Evergreen Natural Resources - Pioneer 34 Gas Extraction Facility near Cokedale, Colorado

Evergreen Natural Resources - Pioneer 34 is a gas extraction facility situated approximately 4.8 miles west of Cokedale, Colorado, in Las Animas County. The facility is operational and falls under the NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction), indicating its role in both natural gas and natural gas liquids production. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines. Colorado's oil and gas regulations, enforced by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), also apply. The facility's location in the Raton Basin, a known coalbed methane and conventional gas producing area, suggests typical extraction technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are employed. As part of the natural gas supply chain, this facility contributes to regional energy production and local economic activity. Its proximity to rural areas near Cokedale implies a focus on community safety and environmental stewardship. The facility's operational status underscores its role in meeting energy demands while adhering to state and federal regulatory standards.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and low-density population. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing immediate risk from gas extraction operations. However, the area is subject to seismic activity from historical mining and potential induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing. Climate hazards include drought and wildfire risk, which can impact infrastructure integrity. Regulatory oversight by PHMSA and Colorado ECMC addresses these factors through pipeline safety and well construction standards.