Overview
EL PASO ENERGY RATON - VPR A1 COMPRESSOR STATION NO2304 is a natural gas pipeline compressor station located 22 miles NW of Raton, New Mexico. It supports interstate gas transmission under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
EL PASO ENERGY RATON - VPR A1 COMPRESSOR STATION NO2304 is an operational natural gas pipeline compressor station situated in Colfax County, New Mexico, approximately 22 miles northwest of Raton. This facility is part of the broader El Paso Energy pipeline network, which plays a critical role in transporting natural gas across the United States. The station's location in the Rocky Mountain region positions it within a key energy corridor serving both regional and interstate markets. As a compressor station, this facility maintains gas pressure and flow within the pipeline system, ensuring efficient and safe transport. The station 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. Typical equipment includes gas compressors, cooling systems, and metering infrastructure, though specific technical details for this site are not publicly available. The station's NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified under pipeline transportation of natural gas. This compressor station contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the region. Its operation supports energy distribution across the southwestern United States, with environmental considerations including proximity to rural and semi-arid landscapes. The facility's role in maintaining pipeline integrity and pressure is essential for grid stability and energy security in New Mexico and beyond.
Environmental context
The compressor station is located in a rural area of northeastern New Mexico, characterized by semi-arid grasslands and scattered woodlands. The region's low population density reduces immediate exposure to populated areas, but the facility's operation involves natural gas compression, which can contribute to localized air emissions and noise. Pipeline infrastructure in this area must consider potential impacts on local wildlife and water resources, particularly in the context of the nearby Canadian River watershed. Cathodic protection systems are typically employed to prevent pipeline corrosion, and regular inspections are mandated under PHMSA regulations to minimize environmental risks.
Frequently asked questions
The compressor station is located approximately 22 miles northwest of Raton, in Colfax County, New Mexico, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the El Paso Energy pipeline system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas across interstate networks.
The station is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines in the United States.
Compressor stations can emit air pollutants from engine exhaust and fugitive methane, and generate noise. Operators must comply with environmental regulations and implement mitigation measures such as emission controls and noise barriers.
Compressor stations are critical for maintaining gas pressure over long distances, enabling the transport of natural gas from production areas to consumption centers. They ensure reliable supply and grid stability.
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