Northern Natural Gas-Chatfield Compressor Station: Gas Pipeline Facility in Chatfield, Minnesota

Northern Natural Gas-Chatfield Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility located in Chatfield, Fillmore County, Minnesota, United States. The facility is part of the Northern Natural Gas pipeline system, which is a major natural gas transmission network serving the Midwest region. As a compressor station, it plays a critical role in maintaining gas pressure and flow along the pipeline. The facility 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. The NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a natural gas pipeline transportation facility. Compressor stations like this one are typically equipped with gas turbines or electric motors to compress natural gas, ensuring efficient transport over long distances. The Chatfield Compressor Station supports the regional natural gas grid, providing reliable energy to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Minnesota and beyond. Its location in a rural area of Fillmore County minimizes proximity to dense populations, though it is near agricultural land and waterways. The station's operational status ensures continued service to the local community and contributes to the energy infrastructure of the United States.

The facility is situated in a rural area of Fillmore County, Minnesota, near agricultural lands and waterways. Natural gas compressor stations can have environmental impacts including air emissions from engines and potential noise. The site's proximity to water bodies requires careful management to prevent any leaks or spills. Regulatory compliance under PHMSA includes requirements for leak detection and cathodic protection to minimize environmental risks.