Rio Arriba No6 Compressor Station - Gas Pipeline Facility in New Mexico, United States

Rio Arriba No6 Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility situated in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, approximately 32 miles east of Aztec. As part of the United States natural gas transmission network, it plays a role in moving gas from production areas to distribution systems. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the 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 include gas-fired turbines or electric motors to maintain pipeline pressure. The facility is classified under NAICS 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas. In the context of New Mexico's energy infrastructure, such stations are critical for transporting gas from the San Juan Basin to markets across the western United States. Environmentally, the compressor station's operations involve combustion emissions and potential methane leakage, which are regulated under EPA and state air quality permits. The facility's location in a semi-arid region with sparse population reduces immediate community exposure, but proximity to waterways and wildlife habitats requires adherence to spill prevention and cathodic protection standards to mitigate corrosion risks.

The Rio Arriba No6 Compressor Station operates in a semi-arid environment with low population density, reducing direct human exposure to potential hazards. However, the facility's proximity to natural waterways and wildlife habitats necessitates robust spill prevention and cathodic protection measures to prevent corrosion-related leaks. Regulatory compliance under PHMSA and EPA ensures monitoring of emissions and pipeline integrity.