Evergreen Natural Resources - Elizabeth Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

Evergreen Natural Resources - Elizabeth is a gas extraction facility located approximately 6.4 miles northwest of Cokedale, Colorado, in Las Animas County. The facility is operational and situated in the Raton Basin, a region known for coalbed methane and conventional natural gas production. It operates under the regulatory oversight of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and federal agencies such as the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for related pipeline infrastructure. The facility's technical specifications are not publicly detailed, but typical gas extraction operations in this region involve drilling wells to access natural gas reservoirs, followed by processing to remove impurities and separate natural gas liquids. The Raton Basin has a history of coalbed methane extraction, with wells often producing at moderate flow rates. Regulatory compliance includes adherence to Colorado's stringent methane emission rules and federal standards under 49 CFR Part 192 for gas gathering lines. 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 leaks and volatile organic compound emissions. The facility's proximity to the Spanish Peaks and the Comanche National Grassland underscores the importance of responsible operations to minimize ecological disturbance. Its role in supplying natural gas contributes to regional energy needs and grid stability.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southeastern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and agricultural land. Gas extraction operations can contribute to local air emissions, including methane and volatile organic compounds, which may affect air quality. The area's low population density reduces direct human exposure, but nearby ecosystems, such as the Comanche National Grassland, require careful management to prevent habitat disruption. Seismic activity in the region is low, but the facility must comply with Colorado's regulations on water use and disposal to protect groundwater resources.