Martin County continues to strengthen its position at the heart of the Midland Basin as Brazos Midstream advances another key piece of natural gas infrastructure. On November 20, 2025, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved an air permit (Permit #182278) for the Railhead Compressor Station, further enabling the company’s long-term growth plan in one of the nation’s most productive energy regions.
This new authorization underscores Brazos Midstream’s deepening operational footprint in Martin County and aligns with the company’s broader commitment to expand natural gas processing, reliability, and takeaway capacity across the Midland Basin.
A Closer Look: Railhead Compressor Station Air Permit
The newly approved permit falls under the OGS New Project Notification for New Registration and applies to the Railhead Compressor Station, located north of Stanton in Martin County.
Key details include:
- Customer: Brazos Midstream Operating III, LLC
- Regulated Entity Number: RN112325550
- Permit Action: NEW standard permit (STDPMT)
- Location: Approximately 14 miles north of Stanton off Farm Road 3033
- Approval Date: November 20, 2025
Compressor stations like Railhead play a foundational role in safely and efficiently moving natural gas from well sites to processing plants and downstream markets. This permit signals that construction and development can move forward, supporting the company’s continued infrastructure buildout.
A Major Investment: Brazos Midstream’s 300 MMcf/d Expansion in Martin County
The air permit arrives at the same time Brazos Midstream is executing one of the most significant midstream expansions in the Midland Basin.
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced that Brazos Midland Processing, LLC qualified for the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, securing support for their upcoming 300 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) natural gas processing plant in Martin County.
Project Highlights:
- $185 million capital investment
- Construction of the new Sundance II cryogenic processing facility
- Once online, the expansion will increase Brazos’ Midland Basin processing capacity to 500 MMcf/d
- Supports job creation within Martin County and Stanton ISD
- Reinforces Texas’ strategic natural gas infrastructure and energy dominance
As CEO Brad Iles noted, this project delivers “mission-critical gas infrastructure and reliable takeaway capacity to energy producers,” directly supporting the region’s long-term production growth.
Why This Matters for Martin County and the Permian Basin
1. Strengthening Local and Regional Energy Infrastructure
Natural gas takeaway is one of the most important constraints in the Permian Basin. Every incremental compressor station, pipeline, and processing plant helps ensure that operators can move gas to market safely and economically. The Railhead Compressor Station is a small but critical cog in that system.
2. Boosting Economic Development
Brazos Midstream’s latest expansion is far more than an industrial project — it represents real economic growth for Martin County:
- Millions in capital investment
- Support for local school districts such as Stanton ISD
- Construction jobs followed by long-term skilled positions
- Increased tax revenue to support community services
Local leaders such as Senator Kevin Sparks and Representative Tom Craddick highlighted that this project directly strengthens the region’s economic resilience.
3. Reinforcing Texas’ Leadership in Responsible Energy Production
The Midland Basin accounts for 25% of all U.S. natural gas production in the lower 48 states. Infrastructure expansions like Sundance II — supported by compressor stations such as Railhead — ensure that Texas can meet rising energy demand while maintaining reliability and environmental compliance.
4. Supporting Operators and Reducing Flaring
More processing and compression capacity means:
- Less flaring
- Better gas capture
- Higher value extraction for producers
- More efficient development across Martin County
Brazos Midstream’s footprint directly supports operators working to meet environmental standards while maximizing production.
A Long-Term Commitment to Martin County
From air permit filings to multi-hundred-million-dollar investments, Brazos Midstream is proving its long-term commitment to Martin County and the Permian Basin. Backed by local support, state incentives, and a deep understanding of the region’s energy needs, Brazos is positioning Martin County as a central hub for natural gas processing and midstream reliability.
As the Permian Basin continues to drive U.S. natural gas supply and fuel both domestic and global markets, infrastructure expansions like the Railhead Compressor Station and Sundance II are critical for ensuring the region remains the energy capital of the world.
Martin County isn’t just benefiting from these developments — it’s helping power America’s future.
