Northern Natural Gas - St. Ja Gas Pipeline Facility in Rosendale Township, Minnesota

Northern Natural Gas - St. Ja is a gas pipeline facility located at 73392 345th Street in Rosendale Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota, United States. The facility is part of the extensive Northern Natural Gas pipeline network, which spans over 16,000 miles and serves markets in the Upper Midwest and beyond. As a key component of natural gas infrastructure, it plays a vital role in transporting natural gas from supply basins to distribution systems. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. The pipeline infrastructure in Minnesota is subject to state regulations as well, including requirements for integrity management, corrosion control, and emergency response. The facility's NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as pipeline transportation of natural gas. Environmentally, the facility contributes to the reliable delivery of natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial use in the region. Its location in rural Minnesota minimizes proximity to densely populated areas, reducing certain risk factors. The pipeline system supports energy needs while adhering to federal safety standards designed to protect public safety and the environment.

The facility is situated in a rural agricultural area of southern Minnesota, with the nearest waterway being the Watonwan River, a tributary of the Blue Earth River. Pipeline operations in this region must consider potential impacts on local waterways and groundwater. The commodity transported is natural gas, which poses risks of leaks or ruptures that could affect nearby farmland and ecosystems. Regulatory requirements under PHMSA mandate leak detection, cathodic protection, and regular inspections to mitigate environmental risks.