Pioneer Natural Res. - Montoya 12-7V Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado

Pioneer Natural Res. - Montoya 12-7V is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 17.3 miles west of Cokedale. The facility is operational and plays a role in the natural gas supply chain within the region. It is classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction), indicating its involvement in both upstream gas extraction and associated liquid recovery. As a gas extraction site in Colorado, the facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation's 49 CFR Part 192, which governs pipeline safety. The facility's location in a rural area of Las Animas County suggests it is part of the broader Raton Basin gas production region, known for coalbed methane and conventional gas extraction. Typical operations involve drilling, well completion, and gas processing to separate natural gas from liquids and impurities. The facility contributes to the local energy infrastructure, supplying natural gas to downstream markets. Its operational status indicates ongoing production, supporting regional energy needs and economic activity. The environmental context includes the semi-arid climate of southeastern Colorado, with considerations for water usage and land disturbance associated with extraction activities.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southeastern Colorado, characterized by low precipitation and sensitive ecosystems. Proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing direct human exposure. However, gas extraction activities can impact local air quality through emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane. Seismic risk in the area is low, but climate hazards such as drought and wildfire pose operational risks. Regulatory oversight by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) addresses environmental protections.