Cave Lion 26-35-5 Fed 2H 6H 8H 9H 12H 15H CTB - Oil Extraction Facility in Jal, New Mexico

Cave Lion 26-35-5 Fed 2H 6H 8H 9H 12H 15H CTB is an oil extraction facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 12.1 miles southwest of Jal. The facility is part of the vast Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. As an operational oil extraction site, it contributes to the United States' domestic crude oil supply, supporting energy infrastructure in the region. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and applicable New Mexico state regulations. Oil extraction in the Permian Basin typically involves horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access tight oil formations. The NAICS code 211120 indicates crude petroleum extraction, which encompasses drilling, completing, and operating wells. The facility's scale is consistent with the dense well spacing common in the area. Environmental considerations for oil extraction in this arid region include water usage for hydraulic fracturing, potential groundwater contamination, and air emissions from drilling and production activities. The facility's location in Lea County places it within an area of significant oil and gas development, where operators must manage produced water and comply with state and federal environmental standards. The facility's role in the local energy economy is substantial, supporting jobs and tax revenue in the region.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with limited surface water. Oil extraction operations here require careful management of water resources, as hydraulic fracturing consumes large volumes of water. Potential environmental risks include groundwater contamination from well casing failures, air emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, and land disturbance from well pads and access roads. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and New Mexico Environment Division aims to mitigate these impacts through permitting and monitoring requirements.