PDC Elkhorn 1 Gas Extraction Facility, Fort Lupton, Colorado

PDC Elkhorn 1 is a gas extraction facility situated in Fort Lupton, Weld County, Colorado, within the Denver-Julesburg Basin. This basin is a significant hydrocarbon-producing region in the United States, with extensive natural gas and oil development. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 211112 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Extraction), indicating its role in both gas processing and extraction. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). These agencies enforce rules on well construction, emissions, and water management. Typical gas extraction facilities in this region use hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling to access tight gas formations, with production rates varying widely based on well characteristics. PDC Elkhorn 1 contributes to the local energy supply and economic activity in Weld County, one of the most productive oil and gas counties in Colorado. The facility's operations are part of a broader network of gas infrastructure supporting regional energy needs. Environmental considerations include air quality management and water usage, regulated under state and federal guidelines.

The facility is located in an area with a semi-arid climate and agricultural land use. Proximity to populated areas like Fort Lupton requires careful management of emissions and noise. The region is subject to occasional seismic activity, though induced seismicity from oil and gas operations is monitored by state regulators. Water resources in the area are used for both agriculture and hydraulic fracturing, with recycling and disposal practices regulated to protect groundwater.