National Fuel Corp. - Baxter Facility: Gas Extraction Plant in Fruita, Colorado

National Fuel Corp. - Baxter Facility is a gas extraction plant situated in Fruita, Mesa County, Colorado, approximately 19.7 miles northwest of town. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS codes 211111 and 211130, indicating crude petroleum and natural gas extraction, as well as natural gas liquid extraction. It operates within the United States' regulatory framework, which includes PHMSA pipeline safety regulations and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas transmission and distribution. The facility's location in western Colorado places it within a region known for natural gas production from the Piceance Basin. Typical gas extraction facilities in this area involve wellhead compression, dehydration, and separation processes. The regulatory context includes adherence to state-level Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) rules alongside federal standards. Environmentally, the facility's proximity to populated areas like Fruita and the Colorado River corridor necessitates careful management of emissions and water usage. The region experiences semi-arid conditions with potential for seismic activity, though risks are generally low. The plant's role in the local gas infrastructure supports energy supply for the region and downstream markets.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of western Colorado, near the Colorado River and populated areas such as Fruita. Gas extraction operations in this area must manage air emissions, water usage, and potential impacts on local wildlife. The region has low seismic hazard but is subject to climate variability, including drought and wildfire risks. Regulatory oversight from the COGCC and EPA ensures compliance with environmental standards.