XTO - PLU PIERCE CANYON 16 STATE 1H Oil Extraction Facility, Malaga, New Mexico

XTO - PLU PIERCE CANYON 16 STATE 1H is an operational oil extraction facility situated 12.8 miles southeast of Malaga, New Mexico, in Eddy County. The facility is part of the Permian Basin, a prolific oil-producing region that spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. As an oil extraction site, it contributes to the United States' domestic crude oil supply, supporting energy independence and economic activity in the area. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (NM OCD). Key regulations include the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions control, the Clean Water Act (CWA) for produced water management, and state-specific rules for drilling and production. Typical extraction methods in this region involve horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which are standard for accessing tight oil formations. Environmental considerations for oil extraction in the Permian Basin include water usage, potential groundwater contamination, and air emissions from flaring and equipment. The facility's location in a semi-arid region with low population density reduces some community exposure risks. However, the cumulative impact of numerous wells in the area necessitates robust monitoring and mitigation practices to protect local ecosystems and water resources.

The facility is located in the Permian Basin, a semi-arid region with sensitive desert ecosystems. Oil extraction activities can impact local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, as well as contribute to water scarcity due to high water usage in hydraulic fracturing. Produced water management and potential spills pose risks to groundwater and surface water. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state agencies aims to minimize these impacts through permitting and monitoring requirements.