Overview
The Rockies Express Pipeline Big Hole Compressor Station in Craig, Colorado, is an operational gas pipeline facility that compresses natural gas for long-distance transport across the United States.
The Rockies Express Pipeline Big Hole Compressor Station is located in Craig, Moffat County, Colorado, and serves as a critical component of the Rockies Express Pipeline system. This facility compresses natural gas to maintain flow and pressure along the pipeline, which spans over 1,700 miles from the Rocky Mountain region to the Midwest and East Coast. The station is situated in a rural area of northwestern Colorado, near the Yampa River valley, and operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas. While specific technical specifications such as pipeline diameter, compression capacity, and age are not detailed in available records, the Rockies Express Pipeline is one of the largest natural gas pipelines in the United States, with a design capacity of up to 1.8 billion cubic feet per day. The Big Hole Compressor Station likely employs modern compression technology, including turbine or electric-driven compressors, and is subject to rigorous safety and environmental regulations, including cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion and regular integrity management programs. Environmentally, the station operates in a region characterized by high desert terrain and proximity to the Yampa River, a tributary of the Colorado River. The facility's operations are designed to minimize impacts on local ecosystems and water resources, with spill prevention and emergency response plans in place. As part of the broader Rockies Express Pipeline, this station contributes to the reliable delivery of natural gas to millions of consumers, supporting energy security and economic activity across multiple states.
Environmental context
The Big Hole Compressor Station is located in Moffat County, Colorado, near the Yampa River, which is part of the Colorado River Basin. The surrounding area is semi-arid with sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Pipeline operations in this region must manage risks related to wildlife habitat, water crossings, and potential leaks. The facility is subject to PHMSA regulations requiring leak detection, cathodic protection, and emergency response planning to protect local ecosystems and water quality.
Frequently asked questions
The station is located at 37607 County Road 7, Craig, Colorado 81625, in Moffat County.
It compresses natural gas to maintain pressure and flow along the Rockies Express Pipeline, which transports gas from the Rocky Mountains to the Midwest and East Coast.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines.
Safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, leak detection systems, emergency shutdown procedures, and regular integrity inspections as required by PHMSA.
The pipeline operates under environmental regulations to minimize impacts on water resources, wildlife, and ecosystems, with spill prevention and response plans in place.
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