Overview
Potter Canyon Compressor Station is an operational gas pipeline facility located 4 miles southeast of Aztec, New Mexico, United States. It plays a key role in natural gas transmission under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
Potter Canyon Compressor Station is an operational gas pipeline facility situated in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 4 miles southeast of Aztec. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow in natural gas transmission pipelines, serving the broader pipeline infrastructure network in the region. The facility operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The station's technical specifications are not detailed in public records, but typical compressor stations in this region utilize natural gas-fired turbines or electric motors to compress gas, with capacities ranging from small to large depending on pipeline throughput. The facility's NAICS code 486210 indicates it is part of the pipeline transportation of natural gas sector. Regulatory oversight includes requirements for cathodic protection, leak detection, and emergency response plans. Environmentally, the station supports the reliable transport of natural gas from production areas to consumers, contributing to energy supply in the southwestern United States. Its location in a semi-arid region with low population density reduces some risk factors, though proximity to waterways and wildlife habitats requires careful operational management. The facility's role in the pipeline grid ensures energy security for residential, commercial, and industrial users.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a semi-arid region of northwestern New Mexico, characterized by sagebrush and piñon-juniper woodlands. The area has low population density, but the station is near the Animas River, a tributary of the San Juan River, which supports local agriculture and ecosystems. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to soil erosion, water crossings, and wildlife corridors. Cathodic protection systems are essential to prevent corrosion, and regular inspections ensure integrity in this geologically active area.
Frequently asked questions
Potter Canyon Compressor Station is located approximately 4 miles southeast of Aztec, in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in transmission pipelines, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas from production areas to consumers.
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.
Typical safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, automatic shut-off valves, leak detection systems, and regular integrity inspections as required by PHMSA regulations.
The station supports energy supply while operating in a semi-arid region near the Animas River. Environmental management includes erosion control, water protection, and wildlife mitigation measures.
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