Consumer Cooperative Oil Co Refinery, Clarkfield, Minnesota | US Oil Infrastructure

Consumer Cooperative Oil Co is a refinery located in Clarkfield, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, United States. As a refining facility, it converts crude oil into various petroleum products, playing a key role in the regional fuel supply chain. The plant operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state authorities. The refinery's operations are subject to the EPA's Clean Air Act (CAA) Refinery MACT standards, which control hazardous air pollutants from petroleum refining. Additionally, it must comply with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for waste management and the Clean Water Act for wastewater discharges. The facility's NAICS codes (324110, 457110) indicate petroleum refining and fuel dealer activities, typical for a mid-sized refinery in the Midwest. Located in rural Minnesota, the refinery supports local employment and energy needs. Its proximity to agricultural areas means it may supply fuel for farming operations. The facility's environmental impact is managed through permits and monitoring, with a focus on reducing emissions and preventing spills. As part of the U.S. refining sector, it contributes to national energy security while adhering to stringent environmental regulations.

The refinery is situated in an agricultural region of Minnesota, where water resources and air quality are key environmental concerns. Operations must manage potential risks such as soil and groundwater contamination from hydrocarbon releases, air emissions from processing units, and waste disposal. The facility's compliance with EPA regulations, including spill prevention and emission controls, is critical to minimizing its ecological footprint in this rural setting.