Laramie Energy - Vega 4 Pad, Collbran

Overview

Laramie Energy - Vega 4 Pad is a gas extraction facility in Collbran, Colorado, operating under US PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 regulations. It contributes to the regional natural gas supply in Mesa County.

Laramie Energy - Vega 4 Pad is a gas extraction facility located in Collbran, Colorado, within the United States. The facility is situated in Mesa County and operates as part of the broader natural gas infrastructure serving the region. As a gas extraction site, it plays a role in the upstream segment of the natural gas supply chain, focusing on the production of raw natural gas from underground reservoirs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) pipeline safety regulations and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines. These regulations ensure the safe operation of gas extraction and transportation infrastructure. The facility's NAICS codes (211112 and 211130) indicate its involvement in natural gas liquid extraction and natural gas extraction activities, respectively. Typical gas extraction facilities in Colorado operate at varying scales, with capacities often ranging from small to medium in the context of the broader US market. Environmentally, the facility is located in a region with a mix of rural and agricultural land uses. The extraction of natural gas in this area contributes to the local economy and energy supply but also requires careful management of potential impacts such as water usage, air emissions, and land disturbance. The facility's operational status and compliance with state and federal regulations are key to minimizing its environmental footprint.

Environmental context

The facility is situated in a region with a semi-arid climate and proximity to the Grand Mesa, a large flat-topped mountain. The area's geology includes sedimentary basins that are typical for natural gas extraction. Environmental considerations for gas extraction in this region include water resource management, as hydraulic fracturing may be used, and air quality impacts from methane emissions. The facility's location in a rural setting reduces immediate population density risks, but seismic and climate hazards, such as wildfires or flash floods, are potential concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Laramie Energy - Vega 4 Pad is located in Collbran, Colorado, United States, specifically in Mesa County. The facility's address is NESW SEC 35 T9S R93W, with the postal code 81624.

Laramie Energy - Vega 4 Pad is a gas extraction facility that produces natural gas from underground reservoirs. It is part of the upstream natural gas infrastructure, extracting raw gas for processing and distribution.

Gas extraction facilities in Colorado are regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for pipeline safety, as well as state-level regulations from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) covering drilling, production, and environmental protection.

Gas extraction facilities in the United States vary widely in scale, from small wells producing less than 1 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) to large operations exceeding 100 MMcf/d. The scale depends on the reservoir characteristics and the number of wells on the pad.

Gas extraction can impact the local environment through land disturbance, water usage, potential groundwater contamination, and air emissions including methane. Operators are required to implement best management practices and comply with environmental regulations to mitigate these impacts.