Cotton Draw Well No64 Compressor - Gas Pipeline Facility in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Cotton Draw Well No64 Compressor is a gas pipeline facility located approximately 38 miles southeast of Carlsbad, New Mexico, in Eddy County. The facility is operational and plays a role in the natural gas transmission infrastructure of the United States, specifically within the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the country. As a compressor station, it helps maintain pressure and flow in the pipeline network. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which enforces 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines. This includes requirements for pipeline integrity management, corrosion control, and emergency response. The NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a natural gas pipeline transmission facility. Compressor stations like this one are critical for moving gas over long distances, and their scale is typical for regional gathering systems in the Permian Basin. Environmentally, the facility is situated in a semi-arid region with sparse population, reducing immediate community risk. However, the Permian Basin's extensive pipeline network requires careful monitoring to prevent leaks and protect local ecosystems, including the nearby Pecos River watershed. The facility's role in the broader gas transmission grid supports energy supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users across the southwestern United States.

The facility is located in the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem, characterized by arid conditions and sensitive habitats. Proximity to the Pecos River and agricultural areas necessitates robust spill prevention and cathodic protection measures to safeguard water resources. The Permian Basin's high density of pipelines requires coordinated leak detection and maintenance to minimize environmental impact.