Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co - Compressor Station 524, Golden Meadow, Louisiana | Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co - Compressor Station 524 is a natural gas compressor station located in Golden Meadow, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The facility is part of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline system, a major interstate natural gas pipeline network that transports gas from the Gulf of Mexico and shale plays to markets across the northeastern and midwestern United States. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow within the pipeline, ensuring efficient and reliable gas delivery. 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 station's NAICS codes (211120 and 486210) indicate involvement in natural gas extraction and pipeline transportation. Compressor stations of this type typically use turbine or reciprocating compressors to boost gas pressure over long distances. Located in the coastal wetlands of southern Louisiana, the station plays a critical role in the regional energy infrastructure, connecting supply from the Gulf Coast to downstream markets. The area is prone to hurricanes and subsidence, which pose operational risks. The facility's proximity to waterways and populated areas necessitates robust safety and environmental management practices to prevent leaks and protect local ecosystems.

The compressor station is situated in the Mississippi River Delta region, an ecologically sensitive area with extensive wetlands, bayous, and coastal marshes. These habitats support diverse wildlife and provide natural storm surge protection. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must contend with soil erosion, subsidence, and the risk of damage from hurricanes. Spills or leaks could impact nearby water bodies and sensitive ecosystems, making cathodic protection and regular inspections critical for environmental safety.