Poker Lake Unit (PLU) 158 Battery - Oil Extraction Facility in Loving, New Mexico

Poker Lake Unit (PLU) 158 Battery is an operational oil extraction facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 11.2 miles southeast of the town of Loving. The facility is part of the broader oil and gas infrastructure in the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions in the United States. Its primary activity is crude oil extraction, contributing to the domestic energy supply. The facility operates under NAICS codes 211120 (Crude Petroleum Extraction) and 999999 (Unclassified). While specific technical specifications such as capacity or well count are not detailed, the facility is typical of the region's oil extraction operations, which often involve horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access tight oil formations. Regulatory oversight is provided by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with compliance to federal and state environmental standards. As part of the Permian Basin's extensive oil infrastructure, Poker Lake Unit (PLU) 158 Battery plays a role in maintaining regional production levels. The facility's location in a semi-arid environment with limited surface water highlights the importance of water management practices in oil extraction. Its operational status ensures continued contribution to local employment and energy markets.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a region characterized by arid climate and limited water resources. Oil extraction activities here involve significant water use for hydraulic fracturing and produced water management. Spills or leaks could impact soil and groundwater, though regulatory frameworks like the EPA's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule aim to mitigate risks. The area's ecology includes desert shrublands and habitats for species such as the lesser prairie-chicken, requiring careful operational practices.