Overview
Chaco Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility located 1 mile south of Bloomfield, New Mexico, USA. It operates within the San Juan Basin, a major natural gas production region.
Chaco Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline compressor station situated in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 1 mile south of Bloomfield. The facility is part of the extensive pipeline infrastructure serving the San Juan Basin, one of the largest natural gas producing areas in the United States. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow in the gas transmission system, ensuring efficient transport from production fields to downstream markets. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Compressor stations like Chaco are critical for long-distance gas transport, typically featuring gas-fired turbines or electric motors to drive compressors. The station's location in the Four Corners region places it within a network of pipelines serving both local distribution and interstate transmission. Chaco Compressor Station plays a key role in the natural gas supply chain for the southwestern United States. Its proximity to production wells in the San Juan Basin allows it to aggregate and pressurize gas for delivery to markets in California, Arizona, and beyond. The facility contributes to energy reliability in the region, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Environmental context
The station is located in the semi-arid Colorado Plateau, an area characterized by high desert terrain and sensitive ecosystems. Proximity to the San Juan River and Chaco Culture National Historical Park raises considerations for water resource protection and cultural heritage. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to seismic activity, erosion, and wildlife corridors. Cathodic protection systems are typically employed to prevent corrosion, and regular inspections ensure integrity in this environmentally and culturally significant landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Chaco Compressor Station is located approximately 1 mile south of Bloomfield, in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.
Chaco Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the gas transmission system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas from production fields to downstream markets.
The facility is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines in the United States.
Compressor stations are essential for maintaining pressure in long-distance gas pipelines. They use turbines or electric motors to compress gas, overcoming friction losses and ensuring steady flow to end users.
Typical safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, regular integrity inspections, emergency shutdown systems, and compliance with PHMSA's pipeline safety regulations.
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