Crestone Peak - McDonald 1 Gas Extraction Facility, Erie Area, Colorado

Crestone Peak - McDonald 1 is a gas extraction facility located in the Erie Area of Boulder County, Colorado, United States. The facility is operational and situated in the Denver-Julesburg Basin, a region known for significant natural gas production. As a gas extraction site, it contributes to the local energy supply chain, serving industrial and residential markets in the Front Range urban corridor. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including PHMSA pipeline safety regulations and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines. Given its location in Colorado, it also adheres to state-level oil and gas conservation rules enforced by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The NAICS codes 211112 and 211130 indicate that the facility is involved in natural gas liquid extraction and natural gas extraction, respectively. Typical gas extraction facilities in this region range from small to medium scale, with capacities often measured in millions of standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD). The environmental context of the facility includes proximity to populated areas in Boulder County, which requires careful management of emissions, noise, and water usage. The region is also subject to seismic activity, though generally low, and climate hazards such as wildfires and droughts. The facility's operational significance lies in its role in meeting regional gas demand, supporting local economies, and contributing to the broader US energy infrastructure.

The facility is located in the Denver-Julesburg Basin, an area with moderate population density. Proximity to residential zones necessitates strict adherence to air quality and noise regulations. The region experiences low seismic risk but faces climate hazards like wildfires and drought, which can impact operations. Water usage for hydraulic fracturing and produced water management are key environmental considerations.