Northern Natural Gas Co - CLA Gas Pipeline Facility, Clarkfield, Minnesota

Northern Natural Gas Co - CLA is a gas pipeline facility located in Clarkfield, Minnesota, within Yellow Medicine County. The facility is part of the extensive Northern Natural Gas pipeline system, which spans multiple states and is a key component of the US natural gas infrastructure. The pipeline operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The facility is situated in a rural area of southwestern Minnesota, a region characterized by agricultural land and scattered communities. The pipeline likely transports natural gas from production areas in the Great Plains to markets in the Midwest. The Northern Natural Gas system includes over 14,000 miles of pipeline and numerous compressor stations, making it a major player in the US natural gas transmission network. Operationally, the facility plays a role in ensuring reliable natural gas supply to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the region. The pipeline infrastructure in Minnesota is subject to state and federal safety regulations, including integrity management programs and leak detection requirements. The facility's location in a rural area reduces some risk factors, but proximity to agricultural operations and waterways may require ongoing monitoring and cathodic protection to prevent corrosion.

The pipeline facility is located in a rural agricultural area of Minnesota, near the Minnesota River watershed. The surrounding landscape includes farmland and small water bodies, which may be sensitive to potential pipeline leaks or ruptures. The commodity transported is natural gas, which poses risks of explosion and greenhouse gas emissions if released. Typical pipeline integrity management includes regular inspections and corrosion control measures to mitigate environmental risks.