Overview
SAUNDERS STATION is an operational oil pipeline facility located 16.3 miles northwest of Lovington, New Mexico, United States. It operates under NAICS code 486110, indicating crude petroleum pipeline transportation.
SAUNDERS STATION is an operational oil pipeline facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 16.3 miles northwest of the city of Lovington. As part of the United States' extensive pipeline infrastructure, this facility plays a role in the transportation of crude petroleum, classified under NAICS code 486110. The facility is located in the Permian Basin region, one of the most prolific oil-producing areas in the country, which underscores its strategic importance in the energy supply chain. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines. These regulations mandate rigorous safety standards, including corrosion control, leak detection, and emergency response protocols. The age and maintenance of the pipeline infrastructure, including cathodic protection systems, are critical factors in ensuring safe operations. Given the high volume of crude oil transported in the region, SAUNDERS STATION is part of a network that requires continuous monitoring and compliance with federal safety standards. Environmentally, SAUNDERS STATION is situated in an arid region with sparse population, which reduces the immediate risk to densely populated areas. However, the proximity to sensitive ecosystems such as the High Plains aquifer and local waterways necessitates careful management of potential spills. The facility's role in the regional energy grid supports local economies and national energy security, but also requires adherence to environmental protection measures to mitigate impacts on soil and water resources.
Environmental context
The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a region with significant oil and gas activity. The arid climate and low population density reduce some environmental risks, but the proximity to groundwater resources like the Ogallala Aquifer requires robust spill prevention and containment measures. Pipeline age and cathodic protection status are key factors in preventing leaks that could affect soil and water quality.
Frequently asked questions
SAUNDERS STATION is located approximately 16.3 miles northwest of Lovington, in Lea County, New Mexico, United States.
SAUNDERS STATION is an operational oil pipeline facility that transports crude petroleum, classified under NAICS code 486110.
The facility operates under PHMSA and DOT regulations, specifically 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines, which cover safety, corrosion control, and leak detection.
Oil pipelines in New Mexico, like SAUNDERS STATION, must manage risks to groundwater and arid ecosystems. Spill prevention and cathodic protection are critical to minimize environmental harm.
As part of the Permian Basin pipeline network, SAUNDERS STATION supports the transportation of crude oil, which is vital for domestic energy supply and economic activity in the region.
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