Great Lakes Gas Transmission, Bemidji Township, Minnesota | Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

Great Lakes Gas Transmission is a natural gas pipeline facility located at 1876 23rd St SE in Bemidji Township, Beltrami County, Minnesota, United States. The facility is operational and plays a role in the interstate gas transmission system, connecting supply sources to markets in the Great Lakes region. As a gas pipeline, it is part of a critical infrastructure network that transports natural gas across state lines. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and is subject to 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. This includes requirements for pipeline design, construction, testing, operation, and maintenance, as well as integrity management programs to prevent leaks and ruptures. The specific technical specifications of this pipeline, such as length and diameter, are not detailed in available data, but typical interstate gas pipelines in this region range from medium to large scale. Great Lakes Gas Transmission contributes to the energy supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users in the upper Midwest. Its location in a rural area of Minnesota minimizes proximity to densely populated zones, though it may cross waterways or environmentally sensitive areas. The facility's role in the broader gas transmission grid supports energy reliability and economic activity in the region.

The pipeline traverses the forested and lake-rich landscape of northern Minnesota, an area with numerous water bodies and wetlands. Proximity to waterways and sensitive ecosystems requires careful monitoring to prevent spills or leaks that could impact water quality. The commodity transported is natural gas, which poses risks of methane emissions and combustion hazards. Cathodic protection and regular inspections are essential to mitigate corrosion-related failures.