Gordon Federal 1-15 CTB Oil Extraction Facility, Watford City, North Dakota

Gordon Federal 1-15 CTB is an oil extraction facility situated in Watford City, McKenzie County, North Dakota, within the prolific Bakken shale formation. The facility is operational and contributes to the region's significant crude oil production, which has transformed North Dakota into one of the top oil-producing states in the United States. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Dakota Industrial Commission. Oil extraction in this region typically involves hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling to access tight oil reservoirs. The Bakken play is known for its light sweet crude oil, and facilities like this one are part of a dense network of well pads and central tank batteries that gather and process crude before transport via pipeline or rail. As part of the Bakken oil boom, Gordon Federal 1-15 CTB plays a role in meeting domestic energy demand. The environmental context includes managing produced water, reducing flaring, and minimizing surface disturbance. The facility's location in a rural area with cold winters and sensitive prairie ecosystems requires adherence to state and federal regulations to protect air and water quality.

Oil extraction in the Bakken region involves risks such as groundwater contamination from hydraulic fracturing, air emissions from flaring and equipment, and surface spills. The facility must comply with EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, as well as state rules on flaring reduction and produced water management. The semi-arid prairie ecosystem is sensitive to disturbance, and operators implement best practices to minimize environmental impact.