Overview
Red Bluff #4 Compressor Station is an operational gas pipeline facility located near Roswell, New Mexico, United States. It supports natural gas transmission infrastructure in the region.
Red Bluff #4 Compressor Station is a gas pipeline compressor station located approximately 23 miles northeast of Roswell, in Chaves County, New Mexico. As part of the United States' extensive natural gas transmission network, this facility plays a role in maintaining pressure and flow within the pipeline system. The station operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 211130 (Natural Gas Extraction) and 486210 (Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas). Compressor stations like this one are critical for moving natural gas over long distances, ensuring reliable delivery to downstream markets. The station's operational status indicates it is actively contributing to the regional energy infrastructure. Environmental considerations for compressor stations include emissions from natural gas-fired engines or turbines used to power compressors, as well as potential noise impacts. The station's location in a semi-arid region of New Mexico means water resources are limited, and operators must manage any water use carefully. The facility's role in the broader pipeline network supports energy supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users across the southwestern United States.
Environmental context
The Red Bluff #4 Compressor Station is situated in a semi-arid environment in southeastern New Mexico, characterized by low precipitation and sensitive desert ecosystems. Proximity to populated areas near Roswell requires careful management of noise and air emissions from compressor operations. The station's natural gas pipeline infrastructure must adhere to PHMSA regulations regarding leak detection and cathodic protection to prevent corrosion and potential releases. The facility's location away from major waterways reduces the risk of water contamination, but any pipeline rupture could impact local soils and wildlife habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Red Bluff #4 Compressor Station is located approximately 23 miles northeast of Roswell, in Chaves County, New Mexico, United States.
It is a compressor station that maintains pressure and flow in a natural gas pipeline, ensuring efficient transportation of natural gas through the transmission network.
Gas pipeline compressor stations in the U.S. are regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Common environmental concerns include air emissions from compressor engines, noise pollution, potential for natural gas leaks, and impacts on local wildlife and habitats. Operators must implement mitigation measures as required by environmental regulations.
Compressor stations are essential for maintaining pipeline pressure, allowing natural gas to flow over long distances. They are typically spaced every 50 to 100 miles along a pipeline and are critical for reliable gas delivery to consumers.
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