Overview
Compressor No. 6 is an operational gas pipeline facility located 3.5 miles northwest of La Plata, New Mexico, United States. It supports natural gas transmission in the San Juan Basin.
Compressor No. 6 is a gas pipeline compressor station situated in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 3.5 miles northwest of La Plata. This facility is part of the extensive natural gas pipeline infrastructure serving the San Juan Basin, one of the major natural gas producing regions in the United States. The station plays a key role in maintaining pressure and flow for gas transmission lines. As a compressor station on a natural gas pipeline, Compressor No. 6 operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and must comply with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The facility's NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a pipeline transportation of natural gas operation. Typical compressor stations in this region are equipped with gas-fired turbines or electric motors to compress natural gas for long-distance transport. The facility's location in a rural area near La Plata reduces immediate population density risks, but proximity to the San Juan River watershed requires careful environmental management. Compressor stations are critical for maintaining grid reliability and enabling the delivery of natural gas from production fields to downstream markets and end users.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in the semi-arid Colorado Plateau region, characterized by sagebrush and juniper ecosystems. Proximity to the San Juan River watershed necessitates adherence to spill prevention and cathodic protection standards to protect water resources. Pipeline corridors in this area may intersect with habitats for species such as the Gunnison's sage-grouse, requiring operational mitigations during sensitive periods.
Frequently asked questions
Compressor No. 6 is located approximately 3.5 miles northwest of La Plata, in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.
Compressor No. 6 is a compressor station on a natural gas pipeline, responsible for maintaining gas pressure and flow for efficient transmission through the pipeline system.
Compressor No. 6 is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for natural gas pipelines in the United States.
Typical safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, pressure monitoring systems, emergency shutdown valves, and regular inspections as required by PHMSA regulations.
Compressor stations boost the pressure of natural gas to overcome friction losses and maintain flow over long distances, ensuring reliable delivery from production areas to consumers.
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