Elkhorn Creek Compressor Station - Gas Pipeline Facility in Watford City, North Dakota

Elkhorn Creek Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility located at 12313 18th St NW in Watford City, McKenzie County, North Dakota. It operates within the United States' extensive natural gas transmission network, serving the energy infrastructure of the Bakken shale region. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow in natural gas pipelines, a critical function for long-distance gas transport. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Typical compressor stations in this region range from small to medium scale, supporting the gathering and transmission of gas from production areas to processing hubs. The station plays a key role in the regional energy grid, facilitating the movement of natural gas from the Bakken formation to downstream markets. Its location in western North Dakota places it in an area of active oil and gas development, where pipeline infrastructure is essential for reducing flaring and delivering energy efficiently. The facility's operational status contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply in the region.

The compressor station is situated in McKenzie County, North Dakota, within the Bakken shale region, an area with significant oil and gas activity. The local environment includes prairie landscapes and the Missouri River watershed. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to proximity to waterways and wildlife habitats. Cathodic protection systems and regular inspections are standard to prevent corrosion and leaks, given the commodity transported is natural gas, which poses combustion risks if released.