PIONEER NAT RES - VELMA 43-15 Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

PIONEER NAT RES - VELMA 43-15 is a gas extraction facility located in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 7.6 miles west of Cokedale. The facility is operational and situated in a region known for natural gas production within the Raton Basin. As a gas extraction plant, it plays a role in the upstream segment of the natural gas supply chain, focusing on the initial recovery of natural gas from underground reservoirs. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes PHMSA pipeline safety regulations and DOT 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipelines. The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction) indicate the facility's involvement in both natural gas and natural gas liquids extraction. Typical operations at such facilities involve wellhead compression, dehydration, and separation processes to prepare raw gas for transmission. Located in a rural area of southern Colorado, the facility contributes to the regional energy supply. The Raton Basin is a significant coalbed methane producing region, and this facility supports the extraction of natural gas from local reserves. Its operational status ensures continued contribution to the local economy and energy infrastructure, while adhering to federal and state environmental and safety standards.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of Colorado with low population density, reducing immediate exposure to populated areas. However, gas extraction operations can involve risks such as methane leakage and groundwater contamination. The area is subject to occasional seismic activity, though generally low. Climate hazards include drought and wildfire risk, which may impact operations. Regulatory oversight under PHMSA and state agencies helps mitigate these environmental risks.