Northern Natural Gas - St. Cloud Office: Gas Pipeline Facility in Foley, Minnesota

Northern Natural Gas - St. Cloud Office is a gas pipeline facility located in Foley, Benton County, Minnesota, United States. The facility is part of the extensive natural gas pipeline network serving the Midwest region, operated by Northern Natural Gas Company. As a key node in the pipeline infrastructure, it supports the transmission and distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the safe transportation of natural gas. The NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a natural gas pipeline transportation facility. Typical gas pipeline facilities in Minnesota are part of a mature network with extensive cathodic protection and leak detection systems. Environmentally, the facility plays a critical role in delivering natural gas, a lower-carbon fossil fuel, to the region. Its location in a rural area near Foley reduces proximity to dense populations, but pipeline integrity management is essential to prevent leaks and ensure safety. The facility contributes to the energy security of central Minnesota and supports the local economy by providing reliable energy infrastructure.

The facility is situated in a rural area of Benton County, Minnesota, with proximity to agricultural land and waterways. Natural gas pipelines require rigorous cathodic protection and regular inspections to prevent corrosion and leaks, which could impact soil and water quality. The commodity transported (natural gas) is a fossil fuel, and any release poses risks of explosion and greenhouse gas emissions. The region's cold climate necessitates robust pipeline materials and maintenance to withstand freeze-thaw cycles.