PIONEER NAT RES - BARROW 33-8 Gas Extraction Facility, Aguilar, Colorado

PIONEER NAT RES - BARROW 33-8 is a gas extraction facility located near Aguilar, Colorado, approximately 11.7 miles southwest of the town. The facility is situated in Las Animas County, which is part of the Raton Basin, a known area for coalbed methane and natural gas production. The plant is operational and classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction). As a gas extraction facility in the United States, PIONEER NAT RES - BARROW 33-8 operates under federal and state regulations. The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) oversees pipeline safety, while the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) regulates drilling and production. The facility likely employs standard extraction techniques such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, common in the region for accessing natural gas from tight formations. The facility contributes to the local energy supply and economy, supporting natural gas delivery to downstream markets. Its location in a rural area with low population density reduces some risk factors, but operations still require adherence to environmental and safety standards to manage potential impacts on air quality and water resources.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and piñon-juniper woodlands. The area experiences moderate seismic activity and occasional drought conditions. Proximity to populated areas is low, but operations must manage risks related to groundwater protection and methane emissions. The facility's environmental context includes potential impacts on local air quality and wildlife habitats, requiring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.