Consumers Energy - Freedom Compressor Station: Natural Gas Pipeline Facility in Manchester, Michigan

Consumers Energy - Freedom Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located at 12201 Pleasant Lake Rd, Manchester, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It operates as part of the broader natural gas transmission network in the United States, serving the Midwest region. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 221210 (Natural Gas Distribution) and 486210 (Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas), indicating its role in both distribution and long-distance transmission. The station 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. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow within the pipeline system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas from supply sources to distribution networks. The facility's location in rural Michigan reflects typical siting for such infrastructure, balancing proximity to demand centers with safety considerations. Environmentally, the station contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in Michigan. Its operational status underscores the ongoing importance of pipeline infrastructure in meeting energy demands. The facility's integration into Consumers Energy's network supports grid stability and energy security for the region, while adhering to federal safety standards.

The facility is situated in a rural area of Washtenaw County, near Manchester, Michigan. The surrounding landscape includes agricultural land and scattered residential properties. Natural gas compressor stations like this one are designed with safety measures such as emergency shutdown systems and leak detection to minimize environmental impact. The proximity to populated areas is managed through regulatory setbacks and monitoring, in compliance with PHMSA requirements.