PLU Pierce Canyon 33 Federal 1H Oil Extraction Facility, Malaga, New Mexico

PLU Pierce Canyon 33 Federal 1H is an oil extraction facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 12 miles southeast of Malaga. The facility is part of the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. As an operational oil extraction site, it contributes to the United States' domestic oil supply, leveraging advanced drilling technologies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division. Key regulations include the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA), which govern emissions and water management. The facility's NAICS codes (211111, 211120, 999999) indicate involvement in crude petroleum extraction, natural gas extraction, and unspecified support activities. Typical oil extraction operations in this region involve multi-well pads and centralized production facilities. The environmental context of the Permian Basin includes semi-arid landscapes, with concerns over water usage, air quality, and land disturbance. The facility's location in Eddy County places it near the Carlsbad Caverns region, known for its karst topography and sensitive ecosystems. Operational practices must address potential impacts on groundwater and local wildlife, with monitoring and mitigation measures required by state and federal permits.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with sensitive ecosystems including desert grasslands and playa lakes. Oil extraction operations here can impact air quality through volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and water resources through high water usage for hydraulic fracturing. The proximity to karst topography near Carlsbad Caverns necessitates careful groundwater monitoring to prevent contamination from spills or leaks.