Overview
Bell Lake Compressor Station GCP4-2208 is an operational gas pipeline facility in Jal, New Mexico, supporting natural gas transmission in the Permian Basin region.
Bell Lake Compressor Station GCP4-2208 is a gas pipeline facility located approximately 22 miles northwest of Jal, in Lea County, New Mexico. The facility is operational and plays a key role in the natural gas transmission network of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. Its location in southeastern New Mexico places it within a dense network of midstream infrastructure serving both local and interstate markets. 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. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow in the pipeline system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas from production areas to processing plants and end users. The station's NAICS codes (211111 and 486210) reflect its involvement in crude petroleum extraction and natural gas pipeline transportation. Bell Lake Compressor Station contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply in the region, supporting industrial, commercial, and residential energy needs. Its operation is integral to the broader energy infrastructure of the Permian Basin, which is a critical driver of U.S. energy production. The facility's location in a semi-arid environment with low population density reduces certain operational risks, though pipeline integrity and cathodic protection remain key safety considerations.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southeastern New Mexico, characterized by low annual rainfall and sparse vegetation. The area is part of the Permian Basin, where oil and gas extraction is the dominant land use. Proximity to populated areas is limited, with Jal being the nearest town. The primary environmental considerations for gas pipeline infrastructure include potential methane leakage, soil disturbance during construction, and impacts on local wildlife. Cathodic protection systems are typically employed to prevent corrosion, and regular inspections are mandated under PHMSA regulations to minimize environmental risks.
Frequently asked questions
Bell Lake Compressor Station GCP4-2208 is located approximately 22 miles northwest of Jal, in Lea County, New Mexico, United States.
Bell Lake Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility that compresses natural gas to maintain pressure and flow in the pipeline system, ensuring efficient transport from production areas to processing plants and end users.
The facility is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines in the United States.
Compressor stations are critical for maintaining pipeline pressure, enabling natural gas to flow over long distances. They are typically spaced along the pipeline route and are essential for efficient and reliable gas transmission.
Gas pipelines in the US are subject to PHMSA regulations, including requirements for cathodic protection, regular inspections, leak detection, and emergency response plans. Operators must also comply with integrity management programs to prevent failures.
Other Gas Pipeline plants in United States · 6 nearby