TIMBER CREEK - HR 09-02V Gas Extraction Facility, Las Animas County, Colorado

TIMBER CREEK - HR 09-02V is a gas extraction facility situated in Las Animas County, Colorado, approximately 17.1 miles southwest of Cokedale. The facility is part of the Raton Basin, a geological formation known for coalbed methane and conventional natural gas production. It operates under the regulatory oversight of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) for associated pipelines. 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 extraction and processing of natural gas liquids. Typical gas extraction facilities in this region range from small to medium scale, with production often tied to local gathering systems and processing plants. The operational status is confirmed as active, suggesting ongoing contribution to regional gas supply. Environmentally, the facility is situated in a semi-arid region with low population density, reducing immediate community exposure risks. However, gas extraction activities in the Raton Basin have been associated with groundwater and air quality concerns, including methane emissions. The facility's proximity to the Fishers Peak State Park and the Spanish Peaks Wilderness area underscores the importance of adherence to state and federal environmental regulations to mitigate impacts on local ecosystems.

The facility is located in a semi-arid region of southern Colorado with low population density, which reduces direct community exposure to operational risks. However, gas extraction in the Raton Basin has been linked to potential groundwater contamination and methane leakage. The area's ecological setting includes nearby protected lands such as Fishers Peak State Park, emphasizing the need for robust environmental management practices to minimize impacts on air quality and local wildlife.