NM22399-11759; UTE #1 SWD - Oil Extraction Facility in La Plata, New Mexico

NM22399-11759; UTE #1 SWD is an operational oil extraction facility located in La Plata, San Juan County, New Mexico. The facility is part of the broader oil and gas infrastructure in the San Juan Basin, a major hydrocarbon-producing region. As a saltwater disposal (SWD) well, it manages produced water from oil extraction, which is critical for maintaining reservoir pressure and enabling continued production. The facility operates under U.S. environmental regulations, including EPA's Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act requirements. SWD wells are subject to Underground Injection Control (UIC) program oversight to protect groundwater resources. The San Juan Basin has a long history of oil and gas development, with infrastructure ranging from conventional wells to enhanced recovery operations. This facility plays a key role in the local oil supply chain by handling produced water, reducing surface environmental impacts. Its operational status supports ongoing extraction activities in the region, contributing to New Mexico's position as a top oil-producing state. The facility's location in a rural area with existing oil infrastructure underscores its integration into the regional energy network.

The facility is situated in the San Juan Basin, an arid region with sensitive groundwater resources. Saltwater disposal wells like this one are regulated under the EPA's UIC program to prevent contamination of underground sources of drinking water. The area's oil extraction activities also face air quality considerations under the Clean Air Act, particularly for volatile organic compounds and methane emissions. Proper management of produced water is essential to minimize surface spills and protect local ecosystems.