Williston Basin - Little Beaver Gas Pipeline, Baker, Montana | US Pipeline Infrastructure

The Williston Basin - Little Beaver gas pipeline is located in Baker, Fallon County, Montana, United States. This operational facility is part of the extensive natural gas pipeline infrastructure serving the Williston Basin region, a major oil and gas producing area. The pipeline's scale is typical for regional gas gathering and transmission systems in the US. As a gas pipeline, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and must comply with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of gas pipelines. The facility's NAICS code 486210 indicates it is classified as a pipeline transportation of natural gas. Typical technical features include cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion and regular integrity management programs. The pipeline plays a key role in transporting natural gas from production fields to processing plants and downstream markets. Its location in the Williston Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the US, underscores its importance in the national energy supply chain. The facility contributes to the local economy and energy security while operating under strict safety and environmental regulations.

The pipeline traverses the semi-arid grasslands of eastern Montana, an area with low population density but sensitive prairie ecosystems. Proximity to waterways and agricultural land requires careful monitoring to prevent leaks and spills. The commodity transported (natural gas) poses risks of methane emissions and explosion hazards. Regulatory requirements include cathodic protection and leak detection systems to mitigate environmental impact.