Huell Tank Battery - Oil Extraction Facility in Tatum, New Mexico

Huell Tank Battery is an operational oil extraction facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 14 miles southeast of Tatum. The facility is part of the broader oil infrastructure in the Permian Basin, a region known for its significant crude oil production. As a tank battery, it serves as a collection point for crude oil from multiple wells, where it is temporarily stored before being transported via pipeline or truck. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States 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 control and spill prevention. The Permian Basin's oil infrastructure typically includes a mix of conventional and unconventional extraction methods, with tank batteries playing a key role in gathering and stabilizing crude oil. Huell Tank Battery contributes to the regional oil supply chain, supporting downstream refining and distribution. Its location in a semi-arid environment with low population density reduces some community exposure risks, but the facility must manage potential impacts on local groundwater and air quality. The facility's operational status and integration into the Permian Basin network underscore its role in meeting domestic energy demand.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern New Mexico, characterized by sparse vegetation and low rainfall. Oil extraction activities in this area can affect local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane. Groundwater resources in the Permian Basin are subject to potential contamination from spills or leaks of produced water and crude oil. The facility must comply with EPA regulations for spill prevention and control, as well as state-level requirements for water management and air emissions.