LATERAL N30 COMPRESSOR STATION - Gas Pipeline Facility in Aztec, New Mexico

LATERAL N30 COMPRESSOR STATION is a natural gas pipeline compressor station situated in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 16.5 miles east-northeast of Aztec. The facility is part of the broader natural gas transmission infrastructure in the United States, operating under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) pursuant to 49 CFR Part 192. The station is classified under NAICS codes 213112 (Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations) and 486210 (Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas). As a compressor station, it plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the natural gas pipeline network, ensuring efficient transport from production areas to distribution systems. The facility's location in the San Juan Basin, a major natural gas-producing region, underscores its strategic importance. Operationally, the station contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the southwestern United States. Its proximity to the Four Corners area highlights its role in connecting regional production with downstream markets. The facility adheres to federal safety standards, including requirements for cathodic protection, leak detection, and emergency response planning.

The facility is located in the semi-arid climate of northwestern New Mexico, an area characterized by sagebrush steppe and piñon-juniper woodlands. Natural gas pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to soil erosion, wildfire potential, and proximity to water bodies such as the San Juan River. The station's operations are subject to environmental regulations aimed at minimizing methane emissions and protecting local air quality, as well as ensuring the integrity of pipelines to prevent leaks that could impact sensitive ecosystems.