RDU 33 PAD Oil Extraction Facility, Malaga, New Mexico

RDU 33 PAD is an oil extraction facility situated in the Permian Basin region of southeastern New Mexico, near Malaga in Eddy County. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 211120 for crude petroleum extraction. Its location in a prolific oil-producing area underscores its role in the broader US energy supply chain. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for water discharges. As an oil extraction site, it adheres to state-level regulations from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NM OCD) governing drilling, production, and waste management. Typical extraction operations in this region involve horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access tight oil formations. The Permian Basin is one of the largest oil-producing regions in the United States, and facilities like RDU 33 PAD contribute to the country's energy independence. The site's proximity to existing pipeline infrastructure facilitates efficient transport of crude oil to refineries. Environmental management practices at such sites focus on minimizing methane emissions, preventing spills, and managing produced water through injection wells or treatment facilities.

The facility is located in the arid Permian Basin, where water scarcity and groundwater protection are critical environmental concerns. Oil extraction operations must manage produced water and prevent contamination of freshwater aquifers. The region's sensitive ecosystems include desert habitats and playa lakes that support migratory birds. Regulatory oversight from the EPA and NM OCD ensures compliance with air quality standards and spill prevention measures.