Overview
Kettleman Compressor Station in Avenal, California, is an operational gas pipeline facility. It plays a key role in natural gas transmission within the US pipeline infrastructure.
Kettleman Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility located at 34453 Plymouth Avenue in Avenal, Kings County, California. It operates within the United States' extensive natural gas transmission network, which is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192. The station's primary function is to maintain pressure and flow in the pipeline system, ensuring efficient gas transport across the region. The facility operates under NAICS codes 221210 (Natural Gas Distribution) and 486210 (Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas), indicating its dual role in both distribution and transmission. As a compressor station, it is a critical component of the pipeline infrastructure, helping to move natural gas over long distances. The station is located in California's Central Valley, an area with significant agricultural and industrial activity that relies on natural gas for energy and processing. Kettleman Compressor Station contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply in the region, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial users. Its location near major transportation routes and population centers underscores its importance in the state's energy grid. The facility's operational status ensures continued service, and it adheres to federal safety standards to minimize risks associated with gas transmission.
Environmental context
The station is situated in the San Joaquin Valley, a region with air quality challenges due to agricultural and industrial emissions. Natural gas infrastructure like this compressor station can contribute to methane leakage, a potent greenhouse gas. However, modern compressor stations are designed with emissions controls and leak detection systems to mitigate environmental impact. The facility's proximity to populated areas and agricultural land requires careful management of noise and air emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Kettleman Compressor Station is located at 34453 Plymouth Avenue in Avenal, Kings County, California, United States.
It is a gas pipeline compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in natural gas transmission pipelines, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas across the region.
The facility is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for natural gas pipelines in the United States.
Compressor stations can emit methane and other pollutants. Modern stations use emissions controls and leak detection to reduce environmental impact. The facility must comply with federal and state air quality regulations.
Safety measures include regular inspections, cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, emergency shutdown systems, and adherence to PHMSA regulations. Operators also implement integrity management programs to monitor pipeline condition.
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