Columbia Gas Transmission- South Muddy Creek Compressor Station, Oak Harbor, Ohio | Gas Pipeline Facility

Columbia Gas Transmission's South Muddy Creek Compressor Station is located in Oak Harbor, Ottawa County, Ohio, United States. This facility is part of the extensive natural gas pipeline infrastructure that transports gas across the region. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow within the pipeline system, ensuring efficient delivery of natural gas to downstream markets. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Compressor stations like this one are critical for long-distance gas transmission, typically featuring gas-fired turbines or electric motors to compress the gas. The station's location in northwestern Ohio places it within a network serving both industrial and residential consumers. Environmentally, the station's operations involve combustion emissions from compressors and potential methane leakage, which are regulated under EPA and state air quality permits. The facility's proximity to Lake Erie and local waterways necessitates careful spill prevention and cathodic protection measures to safeguard water resources. Its role in the regional energy grid supports heating and power generation for communities in Ohio and beyond.

The South Muddy Creek Compressor Station is situated in a rural area near Lake Erie, with local waterways including Muddy Creek. Natural gas pipeline operations can pose risks of methane leaks and compressor emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Regulatory frameworks such as PHMSA's integrity management programs require monitoring and mitigation of these risks. The facility's cathodic protection systems help prevent pipeline corrosion, reducing the likelihood of spills or ruptures that could impact nearby water bodies.