In 1969, the US detonated a 40-kiloton nuclear device 8,426 feet under Colorado to free natural gas; the well flowed, the gas was radioactive, and the site is still fenced

Operation Plowshare showcased the use of peaceful nuclear explosions aimed at resource extraction in Colorado. A significant event in 1969 involved a nuclear blast designed to release trapped natural gas. Although it shattered the rock formations, the presence of radioactive tritium contaminated the gas, making it illegal for public use. Eventually, hydraulic fracturing emerged as a safe and non-radioactive alternative for extracting gas resources.
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