Overview
EL PASO NATURAL GAS CO - BOWIE COMPRESSOR STATION is an operational gas pipeline facility in Bowie, Arizona, United States. It supports natural gas transmission through compression infrastructure.
The EL PASO NATURAL GAS CO - BOWIE COMPRESSOR STATION is a gas pipeline facility located in Bowie, Cochise County, Arizona, United States. It is part of the extensive natural gas transmission network operated by El Paso Natural Gas Company, serving the southwestern United States. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas. As a compressor station, this facility plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the natural gas pipeline system. Compressor stations are typically equipped with gas turbines or electric motors to drive compressors that boost gas pressure, ensuring efficient transport over long distances. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipeline safety. The Bowie Compressor Station is situated in a rural area of southeastern Arizona, near the border with New Mexico. Its location supports the regional natural gas grid, which supplies energy to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the Southwest. The facility's operational status ensures reliable gas delivery, contributing to energy security and economic activity in the region.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern Arizona, characterized by low precipitation and sensitive desert ecosystems. Pipeline infrastructure in such areas requires careful management to prevent soil erosion and protect native vegetation. The compressor station's operations involve combustion emissions from gas turbines, which are regulated under the Clean Air Act. Proximity to waterways and populated areas is minimal due to the rural setting, reducing some environmental risks. Cathodic protection systems are typically employed to prevent pipeline corrosion, a key environmental consideration for long-term integrity.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located approximately 8 miles east of Bowie, Arizona, in Cochise County, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the El Paso Natural Gas pipeline system, ensuring efficient gas transmission across the Southwest.
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.
Safety measures include cathodic protection for corrosion control, automatic shut-off valves, leak detection systems, and regular inspections per PHMSA requirements.
The station operates in a desert ecosystem, with emissions controlled under the Clean Air Act. Environmental management focuses on preventing soil erosion and protecting native vegetation.
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