Parachute, Colorado (and area)

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Current operations

In Colorado, we operate in the Piceance and Denver Julesburg (DJ) basins. We have over 1,700 full-time staff and contracts with more than 300 third-party companies working in our U.S. operations. The Piceance Basin is one of our key resource plays. In 2011 we produced 446 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day from the basin and drilled approximately 141 net wells in the area. Most of North Piceance production is natural gas from the Williams Fork, a tight gas sand formation.

View all Encana operations

We look forward to continuing
to build and maintain lasting
relationships in the communities
where we work and live.

Community Counts

Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. partnered with other operators in the Piceance Basin to form a community based program to offer residents a resource for open and respectful dialogue when they have concerns or questions relating to the natural gas industry. Exploration for and production of natural gas is a major industry in western Colorado and being a good neighbor is a responsible part of doing business here. Visit the Community Counts website to learn more.

Local environment initiatives

We demonstrate our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and community responsibility through our ongoing, voluntary studies conducted on the 45,000-acre North Parachute Ranch (NPR), located northwest of Parachute, Colorado.

On the NPR we operate more than 650 producing wells with an estimated combined production of more than 200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Nearly all of the wells are directionally drilled from multi-well pads to reduce the environmental impact and minimize rig moves.

Recently we were recognized by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission as the outstanding operator in the state of Colorado for drilling and completions during 2010, due in large part to a single well pad on NPR that has 51 active wells drilled.

We maintain a variety of third-party studies for environmental data collection and monitoring. We believe in taking a proactive approach to environmental responsibility, looking for ways to minimize the footprint of our operations and reclaiming the natural vegetation and habitat in our operational areas.

View our NPR Environmental Studies fact sheet

Our commitment to the community

We contribute to the strength and sustainability of the communities in which our employees live and work. We believe by partnering with local community organizations and other non-profit groups we have the opportunity to positively shape the future of these communities. Our Community Investment program is focused in five areas: sciences, trades and technology, family and community wellness, environment, sports and recreation and community enhancement. Use these external links to learn about the programs we support in Western Colorado.