Martinez Draw Compressor Station - Natural Gas Pipeline Facility near Aztec, New Mexico

Martinez Draw Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located approximately 40 miles east of Aztec, in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. The station is operational and plays a role in the regional natural gas transmission network, supporting the transport of natural gas from production areas to downstream markets. As a compressor station on a natural gas pipeline, this facility is subject to US federal pipeline safety regulations administered by PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which govern the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of gas pipelines. The station's NAICS code 486210 indicates it is part of the pipeline transportation of natural gas sector, a critical component of the US energy infrastructure. The facility's location in northwestern New Mexico places it within the San Juan Basin, a major natural gas-producing region. Compressor stations like this one are essential for maintaining pressure and flow in long-distance pipelines, ensuring reliable delivery of natural gas to consumers and industrial users. The station contributes to the energy supply chain that serves communities and industries across the region.

The Martinez Draw Compressor Station is situated in a semi-arid region of northwestern New Mexico, characterized by high desert terrain and proximity to the San Juan River. Natural gas pipeline operations in this area must consider potential impacts on local air quality from compressor emissions and the risk of leaks or ruptures that could affect nearby waterways or wildlife habitats. The facility's age and cathodic protection systems are key factors in managing corrosion risks, while its distance from densely populated areas reduces potential exposure to populated zones.