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

Evergreen Natural Resources - Schneider is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, about 14.7 miles west of Cokedale. The plant operates within the Raton Basin, a region known for coalbed methane and conventional natural gas production. As part of the United States' extensive gas infrastructure, this facility supports domestic energy needs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which govern pipeline safety and gas transmission. Typical gas extraction operations in Colorado involve drilling, well completion, and gas processing, with production rates varying by well. The plant's NAICS codes (211111 and 211130) indicate crude petroleum and natural gas extraction, as well as natural gas liquid extraction. This facility plays a role in the local energy landscape, supplying natural gas to regional markets. Its location in a rural area with low population density reduces certain risk factors, though proximity to seismic zones and climate hazards like wildfires may be considerations. The plant's operational status ensures continued contribution to the state's gas production capacity.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and piñon-juniper woodlands. The area experiences moderate seismic activity due to its proximity to the Rio Grande Rift. Climate hazards include drought and occasional wildfires, which can impact infrastructure. The plant's rural setting minimizes exposure to densely populated areas, but groundwater and air quality monitoring are typical for gas extraction operations in this basin.