PIONEER NAT RES - DOCTOR 32-31 Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

PIONEER NAT RES - DOCTOR 32-31 is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 4.7 miles west of Cokedale. The facility is operational and falls under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction), indicating its role in both upstream gas production and natural gas liquids recovery. As a gas extraction site in Colorado, the facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and federal agencies such as the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for related pipeline infrastructure. The facility's location in the Raton Basin, a region known for coalbed methane and conventional gas production, suggests it may utilize typical extraction technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, common in the area. The facility contributes to the natural gas supply chain in the region, supporting local energy needs and potentially feeding into interstate pipelines. Its operational status and location in a historically active gas-producing area underscore its significance in maintaining regional energy infrastructure and economic activity.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and juniper woodlands. Proximity to populated areas like Cokedale and Trinidad raises considerations regarding air quality and noise from extraction activities. The area is subject to seismic activity, though generally low, and climate hazards include drought and wildfire risk. Regulatory frameworks require adherence to emission controls and water management practices to mitigate environmental impacts.