Overview
PG&E's Tompkins Hill Metering & Regulator Station in Fortuna, California, is an operational gas distribution station serving Humboldt County. It regulates and meters natural gas flow for local residential and commercial customers.
PG&E's Tompkins Hill Metering & Regulator Station is a gas distribution facility located at 2036 Tompkins Hill Rd in Fortuna, California, within Humboldt County. The station is part of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's natural gas distribution network, which serves millions of customers across Northern California. As a metering and regulator station, it plays a critical role in reducing gas pressure from transmission pipelines to safe levels for local distribution and measuring gas flow for billing and operational purposes. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which enforces 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipeline safety. The station's NAICS code 221210 corresponds to natural gas distribution, indicating a focus on local delivery rather than transmission. Typical metering and regulator stations in rural areas like Humboldt County handle moderate flow volumes to serve small to medium-sized communities. Located in a seismically active region near the Pacific coast, the station must comply with stringent seismic safety standards. Its role in the local gas grid ensures reliable energy supply for residential heating, commercial operations, and industrial users in the Fortuna area. The facility's operational status and PG&E's maintenance programs contribute to the safety and resilience of the regional gas infrastructure.
Environmental context
The station is situated in Humboldt County, a seismically active region with a history of earthquakes, which poses a risk to gas infrastructure. Proximity to populated areas in Fortuna requires robust safety measures to prevent leaks or ruptures. The facility's operation contributes to local air quality through methane emissions, though modern regulator stations are designed to minimize fugitive emissions. The surrounding coastal environment also necessitates corrosion prevention measures due to salt-laden air.
Frequently asked questions
The station is located at 2036 Tompkins Hill Rd, Fortuna, California 95540, in Humboldt County.
It reduces natural gas pressure from high-pressure transmission lines to safe levels for local distribution and measures gas flow for billing and operational monitoring.
The station is operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a major utility serving Northern California.
It must comply with PHMSA's 49 CFR Part 192 for pipeline safety and CPUC regulations, including seismic safety standards due to California's earthquake risk.
It provides regulated natural gas supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Fortuna area, supporting heating and energy needs.
Other Gas Distribution Station plants in United States · 6 nearby