Evergreen Natural Resources - Buggy Whip Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

Evergreen Natural Resources - Buggy Whip is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 6.1 miles west of Cokedale. The facility operates within the Raton Basin, a region known for coalbed methane and conventional natural gas production. As an operational gas extraction site, it plays a role in the United States' domestic energy supply, supporting local and national energy needs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation's 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. Additionally, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), which enforces state-specific rules for drilling, production, and environmental protection. The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) classify its operations, indicating a focus on both natural gas and associated liquids. Environmentally, the facility is located in a semi-arid region with low population density, reducing immediate community exposure risks. However, gas extraction activities can impact local air quality through methane emissions and volatile organic compounds. The site's proximity to the Spanish Peaks and the Purgatoire River watershed underscores the need for careful water management and emissions control to protect regional ecosystems. Overall, the facility contributes to the energy infrastructure of Colorado while operating within established safety and environmental regulations.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and juniper woodlands. Gas extraction in this area can affect air quality through methane leaks and flaring, and water resources through hydraulic fracturing and produced water management. The site's location near the Purgatoire River watershed requires adherence to state water protection rules. Seismic risk is low, but the area experiences occasional wildfires, which could pose operational hazards.