Overview
The REX-LATON PIG LAUNCHER/RECEIVER SITE in Natoma, Kansas, is an operational oil pipeline facility. It supports pipeline maintenance and inspection operations within the U.S. crude oil transport network.
The REX-LATON PIG LAUNCHER/RECEIVER SITE is an oil pipeline facility located in Natoma, Osborne County, Kansas. This site is part of the extensive U.S. pipeline infrastructure, serving as a critical point for launching and receiving pipeline inspection gauges (pigs) used for cleaning and integrity assessments. The facility is operational and supports the safe transport of crude oil through the region. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. The site's role in pigging operations indicates it is part of a larger pipeline system requiring regular maintenance and monitoring. The U.S. pipeline network is one of the most extensive globally, with robust safety standards and inspection protocols. Located in rural north-central Kansas, the site is situated in an agricultural area with low population density. Its environmental significance lies in its contribution to the safe and efficient transport of crude oil, reducing reliance on truck or rail transport. The facility's pigging operations help prevent leaks and ensure pipeline integrity, minimizing environmental risks associated with oil transport.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a rural agricultural region of Kansas, with low population density and limited sensitive ecosystems nearby. The primary environmental consideration for oil pipeline facilities like this one is the prevention of spills through regular maintenance and integrity testing. The site's pigging operations are a key part of leak prevention, as they allow for internal inspection and cleaning of pipelines. Regulatory compliance with PHMSA's spill prevention and response requirements further mitigates environmental risks.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located near Natoma, Kansas, in Osborne County, United States. The address is 5MN CR657 THEN W 1.4 MI CR404, Natoma, KS 67651.
Pig launcher/receiver sites are used to insert and retrieve pipeline inspection gauges (pigs) for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of pipelines. They are essential for ensuring pipeline integrity and preventing leaks.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 195, which sets safety standards for hazardous liquid pipelines.
Pigging allows for internal cleaning and inspection of pipelines, detecting corrosion or defects early. This reduces the risk of spills and environmental contamination from oil leaks.
These sites are typically small, localized facilities that serve as access points along a pipeline. They do not store large volumes of oil but are critical for pipeline maintenance operations.
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