Foundation Energy - Hilltop 32-5 Gas Extraction Facility, Yuma County, Colorado

Foundation Energy - Hilltop 32-5 is a gas extraction facility situated in Yuma County, Colorado, approximately 7.9 miles south of Eckley. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction). It is part of the broader gas infrastructure network in the United States, which is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and follows DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for pipeline safety. The facility operates within Colorado's Denver-Julesburg Basin, a region known for significant natural gas production. Typical gas extraction facilities in this area utilize hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling to access tight gas formations. The regulatory framework ensures compliance with safety standards, including pressure management and leak detection. Environmentally, the facility's location in a rural agricultural area minimizes direct impact on densely populated zones. However, gas extraction activities can influence local air quality and water resources. The facility contributes to the regional energy supply, supporting downstream natural gas processing and distribution networks that serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the United States.

The facility is situated in a rural agricultural region of eastern Colorado, characterized by flat plains and low population density. Proximity to populated areas is minimal, reducing direct exposure risks. However, gas extraction operations may contribute to local air emissions and water usage. The area experiences semi-arid climate conditions, with potential for drought and wildfire, which could pose operational risks. Seismic activity in the region is generally low, but induced seismicity from wastewater injection is a consideration in the broader basin.