Cedar Lake Compressor Station - Natural Gas Pipeline Facility in Maljamar, New Mexico

Cedar Lake Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 8 miles southwest of Maljamar. The station is part of the extensive pipeline infrastructure serving the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. As a compressor station, it plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the natural gas transmission network. 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 facility. Compressor stations of this type typically include gas compression units, cooling systems, and metering equipment to ensure efficient and safe gas transport. The Cedar Lake Compressor Station contributes to the regional energy infrastructure by enabling the delivery of natural gas from production fields to downstream markets. Its location in the Permian Basin underscores its importance in supporting both domestic energy supply and economic activity in southeastern New Mexico. The station's operational status ensures continued reliability for the natural gas grid in the area.

The facility is situated in the arid landscape of southeastern New Mexico, characterized by sparse vegetation and low precipitation. Proximity to populated areas is limited given the rural setting, but the station's operations involve natural gas compression, which can contribute to local air emissions such as nitrogen oxides and methane. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must consider potential impacts on soil and groundwater, as well as wildlife habitats in the surrounding desert environment.