Smith Ranch Compressor Station, Maljamar

Overview

Smith Ranch Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility in Maljamar, New Mexico, USA. It operates within the Lea County region, supporting the transport of natural gas under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.

Smith Ranch Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located approximately 14 miles southeast of Maljamar, New Mexico, in Lea County. The station plays a key role in the regional natural gas transportation network, serving the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow in the pipeline system, ensuring efficient delivery of natural gas to downstream markets. 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 gas pipeline safety. The station's NAICS code 486210 corresponds to pipeline transportation of natural gas. While specific technical details such as pipeline length or capacity are not disclosed, compressor stations of this type typically include gas-fired turbines or electric motors to drive compressors, along with safety systems like emergency shutdown valves and cathodic protection to prevent corrosion. Smith Ranch Compressor Station is situated in a semi-arid region with sparse population, reducing the risk to populated areas. The station contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the region. Its location in the Permian Basin underscores its importance in connecting production areas to major pipeline corridors serving markets across the United States.

Environmental context

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a region characterized by arid climate and low population density. The primary environmental considerations for pipeline infrastructure in this area include potential impacts on soil and groundwater from leaks or spills, as well as disturbance to local wildlife habitats. The station's proximity to agricultural and ranch lands necessitates careful monitoring of emissions and noise. Cathodic protection systems are employed to mitigate corrosion risks, and regular inspections are conducted to ensure pipeline integrity.

Frequently asked questions

Smith Ranch Compressor Station is located approximately 14 miles southeast of Maljamar, New Mexico, in Lea County, United States.

Smith Ranch Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility that compresses and transports natural gas through the pipeline network, maintaining pressure and flow to ensure efficient delivery to downstream markets.

The facility is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines in the United States.

Typical safety measures include emergency shutdown valves, cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, leak detection systems, and regular inspections to ensure pipeline integrity and compliance with PHMSA regulations.

Compressor stations are critical for maintaining pressure and flow in long-distance pipelines, enabling the efficient transport of natural gas from production areas to distribution networks and end users.