Overview
BLACK DIAMOND - MEWBOURN LACT UNIT is an operational oil pipeline facility in Gilcrest, Colorado, United States. It plays a role in the regional crude oil gathering and transportation network.
BLACK DIAMOND - MEWBOURN LACT UNIT is an oil pipeline facility located in Weld County, Colorado, approximately 2.3 miles southeast of Gilcrest. The facility is operational and serves as a lease automatic custody transfer (LACT) unit, which measures and transfers crude oil from production sites to pipelines. It is part of the broader pipeline infrastructure supporting the Denver-Julesburg Basin, a major oil-producing region. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines. LACT units are critical for accurate measurement and quality control of crude oil before it enters the main pipeline system. The facility's location in Weld County places it within a dense network of oil and gas infrastructure, including gathering lines and processing plants. Environmental considerations include proximity to agricultural land and the South Platte River watershed. Pipeline integrity management programs, including cathodic protection and regular inspections, are standard to prevent leaks and protect local water resources. The facility contributes to the efficient transport of crude oil from the region to refineries, supporting energy supply chains.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in an agricultural area near the South Platte River, which is a key water source for irrigation and municipal use. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to soil erosion, groundwater protection, and wildlife habitats. Cathodic protection systems and leak detection technologies are employed to minimize environmental impact. The surrounding area also experiences periodic flooding, which can pose additional challenges for pipeline integrity.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located in Weld County, Colorado, approximately 2.3 miles southeast of Gilcrest, at coordinates 40.267556 N, -104.735333 W.
A Lease Automatic Custody Transfer (LACT) unit measures and transfers crude oil from production sites to pipelines, ensuring accurate volume and quality control for custody transfer between producers and transporters.
The facility is subject to PHMSA regulations under 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines, including design, construction, operation, and maintenance standards.
It serves as a gathering point for crude oil from nearby wells, facilitating its entry into the larger pipeline system for transport to refineries, supporting the Denver-Julesburg Basin's production.
Environmental risks are managed through pipeline integrity programs, including cathodic protection, regular inspections, and leak detection systems, to prevent spills and protect local water resources.
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