LOE Central Tank Battery - Oil Extraction Facility in Jal, New Mexico

LOE Central Tank Battery is an operational oil extraction facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 9 miles southwest of Jal. The facility is part of the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that has driven significant growth in U.S. crude output. 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 oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department. Oil extraction activities in this area are subject to the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for volatile organic compounds and methane emissions. The facility's NAICS code 211120 indicates it is classified as crude petroleum extraction, which typically involves drilling, well operation, and separation of oil, gas, and water. The Permian Basin's oil infrastructure plays a critical role in meeting U.S. energy demand, with thousands of similar tank batteries supporting production. LOE Central Tank Battery contributes to the regional economy and energy supply chain, though its specific capacity and operator details are not publicly listed. The facility's location in a semi-arid environment with sparse population reduces some community exposure risks, but groundwater and air quality monitoring remain important considerations.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a region with high oil extraction activity that poses risks of groundwater contamination from produced water and chemical spills. Air emissions from tank batteries, including volatile organic compounds and methane, are a concern under EPA regulations. The semi-arid climate and low population density reduce some exposure pathways, but cumulative impacts from multiple facilities in Lea County require ongoing monitoring and regulatory compliance.