PINNACLE NATURAL GAS OCOTILLO HILLS NO4 Gas Pipeline, Carlsbad, New Mexico

PINNACLE NATURAL GAS OCOTILLO HILLS NO4 is a gas pipeline facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 8 kilometers northeast of Carlsbad. The facility is part of the extensive natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the Permian Basin region, a major hub for natural gas production and transportation in the United States. 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 natural gas pipeline, it is designed to transport natural gas from production areas to processing plants or distribution networks. The specific length and capacity of this pipeline are not detailed, but typical pipelines in this region can span several kilometers and handle significant throughput. This pipeline plays a role in the regional energy grid, supporting the delivery of natural gas to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers. Its location in the Permian Basin underscores its importance in connecting supply sources with demand centers. The facility's operational status indicates it is actively contributing to the energy infrastructure of the southwestern United States.

The pipeline is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern New Mexico, characterized by desert scrub and low precipitation. Proximity to populated areas like Carlsbad and waterways such as the Pecos River may pose environmental considerations. Natural gas pipelines typically have lower spill risks than liquid pipelines, but methane leaks can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Cathodic protection systems are standard to prevent corrosion and maintain pipeline integrity.