Crystal Valley Cooperative CA Fuel Terminal, Darfur, Minnesota

Crystal Valley Cooperative CA is a fuel terminal located in Darfur, Watonwan County, Minnesota. The facility serves the local agricultural sector, providing fuel storage and distribution for farming operations in the region. As a cooperative, it is owned and operated by its member farmers, ensuring reliable access to fuel for crop production and livestock management. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which governs underground storage tanks (UST) and spill prevention, control, and countermeasure (SPCC) plans. The NAICS codes associated with the facility (424710, 424910) indicate it is involved in petroleum bulk stations and terminals, as well as farm supplies. Typical fuel terminals in Minnesota store gasoline, diesel, and ethanol blends, with capacities ranging from small cooperatives to large commercial terminals. Crystal Valley Cooperative CA plays a vital role in the agricultural supply chain of southern Minnesota. By providing fuel storage and distribution, it supports local farmers in maintaining operations during planting and harvest seasons. The facility's location in a rural area reduces proximity to sensitive receptors, but secondary containment and regular inspections are essential to prevent spills that could impact nearby waterways and farmland.

The facility is located in a rural agricultural area of southern Minnesota, where the primary environmental concerns are potential fuel spills that could contaminate soil and groundwater. The region's shallow aquifers and proximity to the Watonwan River require robust secondary containment and spill prevention measures. Typical fuel terminals in this area store petroleum products in aboveground or underground tanks, with vapor recovery systems to reduce emissions. Regular inspections and compliance with SPCC regulations are critical to minimize environmental risk.