AERA ENERGY PENN ZIER Oil Extraction Facility in Coalinga, California

AERA ENERGY PENN ZIER is an operational oil extraction facility located at 29010 Shell Road in Coalinga, Fresno County, California. Situated in the San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive oil regions in the United States, the facility is part of the extensive oil infrastructure that has supported California's energy needs for over a century. The facility's NAICS code 211120 classifies it as a crude petroleum extraction operation, indicating it focuses on the initial production of crude oil from subsurface reservoirs. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Key regulations include the EPA's Clean Air Act (CAA) Refinery MACT standards for air emissions, though these apply more directly to refineries, and state-level rules for oil and gas production such as California's Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) for well stimulation. The facility likely employs conventional extraction methods typical of the region, such as water flooding or steam injection, given the heavy oil nature of the San Joaquin Valley fields. As part of the mature oil fields in Coalinga, the facility contributes to the local economy and energy supply. The environmental context includes potential risks of groundwater contamination from produced water and surface spills, managed through state-mandated monitoring and spill prevention plans. The facility's role in the regional oil infrastructure underscores its significance in maintaining domestic production levels in a state with stringent environmental regulations.

The facility is located in the San Joaquin Valley, a region with significant air quality challenges due to particulate matter and ozone precursors from industrial and agricultural activities. Oil extraction operations can contribute to these issues through emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane. Groundwater protection is a key concern, as produced water from oil extraction may contain hydrocarbons and heavy metals. California's regulations require groundwater monitoring and the implementation of best management practices to minimize environmental impacts.