XTO Big Eddy Facility Station No150 - Natural Gas Pipeline Station near Carlsbad, New Mexico

XTO Big Eddy Facility Station No150 is a natural gas pipeline facility located 7.9 miles northeast of Carlsbad, New Mexico, in Eddy County. The facility is operational and plays a role in the extensive pipeline infrastructure of the Permian Basin, one of the most active oil and gas regions in the United States. As a gas pipeline station, it is part of a network that gathers and transports natural gas from production sites to processing plants and downstream markets. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. This includes requirements for pipeline design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance, as well as integrity management programs to prevent leaks and ruptures. The station's specific technical specifications, such as pipeline diameter and throughput capacity, are not publicly detailed, but typical Permian Basin gas pipelines range from medium to large scale, often exceeding 100 kilometers in length. Located in a semi-arid region with low population density, the facility's environmental context involves potential impacts on local air quality from compressor emissions and the risk of pipeline leaks affecting soil and groundwater. The Permian Basin's pipeline infrastructure is critical for delivering natural gas to power plants, industrial users, and residential customers across the southwestern United States, supporting energy reliability and economic activity in the region.

The facility is situated in the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem, characterized by arid conditions and sensitive habitats. Pipeline operations in this region must manage risks related to soil erosion, water use for hydrostatic testing, and potential contamination from leaks. Proximity to the Pecos River and groundwater aquifers necessitates careful monitoring to protect water resources. The area's low population density reduces human exposure risks, but wildlife corridors and protected species may be affected by pipeline construction and maintenance.