Unit Petroleum Co / Howard A 1 Oil Extraction Facility, Balko, Oklahoma

Unit Petroleum Co / Howard A 1 is an operational oil extraction facility located in Balko, Beaver County, Oklahoma. The facility is situated in the Anadarko Basin, a region with significant oil and gas activity. As an oil extraction site, it contributes to the domestic crude oil supply within the United States. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While specific technical specifications are not detailed, typical oil extraction operations in this region involve drilling and well production. The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum Extraction) and 211120 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) indicate the facility's involvement in both crude oil and natural gas liquids recovery. Environmental considerations for oil extraction facilities include groundwater protection, spill prevention, and air emissions management. The facility's location in a rural area of Oklahoma suggests potential impacts on local land use and water resources. Compliance with state and federal regulations, including the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, is essential for minimizing environmental risks.

The facility is located in the High Plains region of Oklahoma, an area characterized by semi-arid climate and agricultural land use. Oil extraction activities can pose risks to groundwater quality through potential spills or leaks of produced water and hydrocarbons. The region's shallow aquifers are a concern for contamination. Air emissions from drilling and production equipment, including volatile organic compounds and methane, contribute to local air quality impacts. Proper well integrity and waste management are critical to mitigating these environmental risks.