Foundation Energy - Hilltop 41-5 Gas Extraction Facility, Near Eckley, Colorado

Foundation Energy - Hilltop 41-5 is a gas extraction facility situated approximately 7.8 miles southeast of Eckley, Colorado, in Yuma County. The facility is operational and falls under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction), indicating its role in upstream gas production. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the United States, governed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pipeline safety regulations and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas transmission. In Colorado, state-specific regulations from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) also apply, covering well construction, emissions, and water management. Typical gas extraction facilities in this region range from small to medium scale, with production varying based on reservoir characteristics. Environmentally, the facility is located in a rural agricultural area of eastern Colorado, where gas extraction coexists with farming. Proximity to populated areas is low, reducing population-related risks. However, the region is prone to occasional drought and wildfire, which can impact operations. The facility's role in the local energy supply chain supports regional energy independence and economic activity.

The facility is situated in a rural agricultural region of eastern Colorado, with low population density. Environmental considerations include potential impacts on local water resources from hydraulic fracturing and produced water management, as well as air emissions from extraction activities. The area experiences semi-arid climate conditions, with drought and wildfire risks that may affect operations. Regulatory oversight by the COGCC addresses these concerns through permitting and monitoring requirements.