Pioneer Nat Res - Black Buck 21-6 Gas Extraction Facility, Las Animas County, Colorado

Pioneer Nat Res - Black Buck 21-6 is a gas extraction facility located in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 9 miles southwest of Cokedale. The facility operates within the Raton Basin, a region known for coalbed methane production. As a gas extraction site, it contributes to the natural gas supply chain in the United States. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which govern pipeline safety and gas transmission. The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) indicate its role in upstream gas production. Typical gas extraction facilities in Colorado range from small wellheads to larger processing plants, with capacities varying widely. This facility is part of the broader natural gas infrastructure serving the Rocky Mountain region. Its operational status ensures continued contribution to local energy supply and economic activity. The environmental context includes semi-arid terrain and proximity to the Spanish Peaks, requiring adherence to state and federal environmental regulations for air quality and water management.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and juniper woodlands. The area experiences moderate seismic activity and occasional drought conditions. Gas extraction operations must manage methane emissions and water usage in compliance with Colorado Air Quality Control Commission rules and the Clean Water Act. Proximity to the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area adds ecological sensitivity.