WHIPTAIL - CHACO 4-1 CDP Oil Extraction Facility in Councilor, New Mexico

WHIPTAIL - CHACO 4-1 CDP is an oil extraction facility located in Councilor, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 211120, which covers crude petroleum extraction. As part of the Permian Basin region, it contributes to the broader oil production landscape in the southwestern United States. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). Oil extraction in New Mexico is subject to state-level regulations from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Typical extraction methods in this region involve horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, with production focused on the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp formations. Environmental considerations for this facility include potential impacts on local air quality from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane emissions, as well as water management for produced water. The facility's location in a semi-arid region with limited water resources underscores the importance of responsible water use and disposal practices. Its operational status indicates ongoing contribution to the regional oil supply.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of New Mexico, where water scarcity is a key environmental concern. Oil extraction activities can impact local air quality through emissions of VOCs and methane, and require careful management of produced water to prevent groundwater contamination. The area's ecological setting includes high desert habitats, with potential effects on wildlife and vegetation from infrastructure development.