ROCKIES EXPRESS PIPELINE - BIG HOLE CS: Gas Extraction Facility in Moffat County, Colorado

ROCKIES EXPRESS PIPELINE - BIG HOLE CS is a gas extraction facility situated in Moffat County, Colorado, about 30.5 miles northwest of Craig. The facility is part of the Rockies Express Pipeline (REX), one of the largest natural gas pipeline systems in the United States, transporting gas from the Rocky Mountain region to Midwest and East Coast markets. As a compressor station (CS), it plays a critical role in maintaining pressure and flow within the pipeline network. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192 for gas pipeline safety. The Rockies Express Pipeline has a capacity of up to 1.8 billion cubic feet per day, making it a high-capacity artery in the U.S. natural gas grid. The Big Hole CS is one of several compressor stations along the pipeline, ensuring efficient transport over long distances. This facility is strategically located in the energy-rich Piceance Basin, a region with significant natural gas reserves. Its operation supports the delivery of natural gas to millions of consumers, contributing to energy security and grid reliability. The environmental context includes proximity to rural and semi-arid landscapes, with considerations for emissions management and land use compatibility.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of northwestern Colorado, characterized by sagebrush steppe and grazing lands. The area experiences cold winters and warm summers, with potential for seismic activity due to the Rocky Mountain geological setting. Pipeline operations require careful management of methane emissions and adherence to PHMSA integrity management programs to mitigate risks to nearby populations and ecosystems.