SUTER 1A COMPRESSOR STATION - Gas Pipeline Facility in Aztec, New Mexico

SUTER 1A COMPRESSOR STATION is a natural gas pipeline compressor station located in San Juan County, New Mexico, approximately 18 miles northeast of Aztec. The facility is part of the extensive pipeline infrastructure serving the San Juan Basin, one of the largest natural gas producing regions in the United States. As a compressor station, it plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the gas transmission system. 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. The NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a pipeline transportation of natural gas operation. Compressor stations of this type typically include gas compression units, cooling systems, and metering equipment. This station supports the regional energy infrastructure by enabling the efficient transport of natural gas from production fields to downstream markets. Its location in the San Juan Basin underscores its importance to both local and national energy supply chains. The facility's operational status ensures continued contribution to grid reliability and energy delivery in the southwestern United States.

The facility is situated in the semi-arid climate of northwestern New Mexico, an area characterized by high desert terrain and the San Juan River watershed. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must consider proximity to populated areas and waterways, as well as the age and cathodic protection of pipelines. The commodity transported is natural gas, which poses risks of leaks or ruptures that could affect air quality and local ecosystems. Regulatory compliance with PHMSA standards helps mitigate these environmental risks.