Compressor Stations

Compressor Stations

High pressure natural gas pipelines such as the proposed Northeast Energy Direct (NED) require compressor stations with large engines to maintain pressure and move the gas through the pipeline toward the market.

Where would they be located?

—Kinder Morgan has not provided specific siting information.

—Nine new compressor stations are planned for this project in four states, plus an "upgrade" to one in PA.

—Maps of the proposed route show four-mile sections indicating the general location of the largest stations: Schodack/Nassau, NY, Windsor, MA, Northfield, MA, and Greenville, NH as well as smaller—but still enormous compared to most in operation—stations in Wright, NY (20,000 HP) and Dracut, MA (23,000 HP).

How much land? Likely 50-75 acres each; at minimum 10 acres for operation, 20 acres for construction (the footprint of a Walmart supercenter, including the parking lot, is about 20 acres).

How big would the largest compressor stations for NED be?

—90,000 Horsepower with three huge Titan 250 turbines (30,000 HP each).

—The Southwick, MA compressor station shown in KM’s presentation is 2,000 Horsepower— NED's would be 40 times bigger!

-- The compressor station at Malden Bridge, NY is 10,000HP (1/9th the size of the proposed one).

Noise and light pollution

—The normal operating sound in close proximity of a single Titan 130 turbine running at less than full capacity is 113 decibels. That’s as loud as the loudest rock concert in history.

—A blowdown is intentional venting to release pressure. This can last up to 2 hours, and at close proximity, can be as loud as a 747. Half a mile away it would sound like standing near a lawn mower (60- 90 decibels).

—Stadium-style lights illuminate the industrial complex and the night sky.

Emissions

—Air pollution through intentional venting, leaks, and accidental releases.

—324,000 tons of CO2, 121 tons of carbon monoxide, 106 tons nitrogen oxide, 26 tons of volatile organic compounds per year per Titan 250 turbine.

—Between 100 and 3,000 pounds per year each of benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde per Titan 250 turbine.

—Emissions can lead to serious health issues for citizens who live close by.

Explosions & Fires at compressor stations are documented throughout the Northeast and the country.

OR