Overview
Transwestern Pipeline - Flagstaff Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located 3 miles west of Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. It operates under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
Transwestern Pipeline - Flagstaff Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility situated in Coconino County, Arizona, approximately 3 miles west of Flagstaff. As part of the Transwestern Pipeline system, this compressor station plays a critical role in maintaining gas flow and pressure along the pipeline network serving the southwestern United States. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safe transportation of natural gas. Compressor stations like this one are essential for boosting pressure to move gas efficiently over long distances, and they typically include gas-fired turbines or electric motors, cooling systems, and safety equipment such as emergency shutdown valves. Located near Flagstaff, a city of approximately 75,000 residents, the station is situated in a region with significant ecological and recreational value, including the Coconino National Forest. The pipeline infrastructure supports energy delivery to communities and industries in Arizona and beyond, contributing to regional energy security while operating under strict safety protocols to minimize environmental impact.
Environmental context
The compressor station is located in a semi-arid region near Flagstaff, characterized by ponderosa pine forests and high desert terrain. Proximity to populated areas and the Coconino National Forest necessitates robust safety measures, including leak detection and cathodic protection systems, to prevent gas releases that could impact air quality or wildfire risk. The facility's operations are subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act and state-level oversight.
Frequently asked questions
The compressor station is located approximately 3 miles west of Flagstaff, Arizona, in Coconino County, with a postal code of 86001.
It is a natural gas compressor station that boosts pressure to maintain flow along the Transwestern Pipeline system, ensuring efficient transportation of natural gas to markets in the southwestern United States.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for natural gas pipelines.
Typical safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, automatic shut-off valves, leak detection systems, and regular inspections to comply with PHMSA regulations.
The station operates under environmental permits that limit emissions and require spill prevention plans. Its location near forested areas necessitates fire safety protocols and monitoring to protect air quality and local ecosystems.
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