Overview
Sims Mesa Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located near Aztec, New Mexico, USA. It operates as a key component of regional gas transmission infrastructure.
Sims Mesa Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located approximately 9 miles east of Archuleta, near Aztec, in San Juan County, New Mexico, USA. The station is operational and serves as a compressor station within the broader natural gas pipeline network, supporting the transportation of natural gas across the region. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety in the United States. Compressor stations like Sims Mesa are critical for maintaining pressure and flow in long-distance gas pipelines, typically serving as intermediate points along major transmission routes. The station's NAICS codes (213112 and 486210) indicate its involvement in support activities for oil and gas operations and natural gas pipeline transportation. Located in the San Juan Basin, a significant natural gas-producing region, Sims Mesa Compressor Station plays a vital role in connecting local gas production to downstream markets. The station's operation contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the region. Its position in a rural area with proximity to the Colorado border underscores its strategic importance in the regional energy grid.
Environmental context
The compressor station is situated in a semi-arid region of northwestern New Mexico, characterized by sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper woodlands. The area is part of the Colorado Plateau, with sensitive ecosystems that may be affected by pipeline infrastructure. Proximity to waterways and populated areas is limited, but the facility must manage potential risks such as methane leaks and noise pollution. Regulatory compliance under PHMSA includes requirements for leak detection and cathodic protection to minimize environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
Sims Mesa Compressor Station is located approximately 9 miles east of Archuleta, near Aztec, in San Juan County, New Mexico, USA.
Sims Mesa Compressor Station is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the pipeline network, ensuring efficient transportation of natural gas from production areas to consumers.
The facility is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines in the United States.
Compressor stations are critical for maintaining gas pressure and flow over long distances. They are typically spaced along pipelines to compensate for pressure loss due to friction and elevation changes.
Safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, regular inspections, leak detection systems, and compliance with PHMSA regulations to ensure safe operation and minimize environmental risks.
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