Evergreen Natural Resources - Klondike 3 Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

Evergreen Natural Resources - Klondike 3 is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, about 7.8 miles west of Cokedale. The plant operates within the Raton Basin, a known area for coalbed methane and natural gas production. As part of the United States' extensive gas infrastructure, this facility plays a role in meeting domestic energy demands. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and adheres to DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for pipeline safety. Gas extraction in Colorado is also subject to state-level regulations from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). Typical operations involve drilling, well completion, and gas processing to separate natural gas from other hydrocarbons and impurities. The environmental context includes the semi-arid climate of southeastern Colorado, with potential impacts on local air quality and water resources. The facility's proximity to the Spanish Peaks and the Purgatoire River watershed necessitates careful management of emissions and produced water. The plant's role in the regional gas grid supports local energy supply and contributes to the broader U.S. natural gas network.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and piñon-juniper woodlands. Gas extraction activities can affect local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane. Water usage and produced water management are critical due to the arid climate and reliance on groundwater. The area is also prone to occasional seismic activity, which may influence well integrity and pipeline safety.