PDC Energy - Vaughan 12-30 Gas Extraction Facility, Evans, Colorado

PDC Energy - Vaughan 12-30 is a gas extraction facility situated in Evans, Weld County, Colorado, within the Denver-Julesburg Basin. This basin is a major oil and gas producing region in the United States, known for its significant natural gas reserves. The facility is operational and contributes to the local energy supply chain. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation's 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. As a gas extraction site, it likely employs standard drilling and production technologies typical of the region, including hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, to access natural gas from tight formations. Environmental considerations for this facility include its proximity to populated areas in Evans and the broader Weld County region. The area is subject to seismic activity and climate hazards such as tornadoes and wildfires, which are relevant risk factors for gas infrastructure. The facility's role in the local gas grid supports residential, commercial, and industrial energy needs in northern Colorado.

The facility is located in Weld County, Colorado, an area with a mix of agricultural and urban land use. Proximity to populated areas like Evans raises considerations for community safety and air quality. The region experiences occasional seismic events and severe weather, including tornadoes and wildfires, which can pose risks to gas extraction infrastructure. Local environmental regulations aim to mitigate these risks through well integrity and emission controls.