COTTON DRAW TANK BATTERY - Oil Pipeline Facility in Jal, New Mexico

COTTON DRAW TANK BATTERY is an oil pipeline facility located in Jal, Lea County, New Mexico, United States. The facility is operational and serves as a tank battery for crude oil gathering and transport in the Permian Basin region, one of the most prolific oil-producing areas in the country. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. As a tank battery, it likely includes storage tanks, separation equipment, and pipeline connections for transferring crude oil to larger transmission pipelines. The NAICS code 486110 indicates it is classified as crude petroleum pipeline transportation. Located in a sparsely populated area of southeastern New Mexico, the facility supports regional oil production and contributes to the energy supply chain. Its role in gathering crude from nearby wells is critical for efficient transport to refineries and markets, impacting local and national energy infrastructure.

The facility is situated in an arid region with low population density, reducing immediate human exposure risks. However, proximity to ephemeral waterways and the potential for soil and groundwater contamination from spills are key environmental concerns. The Permian Basin's intensive oil extraction activities increase cumulative environmental pressures, including air emissions and water usage.