PIONEER NAT RES - ROAD CANYON 44-8 Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

PIONEER NAT RES - ROAD CANYON 44-8 is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 8.9 miles northwest of Cokedale. The facility is operational and falls under the NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction), indicating its role in both natural gas and natural gas liquids production. As a gas extraction site in the United States, this facility operates under federal and state regulations, including PHMSA pipeline safety standards and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas transmission. Colorado's regulatory framework, enforced by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), mandates strict well construction, emissions control, and water management practices. The facility's location in the Raton Basin, a region with a history of coalbed methane and conventional gas production, suggests typical extraction methods such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. The facility contributes to the local energy supply and economic activity in Las Animas County. Its proximity to rural areas and the potential for methane emissions necessitate robust environmental monitoring. The site's operational status indicates ongoing production, supporting regional gas infrastructure and downstream markets.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and scrublands. Proximity to populated areas and water resources requires careful management of emissions and potential groundwater impacts. The area's seismic activity is low, but the site's operating pressure and vintage of equipment are typical risk factors for gas extraction facilities. Regulatory oversight by the COGCC includes requirements for leak detection and repair, as well as flaring minimization.