Tatanka North Central Tank Battery - Oil Extraction Facility in Jal, New Mexico

Tatanka North Central Tank Battery is an operational oil extraction facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 25.4 miles southwest of Jal. As part of the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the United States, this facility plays a role in crude petroleum extraction, classified under NAICS code 211120. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and applicable state-level regulations from the New Mexico Environment Department. Typical oil extraction operations in this region involve tank batteries for gathering, separating, and storing crude oil before transport. The facility's scale is consistent with regional production patterns, where many similar batteries support horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations. The environmental significance of this facility is tied to its location in the arid Permian Basin, where water usage and produced water management are critical. The facility's operations contribute to the broader oil supply chain, supporting downstream refineries and petrochemical plants. Its proximity to the Texas border underscores the interconnected nature of regional energy infrastructure.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with limited surface water resources. Oil extraction operations here involve significant water use for hydraulic fracturing and produced water management. Spill risks are mitigated by secondary containment and leak detection systems, though the high density of wells and pipelines in the area increases cumulative environmental pressure. Air emissions from tank batteries, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are regulated under EPA's New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for oil and gas production.