Pioneer Natural Resources - Ballantine 31-15 Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

Pioneer Natural Resources - Ballantine 31-15 is a gas extraction facility located in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Cokedale. The facility is operational and plays a role in the local natural gas production landscape, situated in a region with a history of energy development. 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 is classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction), indicating its involvement in both natural gas and natural gas liquids recovery. Typical operations at such facilities include wellhead gas processing, separation, and initial treatment before transmission. Environmental considerations for this facility include its proximity to rural areas and potential impacts on local air quality and water resources. The site's location in southeastern Colorado places it in a semi-arid climate with moderate seismic risk. Operational practices must comply with state and federal regulations to minimize environmental footprint and ensure community safety.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southeastern Colorado, where water availability is a key environmental concern. Gas extraction operations can impact local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane, and may affect groundwater resources if not properly managed. The area experiences moderate seismic activity, which is a factor in facility design and risk management. Regulatory oversight by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and federal agencies helps mitigate these environmental risks.