Apache - Prairie Fire State No 1 Battery - Oil Extraction Facility in Eunice, New Mexico

Apache - Prairie Fire State No 1 Battery is an oil extraction facility located approximately 16 miles east-northeast of Eunice, in Lea County, New Mexico. The facility operates within the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that spans western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. As an oil extraction site, it is part of the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, focusing on the production of crude oil from underground reservoirs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department. Key regulations include the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions control and the Clean Water Act for produced water management. The facility's NAICS codes (211111 and 211120) indicate it is involved in crude petroleum and natural gas extraction. Typical operations at such facilities include well drilling, fluid handling, and separation of oil, gas, and water. The Permian Basin is known for its high production capacity and extensive infrastructure. This facility contributes to the regional oil supply, supporting downstream refineries and petrochemical plants. The environmental context includes arid landscapes and potential impacts on local water resources, requiring careful management of produced water and emissions. The facility's location in a sparsely populated area reduces some community exposure risks.

The facility is situated in the arid Permian Basin, where water scarcity is a key environmental concern. Oil extraction operations generate produced water, which requires proper disposal or treatment to prevent contamination of groundwater. Air emissions from equipment and flaring are regulated under the Clean Air Act. The region's sensitive ecosystems include desert habitats and playa lakes, which can be affected by spills or leaks. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state agencies aims to mitigate these risks.