TAP ROCK - JACKSON UNIT 23H Oil Extraction Facility, Jal, New Mexico

TAP ROCK - JACKSON UNIT 23H is an oil extraction facility located in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 22 miles west-northwest of Jal. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 211120, which covers crude petroleum extraction. As part of the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the United States, this facility contributes to the country's domestic oil supply. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department. Oil extraction in this region is subject to federal regulations including the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, as well as state-specific rules for drilling and production. Typical extraction methods in the Permian Basin involve horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access oil from tight rock formations. The facility's location in a semi-arid region with sparse population reduces some environmental sensitivities, but oil extraction activities carry inherent risks such as groundwater contamination, air emissions from volatile organic compounds, and land disturbance. The facility's proximity to the Permian Basin's extensive pipeline network supports efficient transport of crude oil to refineries.

The facility is situated in the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion, characterized by arid climate and sensitive desert ecosystems. Oil extraction in this area poses risks to groundwater resources, as hydraulic fracturing and produced water management require careful handling. Air emissions from drilling and production activities, including methane and volatile organic compounds, contribute to regional air quality concerns. The sparse vegetation and fragile soils are vulnerable to erosion and contamination from spills.