Culebra Bluff CTB 3 Oil Extraction Facility, Loving, New Mexico

Culebra Bluff CTB 3 is an operational oil extraction facility situated in Loving, New Mexico, within Eddy County. The facility is part of the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that has driven significant growth in U.S. crude oil output. As an oil extraction site, it contributes to the upstream segment of the petroleum industry, focusing on the recovery of crude oil from subsurface reservoirs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department. Oil extraction activities in this region are subject to the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA), with specific requirements for emissions control and produced water management. The Permian Basin's geology typically involves horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access oil from tight formations, a common technique for modern extraction in the area. Culebra Bluff CTB 3 plays a role in the local energy supply chain, supporting crude oil production that feeds into refineries and downstream markets. The facility's location in Eddy County places it within a region with extensive oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines and processing plants. Its operations contribute to the economic activity of Loving and the broader southeastern New Mexico area.

The facility is situated in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with sensitive ecosystems and limited water resources. Oil extraction activities can impact local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, and water resources through the use of freshwater for hydraulic fracturing and the disposal of produced water. The proximity to the Pecos River and groundwater aquifers necessitates careful management to prevent contamination. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state agencies aims to mitigate these environmental risks.