Bakken Plant Gas Pipeline, Richland County, Montana, United States

The Bakken Plant is a gas pipeline facility located in Richland County, Montana, United States. It is part of the extensive pipeline infrastructure supporting the Bakken shale region, one of the largest oil and gas producing areas in North America. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 486210 for pipeline transportation of natural gas. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. As a gas pipeline in the Bakken region, it likely handles high volumes of natural gas, requiring robust cathodic protection and regular integrity management to ensure safe operation. The Bakken Plant contributes to the energy supply chain by transporting natural gas from production areas to processing and distribution networks. Its location in Montana places it in a region with significant oil and gas activity, supporting local economies and national energy needs. The facility's operational status underscores its ongoing role in the pipeline grid.

The Bakken Plant is situated in the Bakken shale formation, an area with extensive oil and gas development. Pipeline infrastructure in this region must consider proximity to agricultural lands and waterways, including the Yellowstone River. The transport of natural gas involves risks such as methane leakage, which can impact air quality and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Cathodic protection systems are critical to prevent corrosion and maintain pipeline integrity.