Bluewater Gas Storage Facility - Columbus, Michigan: Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

Bluewater Gas Storage Facility - Columbus is an operational gas pipeline facility located at 333 South Wales Center Road in Columbus, St. Clair County, Michigan. The facility is part of the United States' extensive natural gas pipeline infrastructure, which is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192. As a gas storage facility, it plays a key role in balancing supply and demand, particularly during peak winter months. The facility operates under NAICS code 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. While specific technical specifications such as pipeline length or capacity are not detailed, the facility's location in Michigan places it within a region with a dense network of natural gas pipelines serving the Midwest. The regulatory framework ensures safety through standards for design, construction, operation, and maintenance, including cathodic protection and leak detection. Bluewater Gas Storage Facility contributes to the reliability of natural gas supply in the region, supporting residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Its operational status underscores its ongoing role in the energy grid. The facility's proximity to the Great Lakes and populated areas necessitates adherence to stringent environmental and safety protocols to protect water resources and communities.

The facility is located in St. Clair County, Michigan, near the St. Clair River and Lake Huron, which are part of the Great Lakes system. Natural gas pipelines and storage facilities in this region must manage risks related to waterway crossings and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The age of infrastructure and cathodic protection systems are critical for preventing leaks. The commodity transported (natural gas) poses lower environmental risk compared to hazardous liquids, but methane emissions remain a concern. Regulatory oversight by PHMSA and state agencies ensures compliance with environmental protection measures.