Overview
AFTON COMPRESSOR STATION is a natural gas pipeline facility located 14 miles west of Berino, New Mexico, United States. It operates under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
AFTON COMPRESSOR STATION is a natural gas pipeline facility situated in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, approximately 14 miles west of Berino. As a compressor station, it plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the natural gas transmission network, serving the broader pipeline infrastructure of the southwestern United States. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safe transportation of natural gas. Compressor stations like AFTON are typically equipped with gas turbines or electric motors to drive compressors, ensuring efficient gas transport over long distances. The station's location in a rural area near the Rio Grande Valley reflects typical siting considerations for pipeline infrastructure. Environmentally, the station contributes to the reliable delivery of natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial use in the region. Its operation supports energy security and economic activity in New Mexico and neighboring states. The facility's presence underscores the importance of pipeline infrastructure in connecting natural gas supply basins to demand centers.
Environmental context
The station is located in a semi-arid region of southern New Mexico, near the Rio Grande. Pipeline infrastructure in this area must consider proximity to agricultural lands and waterways. The transport of natural gas, while cleaner than other fossil fuels, still poses risks of methane leakage, which has a potent greenhouse gas effect. Cathodic protection systems are typically employed to prevent corrosion, and regular inspections are mandated to ensure integrity.
Frequently asked questions
AFTON COMPRESSOR STATION is located approximately 14 miles west of Berino, in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the natural gas transmission pipeline network.
The station is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for natural gas pipelines.
They must comply with PHMSA regulations including pipeline integrity management, corrosion control, and emergency response plans under 49 CFR Part 192.
Compressor stations boost gas pressure to maintain flow over long distances, ensuring reliable delivery from production areas to consumers.
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