RAYBAW - HULKSTER NO3 BATTERY: Oil Extraction Facility in Maljamar, New Mexico

RAYBAW - HULKSTER NO3 BATTERY is an operational oil extraction facility situated in the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the United States. Located 10 miles south of Maljamar, New Mexico, the facility is part of the extensive oil infrastructure in Lea County, which hosts numerous extraction sites. The facility's NAICS codes (211111 and 211120) indicate crude petroleum and natural gas extraction operations. As an oil extraction battery, this facility likely separates oil, gas, and water from produced fluids before transporting crude oil via pipeline or truck. In the Permian Basin, typical operations involve horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access tight oil formations. The facility operates under U.S. federal and state regulations, including EPA's New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for oil and gas operations and New Mexico's Oil Conservation Division rules for well spacing and waste management. The facility contributes to the regional oil supply chain, feeding into midstream infrastructure that delivers crude to refineries across the Gulf Coast. Its location in Lea County places it within an area of high drilling activity, supporting local employment and energy production. The environmental context includes arid landscapes with sensitive groundwater resources, requiring careful management of produced water and potential spills.

The facility operates in the arid Permian Basin, where water scarcity and groundwater protection are critical. Oil extraction activities can impact local aquifers through hydraulic fracturing and produced water disposal. Spill risks from pipelines and storage tanks pose threats to soil and surface water. Regulatory oversight by the New Mexico Environment Department and EPA ensures compliance with the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, including underground injection control for wastewater disposal.