New Mexico Oilfield Erupts in Wastewater Geyser

Jackie Onsurez witnessed a 70-foot geyser of oilfield wastewater erupt from a site operated by NGL Energy Partners near Loving, New Mexico last Tuesday. Onsurez, also a member of the New Mexico State Emergency Response Commission, immediately contacted authorities and a local conservation district. NGL representatives later stopped the spill, which released roughly 40 barrels of contaminated water into a drainage ditch.

NGL reported a broken pipeline component as the cause. The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department is awaiting sample analysis from the spill site. This incident occurred after a prior wastewater leak was noted at the same wellsite in December 2024, with a follow-up inspection not yet completed.

Between January and May, New Mexico recorded 356 wastewater spills totaling over 15,000 barrels. Debate continues over how to manage the increasing volume of produced water—which doubled since 2020—with proposals to treat and reuse it facing scrutiny over potential contaminants and the lack of large-scale testing. The work to address wastewater management and potential risks continues.