Monument Compressor Station - Gas Pipeline Facility in Monument, New Mexico, USA

Monument Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 3 miles southwest of the town of Monument. The facility is operational and plays a key role in the natural gas transmission network serving the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow in the pipeline system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas to downstream markets. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a natural gas pipeline transportation operation. Compressor stations like this one are critical infrastructure for maintaining pipeline integrity and throughput, especially in regions with extensive gathering and transmission networks. Located in the arid high plains of southeastern New Mexico, the station is part of a broader energy infrastructure network that supports local and national energy supply. The Permian Basin's pipeline infrastructure is vital for connecting production areas to refineries, processing plants, and end users. Monument Compressor Station contributes to the reliability and capacity of this system, facilitating the delivery of natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region with sparse vegetation and low population density, reducing immediate environmental sensitivity. However, natural gas pipeline operations carry inherent risks such as methane leakage and potential impacts on local air quality. Proximity to the Permian Basin means the area has extensive oil and gas activity, which can affect groundwater and soil. Pipeline safety regulations require cathodic protection and regular inspections to minimize corrosion and leakage risks.