PIONEER NAT RES - CROSSWORD 41-36 Gas Extraction Facility, Las Animas County, Colorado

PIONEER NAT RES - CROSSWORD 41-36 is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 18 miles west of Cokedale. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction). It is part of the extensive natural gas infrastructure in the Rocky Mountain region, which supplies gas to both domestic and industrial markets. The facility operates within the regulatory framework of the United States, governed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which sets safety standards for gas pipelines. As a gas extraction site, it likely employs conventional drilling and extraction technologies typical of the region, including hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, to access natural gas reserves in the Raton Basin. This facility contributes to the local energy supply chain, supporting natural gas delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial users in Colorado and beyond. Its location in a rural area with low population density reduces some risk factors, but the facility must manage operational hazards such as high-pressure gas handling and potential methane emissions. The site plays a role in the broader US energy infrastructure, aligning with national goals for energy independence.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and piñon-juniper woodlands. Proximity to populated areas is low, with the nearest town being Cokedale 18 miles away. The area experiences moderate seismic activity, and the facility must adhere to climate hazard protocols for potential wildfires and drought conditions. Environmental management focuses on minimizing methane leakage and protecting local water resources from contamination.