GAUCHO UNIT NO2Y Oil Extraction Facility, Lea, New Mexico

GAUCHO UNIT NO2Y is an oil extraction facility located in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 22 miles southeast of the city of Lea. The facility is operational and contributes to the United States' domestic oil production, operating within the Permian Basin, a prolific oil-producing region. As an oil extraction site, it is part of the broader infrastructure supporting the country's energy supply. 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 this region typically involves drilling and well operations, with production transported via pipelines to refineries. The Permian Basin is known for its extensive oil reserves and advanced extraction technologies. The facility's location in a semi-arid environment with sparse population reduces some community exposure risks, but oil extraction activities can impact local air quality and water resources. The site's role in the national energy grid is significant, contributing to the United States' oil production capacity and energy security.

The facility is situated in the Permian Basin, a region with a semi-arid climate and low population density. Oil extraction activities can affect local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane, and water resources through potential groundwater contamination. The area's ecology includes desert shrublands and grasslands, which may be sensitive to industrial disturbances.