Carracas Water Disposal Unit - Oil Extraction Facility in Dulce, New Mexico

Carracas Water Disposal Unit is an operational oil extraction facility situated in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, approximately 15 miles west of Dulce. As a water disposal unit, it plays a critical role in managing wastewater generated from oil extraction activities in the region, which is part of the broader San Juan Basin oil and gas play. The facility operates under U.S. regulations including EPA's Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, as well as state-level oversight from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division. Water disposal units like this one are essential for handling produced water, a byproduct of oil extraction, and typically involve injection into deep wells to prevent surface contamination. By managing produced water, Carracas Water Disposal Unit helps reduce environmental risks associated with oil extraction, such as groundwater contamination and surface spills. Its location in a rural area of northwestern New Mexico underscores its role in supporting the region's energy infrastructure while adhering to federal and state environmental standards.

The facility is located in the arid high desert of northwestern New Mexico, an area with sensitive groundwater resources and ecosystems. Proper disposal of produced water is critical to prevent contamination of aquifers and surface waters. The region's oil extraction activities are subject to EPA regulations under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, as well as state rules from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division, which govern injection well operations and spill prevention.