Overview
Grassy Canyon Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located 22 miles northeast of Aztec, New Mexico, United States. It operates under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
Grassy Canyon Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility situated in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 22 miles northeast of Aztec. As part of the United States' extensive natural gas pipeline network, it plays a role in maintaining pressure and flow within the transmission system. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas. The station operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. This includes requirements for pipeline integrity management, cathodic protection, and leak detection. Compressor stations like this one are critical for moving natural gas over long distances, typically featuring gas-fired turbines or electric motors to compress the gas. Located in the Four Corners region, the station supports the transport of natural gas from production areas in the San Juan Basin to downstream markets. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to regional energy infrastructure, contributing to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the southwestern United States.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of northwestern New Mexico, characterized by sagebrush steppe and piñon-juniper woodlands. Proximity to the San Juan River and its tributaries requires careful management to prevent potential leaks or spills that could affect water quality. The area is also home to sensitive archaeological and cultural resources, necessitating compliance with environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Frequently asked questions
Grassy Canyon Compressor Station is located approximately 22 miles northeast of Aztec, in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the pipeline transmission system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas from production areas to markets.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines.
Safety measures include pipeline integrity management programs, cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, leak detection systems, and regular inspections as required by PHMSA regulations.
Compressor stations can have local environmental impacts including air emissions from engines, noise, and potential risks to water resources. Operators must comply with environmental regulations such as the Clean Air Act and NEPA.
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