SAMANTHA 31-6 TANK BATTERY - Oil Extraction Facility in Loco Hills, New Mexico

SAMANTHA 31-6 TANK BATTERY is an oil extraction facility situated in the Permian Basin region of southeastern New Mexico, approximately 9.1 miles south of Loco Hills in Eddy County. The facility is operational and contributes to the United States' domestic oil production, which is a key component of the country's energy supply. The Permian Basin is one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the world, known for its extensive network of extraction sites and supporting infrastructure. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level agencies such as the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division. Oil extraction facilities like this one are subject to air quality regulations under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Additionally, spill prevention and response measures are mandated under the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. As part of the broader oil extraction landscape in Eddy County, this tank battery plays a role in gathering and storing crude oil from nearby wells before transport to refineries or pipelines. The facility's location in a semi-arid environment with low population density reduces some community exposure risks, but operational practices must still address potential environmental impacts such as soil and groundwater contamination from leaks or spills.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with sensitive groundwater resources. Oil extraction operations pose risks of soil and water contamination from hydrocarbon spills, brine leaks, and produced water management. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state authorities requires spill prevention plans and groundwater monitoring to mitigate these risks.