Stinking Draw Compressor Station - Gas Pipeline Facility in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Stinking Draw Compressor Station is a gas pipeline facility located approximately 10 miles south of Artesia in Eddy County, near Carlsbad, New Mexico, United States. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. As a compressor station, it plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the natural gas transmission network in the Permian Basin region. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safe transportation of natural gas. Compressor stations like this one are essential for long-distance gas transport, typically featuring gas turbines or electric motors to drive compressors. The specific technical specifications of this station are not detailed, but typical compressor stations in the region have capacities ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 horsepower. This compressor station supports the natural gas infrastructure serving the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States. Its location in southeastern New Mexico places it in an area with extensive pipeline networks connecting production fields to processing plants and markets. The facility contributes to the reliable delivery of natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial use, as well as for power generation.

The facility is situated in the arid landscape of southeastern New Mexico, near the Pecos River watershed. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must consider proximity to populated areas and sensitive ecosystems. The Permian Basin's oil and gas activities require careful management of cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion and leaks. The commodity transported is natural gas, which poses risks of methane emissions and potential explosion hazards if not properly maintained.