Overview
Star Lake Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility located near Torreon Trading Post, New Mexico, United States. It operates within the natural gas transmission sector, supporting regional pipeline infrastructure.
Star Lake Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility situated in McKinley County, New Mexico, approximately 15 miles northwest of Torreon Trading Post. As a compressor station, it plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the natural gas transmission network, ensuring efficient transport of gas across the region. The facility is operational and falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. federal pipeline safety regulations. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Compressor stations like this one are essential for long-distance gas transmission, typically using turbine or reciprocating compressors to boost pressure. The station's location in rural New Mexico supports the broader natural gas infrastructure serving the southwestern United States. Environmental considerations for this facility include its proximity to remote areas and potential impacts on local ecosystems. Compressor stations are subject to emissions regulations under the Clean Air Act, and operators must implement leak detection and cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion and gas releases. The station contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the region.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a semi-arid region of northwestern New Mexico, characterized by sparse vegetation and low population density. Proximity to natural habitats and waterways requires careful management of potential leaks or emissions. Compressor stations are typically designed with containment systems and monitoring to mitigate environmental risks, and operators must adhere to PHMSA's integrity management programs for gas pipelines.
Frequently asked questions
Star Lake Compressor Station is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Torreon Trading Post in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States.
Star Lake Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility that compresses natural gas to maintain pressure and flow within the transmission pipeline network, ensuring efficient transport of gas over long distances.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines.
Common risks include pipeline corrosion, mechanical failure, and leaks of natural gas, which can pose safety and environmental hazards. Operators implement cathodic protection, regular inspections, and emergency response plans to mitigate these risks.
The station is subject to emissions regulations and must manage potential impacts on air quality and nearby ecosystems. Leak detection and containment systems are used to minimize environmental risks.
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