Overview
GREAT WESTERN - CE WILLIAMS #1 is a gas extraction facility located near Aurora, Colorado, United States. It operates in the Denver-Julesburg Basin, a major oil and gas producing region.
GREAT WESTERN - CE WILLIAMS #1 is a gas extraction facility located in Adams County, Colorado, approximately 2.3 miles northeast of Aurora. The facility operates within the Denver-Julesburg Basin, a region known for significant natural gas production. As an operational gas extraction site, it contributes to the local energy supply chain. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 211112 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Extraction), indicating its role in both natural gas and natural gas liquids recovery. In the United States, gas extraction operations are regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192 for pipeline safety, as well as state-level regulations from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). Typical extraction facilities in this region use hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling techniques to access tight gas formations. This facility plays a role in supplying natural gas to the Front Range urban corridor, which includes the Denver metropolitan area. The extracted gas supports residential heating, industrial use, and power generation. The facility's location near Aurora highlights the proximity of gas extraction to populated areas, necessitating robust safety and environmental management practices.
Environmental context
The facility is situated in a semi-arid region with low annual precipitation, which can affect water availability for extraction processes. Proximity to the Denver metropolitan area raises considerations regarding air quality and noise impacts. The area is subject to occasional seismic activity, though induced seismicity from wastewater injection is a monitored concern in the region. Local ecosystems include shortgrass prairie habitats, and operations must manage surface disturbances to minimize impacts on wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located in Adams County, Colorado, approximately 2.3 miles northeast of Aurora, with coordinates 39.837850 N, -104.534721 W.
It is a gas extraction facility that produces natural gas and natural gas liquids, operating in the Denver-Julesburg Basin.
Gas extraction in Colorado is regulated by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192 for pipeline safety.
Facilities in this basin vary from small to large, with many using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access tight gas formations. Production rates can range from a few hundred thousand to several million cubic feet per day.
The facility's proximity to Aurora requires careful management of air emissions, noise, and traffic. Operators must comply with state setback requirements and implement best practices to minimize community impacts.
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