Aera Energy Belridge - Oil Extraction Facility in McKittrick, California

Aera Energy Belridge is an oil extraction facility located at 59231 Main Camp Road in McKittrick, California, within Kern County. The facility is operational and contributes to the region's significant oil production, which is part of the larger San Joaquin Valley oil fields. As an oil extraction plant, it focuses on the recovery of crude oil from underground reservoirs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) Refinery MACT standards for air emissions, and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) for offshore operations, though this facility is onshore. California also enforces stringent state-level regulations through the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), which oversee well stimulation, water management, and emissions. Oil extraction in Kern County plays a crucial role in the local economy and energy supply. The facility's operations involve drilling and pumping technologies typical of the region, with environmental considerations including groundwater protection and air quality management. The facility's significance lies in its contribution to the state's oil production and its adherence to evolving regulatory standards.

The facility is situated in the semi-arid San Joaquin Valley, an area with significant air quality challenges due to particulate matter and ozone precursors. Oil extraction operations can contribute to local emissions and water usage. The region's geology involves complex reservoir management, and the facility must comply with California's strict groundwater protection rules and the EPA's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements to mitigate spill risks.