Devon Energy - Todd 13 Battery: Oil Extraction Facility in Loving, New Mexico

Devon Energy - Todd 13 Battery is an oil extraction facility located in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 21 miles east of Loving. The facility is situated in the Permian Basin, a prolific oil-producing region that accounts for a significant portion of U.S. crude oil output. As an operational battery, it serves as a central point for gathering, separating, and storing crude oil and natural gas from nearby wells. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department. Key regulations include the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions control and the Clean Water Act for produced water management. The Permian Basin's oil extraction activities are subject to state-level rules on flaring, venting, and water disposal, with increasing scrutiny on methane emissions and groundwater protection. Environmental considerations for this facility include potential impacts on local air quality from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, as well as water usage and disposal of produced water. The region's arid climate and sensitive ecosystems require careful management of spills and leaks. The facility's role in the broader oil supply chain supports energy production but also contributes to the cumulative environmental footprint of the Permian Basin.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with sensitive ecosystems and limited water resources. Oil extraction operations can impact air quality through emissions of VOCs and methane, and water resources through the use of freshwater for hydraulic fracturing and disposal of produced water. The area is also home to species such as the lesser prairie-chicken, which is protected under the Endangered Species Act. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state agencies aims to mitigate these impacts through permitting and monitoring requirements.