Overview
READ & STEVENS COMPRESSOR STATION is a natural gas pipeline compressor station located in Hobbs, New Mexico, United States. It operates within the Lea County area, supporting regional gas transmission infrastructure.
READ & STEVENS COMPRESSOR STATION is a natural gas pipeline compressor station situated approximately 22.4 miles southwest of Hobbs, New Mexico, in Lea County. As part of the United States' extensive natural gas pipeline network, this facility plays a role in maintaining pressure and flow for gas transmission. The station is operational and falls under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The facility's technical specifications are limited, but as a compressor station, it typically includes equipment such as gas turbines or electric motors to compress natural gas, ensuring efficient transport through pipelines. In the context of New Mexico's oil and gas industry, compressor stations like this are critical for moving gas from production areas to processing plants and end users. The station's location in Lea County places it within the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. Environmentally, the station's operations involve combustion emissions from compressors and potential methane leaks, which are regulated under PHMSA's integrity management programs. The facility's proximity to Hobbs and surrounding communities necessitates adherence to safety standards to protect public health and the environment. Its role in the gas transmission grid supports energy supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users across the region.
Environmental context
The READ & STEVENS COMPRESSOR STATION operates in the Permian Basin, a region with significant oil and gas activity. Environmental considerations include air emissions from compressor engines, potential methane leakage, and water usage for cooling. The station's location in a semi-arid area with sparse population reduces some risks, but proximity to wildlife habitats and groundwater resources requires careful management under PHMSA regulations and state environmental rules.
Frequently asked questions
READ & STEVENS COMPRESSOR STATION is located approximately 22.4 miles southwest of Hobbs, New Mexico, in Lea County, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in the pipeline system to ensure efficient gas transmission.
In the United States, compressor stations are regulated by PHMSA under DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which covers gas pipeline safety, including design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Compressor stations boost gas pressure to overcome friction losses and maintain flow over long distances, ensuring reliable delivery to customers.
The station may emit air pollutants from compressors and pose risks of methane leaks. It operates under environmental regulations to minimize impacts on air quality and local ecosystems.
Other Gas Pipeline plants in United States · 6 nearby