Overview
Pioneer Natural Resources operates the Shovelhead 13-35 gas extraction facility near Cokedale, Colorado. This operational site is part of the Raton Basin gas production in Las Animas County.
Pioneer Natural Resources - Shovelhead 13-35 is a gas extraction facility located in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 4.5 miles north of Cokedale. The site operates within the Raton Basin, a region known for coalbed methane and conventional natural gas production. As a gas extraction plant, it plays a role in the upstream segment of the natural gas supply chain, contributing to the energy infrastructure of the United States. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction). Typical gas extraction facilities in this region range from small to medium scale, with production volumes often measured in millions of standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd). The site's operational status indicates active production. Environmentally, the facility is situated in a semi-arid region with low population density. The Raton Basin has a history of coal mining and gas extraction, and operations are subject to regulations regarding air emissions, water management, and well integrity. The site's proximity to the Fishers Peak State Park and the Spanish Peaks Wilderness area underscores the importance of environmental stewardship in balancing energy production with conservation.
Environmental context
The Shovelhead 13-35 facility is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern Colorado, characterized by grasslands and piñon-juniper woodlands. The area experiences moderate seismic activity and is prone to drought. Gas extraction operations must manage methane emissions, water usage, and potential impacts on local wildlife. Regulatory requirements under the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the EPA ensure that environmental risks are mitigated through best practices in well construction, leak detection, and waste management.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 4.5 miles north of Cokedale, in the Raton Basin.
The facility is currently operational, actively extracting natural gas.
Gas extraction in Colorado is regulated by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with rules covering well construction, emissions, and water management.
Facilities in the Raton Basin typically range from small to medium scale, with production often measured in millions of standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd).
Key considerations include methane emissions, water usage, and impacts on local ecosystems. Operators must comply with state and federal regulations to minimize environmental footprint.
Other Gas Extraction plants in United States · 6 nearby