Overview
OCOTILLO HILLS NO 4 is a gas pipeline facility located 8 km NE of Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA. It operates under US PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
OCOTILLO HILLS NO 4 is a gas pipeline facility located 8 km northeast of Carlsbad, in Eddy County, New Mexico, United States. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. As part of the extensive gas pipeline network in the Permian Basin region, it plays a role in transporting natural gas from production areas to processing and distribution points. 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. This includes requirements for pipeline design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance, as well as corrosion control measures such as cathodic protection. The pipeline's age and specific technical specifications are not detailed, but typical gas pipelines in this region are constructed from steel and range from 6 to 36 inches in diameter. Located in the arid climate of southeastern New Mexico, the pipeline traverses areas with sensitive desert ecosystems and proximity to the Carlsbad Caverns region. The facility's operational significance lies in its contribution to the regional energy infrastructure, supporting natural gas transport from the prolific Permian Basin to markets across the United States. Its location near Carlsbad also underscores the importance of pipeline safety in areas with potential for interaction with populated zones and natural landmarks.
Environmental context
The pipeline is situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, an arid region with fragile soils and sparse vegetation. Proximity to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Pecos River highlights the need for careful environmental management. Gas pipelines in this area must address risks such as soil erosion, potential leaks affecting groundwater, and wildlife disruption. Regulatory compliance under PHMSA includes environmental protection measures during construction and operation.
Frequently asked questions
OCOTILLO HILLS NO 4 is located approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Carlsbad, in Eddy County, New Mexico, United States.
It is a natural gas pipeline facility that transports gas as part of the regional pipeline network, likely serving the Permian Basin production area.
Gas pipelines in the US are regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for design, construction, and operation.
Safety measures include cathodic protection for corrosion control, regular inspections, pressure testing, leak detection systems, and emergency response plans as mandated by PHMSA regulations.
The pipeline traverses desert ecosystems near Carlsbad Caverns, requiring measures to prevent leaks, manage erosion, and protect wildlife. PHMSA regulations include environmental compliance during construction and operation.
Other Gas Pipeline plants in United States · 6 nearby