Crouch Tank Battery - Oil Pipeline Facility in Hobbs, New Mexico

Crouch Tank Battery is an oil pipeline facility situated in Lea County, New Mexico, approximately 15 miles west of Hobbs. As part of the United States' extensive pipeline infrastructure, it plays a role in the transportation of crude oil from production areas to refineries or storage terminals. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 486110 for crude petroleum pipeline transportation. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. This regulatory framework mandates safety standards including corrosion control, damage prevention, and emergency response protocols. In the Permian Basin region, where New Mexico is a key producer, oil pipeline infrastructure is critical for moving crude to market. Crouch Tank Battery contributes to the regional energy supply chain, supporting the oil and gas industry in southeastern New Mexico. Its location in a sparsely populated area reduces some risk factors, but proximity to sensitive ecosystems and groundwater resources necessitates robust environmental safeguards. The facility's role in the broader pipeline network underscores its importance to local and national energy infrastructure.

The facility is located in the arid Permian Basin, an area with sensitive desert ecosystems and limited water resources. Pipeline operations in this region must manage risks of spills that could impact soil and groundwater. The proximity to agricultural and ranching lands requires careful monitoring and adherence to PHMSA's integrity management programs to prevent environmental harm.