LONGVIEW 31-1H PAD Oil Extraction Facility, Loving, New Mexico

LONGVIEW 31-1H PAD is an operational oil extraction facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 5.5 miles northeast of Loving. The facility is part of the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that accounts for a significant portion of U.S. crude oil output. As a pad site, it supports horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access oil from the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp formations. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NM OCD). Key regulations include the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions control and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for underground injection. The NAICS code 211120 indicates crude petroleum extraction, which typically involves drilling, completion, and production operations. Oil extraction in the Permian Basin has transformed the regional economy and energy landscape. The facility contributes to local employment and tax revenue while operating in an arid environment with sensitive water resources. Environmental management focuses on reducing flaring, preventing spills, and protecting groundwater through well integrity programs.

The facility is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, a semi-arid region with limited surface water and high evaporation rates. Oil extraction activities pose risks to groundwater through potential spills or leaks from produced water storage. Air emissions from drilling and flaring can affect local air quality. The area supports sensitive habitats for species like the lesser prairie-chicken, requiring operators to implement mitigation measures.