Derrick Fee 1 Pad Oil Extraction Facility, Carlsbad, New Mexico

Derrick Fee 1 Pad is an oil extraction facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 6.2 miles southeast of Carlsbad. The facility is part of the 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. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department. Oil extraction activities are subject to the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA), with specific requirements for emissions controls and produced water management. The Permian Basin is known for its extensive horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations, which have significantly increased oil production in the region. The Derrick Fee 1 Pad plays a role in the local economy and energy infrastructure of Eddy County. Its location near Carlsbad places it within an area with a strong industrial base supporting oil and gas activities. The facility's operations are part of a broader network of extraction sites that supply crude oil to refineries and downstream markets.

The facility is located in the arid climate of southeastern New Mexico, where water resources are limited. Oil extraction in this region involves significant water use for hydraulic fracturing and produced water management. The Permian Basin has seen increased regulatory scrutiny regarding methane emissions and groundwater protection. Local environmental concerns include potential impacts on air quality from volatile organic compounds and the management of saline wastewater through deep-well injection.