Overview
Transwestern Pipeline - Atoka No1 Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility in Artesia, New Mexico, USA. It operates under PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations.
Transwestern Pipeline - Atoka No1 Compressor Station is a natural gas pipeline facility located approximately 10 miles east of Artesia, New Mexico, in Eddy County. The facility is part of the Transwestern Pipeline system, which transports natural gas across the southwestern United States. As a compressor station, it maintains pressure and flow within the pipeline network, ensuring efficient gas delivery. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The Transwestern Pipeline system is a major conduit for natural gas from the Permian Basin to markets in the West and Midwest. Compressor stations like this one are critical infrastructure for long-distance gas transport, typically featuring gas-fired turbines or electric motors to drive compressors. Located in the arid climate of southeastern New Mexico, the station is situated in an area with significant oil and gas activity. The facility's proximity to the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States, underscores its role in supporting energy supply chains. Environmental considerations include potential impacts on local air quality from compressor emissions and the need for robust leak detection and cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion and gas releases.
Environmental context
The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a region with extensive oil and gas extraction activities. The arid environment and proximity to sensitive ecosystems such as the Chihuahuan Desert require careful management of emissions and potential leaks. Compressor stations can contribute to local air pollution through nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, necessitating compliance with EPA air quality standards. Cathodic protection systems are essential to prevent pipeline corrosion, especially in the region's dry, corrosive soils.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located approximately 10 miles east of Artesia, New Mexico, in Eddy County, United States.
It is a natural gas compressor station that maintains pressure and flow within the Transwestern Pipeline system, ensuring efficient transport of natural gas from the Permian Basin to markets.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines.
Safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, leak detection systems, emergency shutdown valves, and regular inspections to comply with PHMSA regulations.
Compressor stations can emit air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. They must comply with EPA air quality standards and implement leak detection and repair programs to minimize methane emissions.
Other Gas Pipeline plants in United States · 6 nearby