Timber Creek Gas Extraction Facility, Cokedale, Colorado | United States Gas Infrastructure

Timber Creek is a gas extraction facility located in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 14.4 miles west of Cokedale. The site is operational and contributes to the natural gas supply chain in the region. As part of the United States' extensive gas infrastructure, it operates under federal pipeline safety regulations enforced by PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 192. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 211130 (Natural Gas Liquid Extraction), indicating its role in both gas and natural gas liquids production. Typical gas extraction sites in Colorado range from small to medium scale, often utilizing conventional drilling and extraction technologies. The regulatory framework ensures adherence to safety standards for well construction, operation, and maintenance. Environmentally, the facility is situated in a rural area of Las Animas County, which is part of the Raton Basin, a region with a history of coalbed methane and conventional gas production. The site's proximity to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Spanish Peaks adds to the local ecological context. Operational practices must consider potential impacts on air quality, water resources, and wildlife habitats, aligning with state and federal environmental regulations.

The facility is located in the Raton Basin, a region with active gas extraction and a mix of grasslands and forested areas. Proximity to populated areas like Cokedale requires careful management of emissions and noise. The area experiences moderate seismic activity, and climate hazards include drought and wildfire risk, which influence operational safety protocols.