Overview
SMOKEY BITS 3H TANK BATTERY is an operational oil extraction facility located near Loco Hills, New Mexico, United States. It operates within the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions globally.
SMOKEY BITS 3H TANK BATTERY is an oil extraction facility situated approximately 8.5 miles south of Loco Hills in Eddy County, New Mexico. The facility is part of the broader Permian Basin, a prolific oil-producing region that spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. As a tank battery, it serves as a collection point for crude oil from multiple wells, where it is stored and prepared for transport via pipeline or truck. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NM OCD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Oil extraction in New Mexico is subject to state and federal regulations, including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. Typical operations involve separation of oil, gas, and water, with produced water often reinjected for enhanced recovery or disposed of in permitted injection wells. The facility's NAICS codes (211111 and 211120) indicate crude petroleum and natural gas extraction. The SMOKEY BITS 3H TANK BATTERY contributes to the local economy and energy supply, supporting jobs and tax revenue in Eddy County. Its location in a semi-arid region requires careful management of water resources and emissions. The facility's proximity to sensitive ecosystems, such as the Carlsbad Caverns area, underscores the importance of adherence to environmental regulations to minimize impacts on air quality and groundwater.
Environmental context
The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a region with high oil and gas activity that poses risks of air emissions (VOCs, methane) and potential groundwater contamination from spills or leaks. The semi-arid climate and limited water resources necessitate careful management of produced water. Nearby sensitive areas, such as the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, highlight the need for stringent environmental controls to protect ecosystems and public health.
Frequently asked questions
SMOKEY BITS 3H TANK BATTERY is located approximately 8.5 miles south of Loco Hills, in Eddy County, New Mexico, United States.
It is an oil extraction facility that collects crude oil from nearby wells, separates oil, gas, and water, and stores the oil for transport. It operates as a tank battery in the Permian Basin.
Specific capacity data for this facility is not publicly available. However, tank batteries in the Permian Basin typically handle from a few hundred to several thousand barrels per day depending on the number of connected wells.
Oil extraction facilities in New Mexico are regulated by the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NM OCD) and the U.S. EPA. Key regulations include the Clean Air Act (for emissions), Clean Water Act (for discharges), and state rules for well construction and produced water management.
Environmental risks include air pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, groundwater contamination from spills or leaking wells, and land disturbance. The region's water scarcity also raises concerns about water use for hydraulic fracturing and produced water disposal.
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