EVERGREEN NATURAL RESOURCES - RAINBOW 21 Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

EVERGREEN NATURAL RESOURCES - RAINBOW 21 is a gas extraction facility located in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 8.4 miles north of Cokedale. The facility is operational and falls under the NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction). It is situated in the Raton Basin, a region known for coalbed methane and conventional natural gas production. The facility operates within 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. Colorado's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) also enforces state-specific rules for drilling, production, and environmental protection. Typical gas extraction facilities in this region employ hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling to access gas reserves from the Trinidad Sandstone and other formations. As part of the natural gas supply chain, this facility contributes to the regional energy grid and local economy. Its location in a rural area with low population density reduces some community exposure risks, but the facility must manage methane emissions and water usage in accordance with state and federal environmental standards. The Raton Basin's geology and climate conditions require ongoing monitoring for seismic activity and groundwater protection.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern Colorado with low population density. The area is prone to drought and occasional wildfires, which can impact operations. Proximity to the Raton Basin's geological formations requires careful management of induced seismicity risks associated with hydraulic fracturing. Groundwater protection is a key concern due to the potential for methane migration, and the facility must comply with Colorado's strict water quality regulations.