ARTESIA UNLOADING Oil Pipeline Facility, Loco Hills, New Mexico

ARTESIA UNLOADING is an oil pipeline facility situated in Eddy County, New Mexico, approximately 1 mile southwest of Loco Hills. The facility is operational and plays a role in the movement of crude oil within the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions in the United States. As a pipeline unloading point, it connects local production to broader transmission networks. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. The NAICS code 486110 indicates it is classified as crude petroleum pipeline transportation. Facilities of this type typically handle significant volumes of crude oil from nearby wells. The environmental context includes proximity to arid rangelands and potential impacts on local water resources. Pipeline operations in this region must address risks such as corrosion and leak detection, given the high salinity of produced water and the presence of sensitive habitats. The facility's location away from major population centers reduces some community risk factors.

The facility is located in the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion, characterized by arid conditions and sparse vegetation. Nearby water resources include the Pecos River, which is a critical water source for agriculture and ecosystems. Pipeline operations must manage risks of spills that could affect soil and groundwater, particularly given the high salinity of produced water in the Permian Basin. Cathodic protection systems and regular inspections are essential to prevent corrosion-related leaks.