat disruption. The proximity to the Pecos River watershed, a critical water source in the region, necessitates robust spill prevention and cathodic protection measures to safeguard water quality.