Devon Cotton Draw Unit No. 115H - Oil Extraction Facility in Loving, New Mexico

Devon Cotton Draw Unit No. 115H is an oil extraction facility operated by Devon Energy in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 21 miles southeast of Loving. The facility is situated in the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that accounts for a significant portion of U.S. crude oil output. As an operational well site, it contributes to the extraction of crude oil and natural gas, classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum Extraction) and 211120 (Natural Gas Extraction). The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department. Oil extraction in the Permian Basin is subject to EPA's Clean Air Act regulations, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for volatile organic compounds and methane emissions. Additionally, the facility must comply with state-level rules for water management and waste disposal, particularly for produced water and drilling fluids. Environmental considerations for this facility include potential impacts on local air quality from flaring and fugitive emissions, as well as groundwater protection from well integrity and produced water disposal. The Permian Basin's arid climate and sensitive ecosystems require careful management of water resources and land disturbance. The facility's role in the broader energy supply chain supports regional economic activity and national energy security.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with sensitive ecosystems including desert grasslands and playa lakes. Oil extraction activities can affect local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane, and pose risks to groundwater from well casing failures or produced water spills. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state agencies aims to minimize these impacts through emission controls and water management practices.