Ojo Chiso No3 Compressor Station - Gas Pipeline Facility in Eunice, New Mexico

Ojo Chiso No3 Compressor Station is a gas pipeline compressor station located approximately 21 miles southwest of Eunice, New Mexico, in Lea County. The facility is part of the extensive natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the Permian Basin region, one of the most active oil and gas producing areas in the United States. The station plays a critical role in maintaining gas pressure and flow along the pipeline network. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safety of gas pipelines. As a compressor station, it is equipped with equipment to compress natural gas, ensuring efficient transportation through the pipeline system. The station's NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a pipeline transportation of natural gas facility. The Ojo Chiso No3 Compressor Station contributes to the regional energy infrastructure by supporting the delivery of natural gas from production fields to processing plants and end-users. Its location in the Permian Basin underscores its importance in one of the largest natural gas producing regions in the United States, facilitating energy supply for domestic and industrial use.

The facility is situated in the arid climate of southeastern New Mexico, an area characterized by sparse vegetation and low population density. The Permian Basin's oil and gas activities pose potential environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and air emissions from compressor engines. Proximity to sensitive ecosystems such as playa lakes and grasslands requires careful management of potential leaks or spills. The station's age and cathodic protection systems are critical factors in preventing pipeline corrosion and ensuring environmental safety.