LARAMIE ENRGY - BUZZARD CREEK UNIT 12-04: Natural Gas Extraction in Mesa County, Colorado

LARAMIE ENRGY - BUZZARD CREEK UNIT 12-04 is a natural gas extraction facility situated in Mesa County, Colorado, about 12.4 miles east of Collbran. The facility operates within the Piceance Basin, a region known for significant natural gas production. As a gas extraction plant, it plays a role in the upstream segment of the natural gas supply chain, focusing on the recovery of natural gas from underground reservoirs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes oversight by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for pipeline safety and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for emissions and environmental compliance. The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) indicate that the facility may also handle natural gas liquids. Typical operations involve drilling, well completion, and gas processing to separate methane from other hydrocarbons and impurities. Located in a rural area of western Colorado, the facility contributes to the local economy through energy production and employment. The Piceance Basin is a major natural gas producing region, and this facility supports the broader energy infrastructure of the United States. Its operational status ensures continued supply to downstream markets, including power generation and industrial use.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of western Colorado, characterized by rugged terrain and seasonal temperature variations. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing immediate community exposure. However, natural gas extraction activities can impact local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane. Water usage and potential groundwater contamination are also environmental considerations, managed through state and federal regulations.