Roswell Compressor Station No9 - Natural Gas Pipeline Facility in Roswell, New Mexico

Roswell Compressor Station No9 is a natural gas pipeline compressor station situated in Chaves County, New Mexico, approximately 5 miles north of Roswell. 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 jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The facility's technical specifications are limited, but as a compressor station, it likely includes gas compression units, valves, and metering equipment to regulate gas flow. In the context of the U.S. natural gas infrastructure, such stations are critical for long-distance transport from production areas in the Permian Basin to markets across the country. The station's location near Roswell places it within a region with significant oil and gas activity. Environmentally, the station's operation involves combustion emissions from compressors and potential methane leakage, which are regulated under EPA and state air quality rules. The facility contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the region. Its role in the broader pipeline network underscores the importance of compressor stations in maintaining efficient and safe gas transmission.

The Roswell area is semi-arid with low population density, reducing immediate risk to populated areas. However, the station's proximity to highways and rural communities requires adherence to PHMSA's integrity management rules. The commodity transported is natural gas, which poses fire and explosion hazards if released. Cathodic protection systems are typically employed to prevent pipeline corrosion, a key risk factor for aging infrastructure.