FEDERAL 6 NO1 Gas Pipeline Facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico

FEDERAL 6 NO1 is a gas pipeline facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 20 miles northwest of Carlsbad. As part of the United States' extensive natural gas pipeline network, it plays a role in transporting natural gas from production areas to distribution systems. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safety of gas pipelines. These regulations cover design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance, including requirements for cathodic protection and leak detection. The pipeline's age and specific technical specifications are not detailed, but typical gas pipelines in this region are built to high standards given the arid environment and proximity to sensitive ecosystems. Environmental and operational significance: The pipeline serves the energy infrastructure 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 in a region with significant oil and gas activity, contributing to the local economy and energy supply. The facility's operational status ensures continued transport of natural gas, supporting downstream power generation and industrial use.

The pipeline is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, an arid region with sensitive ecosystems. Proximity to populated areas and waterways requires robust safety measures. The commodity transported (natural gas) poses lower environmental risk than liquids, but leak detection and cathodic protection are critical to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. Regulatory oversight under PHMSA ensures adherence to environmental protection standards.