Merit Energy Company - Gilcrest Townsite: Gas Extraction Facility in Gilcrest, Colorado

Merit Energy Company - Gilcrest Townsite is a gas extraction facility located in Gilcrest, Weld County, Colorado. The facility is operational and situated in a region known for significant natural gas production, particularly within the Denver-Julesburg Basin. As a gas extraction site, it plays a role in the upstream segment of the natural gas supply chain. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including PHMSA pipeline safety regulations and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which govern gas transmission and distribution. The site's NAICS codes (211112 and 211130) indicate involvement in natural gas liquid extraction and natural gas extraction, respectively. Typical gas extraction facilities in this region range from small to medium scale, often utilizing hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies. Environmental considerations for this facility include its proximity to populated areas and agricultural land in Weld County. The region experiences occasional seismic activity and climate hazards such as tornadoes and blizzards, which may pose operational risks. The facility's role in local gas supply contributes to energy infrastructure resilience in northern Colorado.

The facility is located in an agricultural and residential area of Weld County, Colorado. Proximity to populated areas necessitates careful management of emissions and noise. The region is subject to seismic activity from induced seismicity related to oil and gas operations, as well as natural climate hazards like tornadoes and winter storms. These factors require robust safety protocols and emergency response planning.