Overview
XTO - Big Eddy Unit 44 is an operational oil extraction facility located 21 miles northeast of Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA. It operates within the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions globally.
XTO - Big Eddy Unit 44 is an oil extraction facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 21 miles northeast of Carlsbad. The facility is part of the Permian Basin, a major oil-producing region that spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. As an operational site, it contributes to the United States' domestic oil supply, leveraging advanced extraction technologies to access hydrocarbon reserves. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division. Compliance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) is required, including permits for air emissions and water management. The Permian Basin's oil extraction typically involves hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, which are subject to state and federal regulations aimed at minimizing environmental impacts. The facility's location in the Permian Basin places it within a region of significant economic importance for oil production. Its operations support local employment and contribute to the energy infrastructure of the United States. The environmental context includes arid landscapes and potential impacts on water resources, which are managed through regulatory frameworks and industry best practices.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, an arid region with limited surface water. Oil extraction activities in this area require careful management of water usage and disposal to protect groundwater resources. The Permian Basin's oil production is associated with potential risks of brine contamination and methane emissions, which are addressed through state and federal regulations, including EPA's methane rules and New Mexico's produced water management requirements.
Frequently asked questions
XTO - Big Eddy Unit 44 is located approximately 21 miles northeast of Carlsbad, in Eddy County, New Mexico, USA.
It is an operational oil extraction facility that produces crude oil from the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in the United States.
The facility is operated by XTO Energy, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, a major player in the U.S. oil and gas industry.
The facility must comply with U.S. EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, as well as New Mexico state rules for oil and gas operations, including those for air emissions, water management, and waste disposal.
The Permian Basin is one of the largest oil-producing regions in the world, accounting for a significant portion of U.S. crude oil output. Its development has been driven by advanced technologies like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
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