Pioneer Nat Res - Buster 13-1 Gas Extraction Facility, Aguilar, Colorado

Pioneer Nat Res - Buster 13-1 is a gas extraction facility situated approximately 8.8 miles southwest of Aguilar, Colorado, in Las Animas County. The facility is operational and plays a role in the natural gas supply chain within the region. Its location in the Raton Basin, a known coalbed methane and natural gas producing area, places it within a significant energy-producing region of the United States. 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 pipeline safety. As a gas extraction site, it is subject to state-level regulations from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) indicate its involvement in both natural gas and natural gas liquids production. Environmentally, the facility's proximity to the Spanish Peaks and the Front Range raises considerations regarding air quality and water usage typical of gas extraction operations. The region's semi-arid climate and reliance on groundwater necessitate careful management of water resources. The facility's operational status contributes to the local economy and energy infrastructure, supporting downstream processing and distribution networks.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and juniper woodlands. Gas extraction activities in this area can impact local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane. Water usage for hydraulic fracturing and produced water management is a key environmental consideration, given the region's limited water resources. Proximity to populated areas and seismic activity in the Raton Basin also factor into operational risk assessments.