Rocky Branch Compressor Station - Natural Gas Pipeline Facility in Louisiana, USA

Rocky Branch Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located in Union Parish, Louisiana, United States. The station is part of the extensive gas transmission network serving the region, with operational status confirmed. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow in natural gas pipelines, ensuring efficient transport from production areas to distribution systems. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Compressor stations like this one typically include gas-fired turbines or electric motors to drive compressors, along with safety systems such as emergency shutdown valves and pressure relief devices. The station's location in Louisiana places it within a major hub for natural gas infrastructure, given the state's significant production and processing activities. Environmentally, the compressor station's operation involves combustion emissions and potential noise impacts. Proximity to waterways and populated areas is a consideration for risk management. The facility plays a key role in maintaining reliable gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers in the region, supporting energy needs and economic activity.

The compressor station is situated in a rural area of Union Parish, Louisiana, near the Ouachita River basin. Natural gas pipeline infrastructure in this region must manage risks related to waterway crossings and potential leaks. The facility's emissions from compressors contribute to local air quality considerations, and operators implement leak detection and cathodic protection to minimize environmental impact.