Belle Fourche Pipeline Company - Oil Pipeline in McKenzie County, North Dakota

Belle Fourche Pipeline Company is an operational oil pipeline facility located in McKenzie County, North Dakota, United States. The facility is situated in the SE 1/4, SW 1/4, SEC. 36, T149, R99, and is part of the critical pipeline network supporting the region's oil and gas industry. As a key component of the midstream sector, this pipeline contributes to the transportation of crude oil from production areas to refineries and markets. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. The pipeline infrastructure in North Dakota is essential for moving oil from the Bakken shale formation, one of the largest oil-producing regions in the United States. The facility's NAICS code 486110 indicates it is classified as a crude petroleum pipeline transportation operation. Environmental considerations for this pipeline include its proximity to rural and potentially sensitive areas in McKenzie County. The region's cold climate and terrain require robust maintenance and monitoring practices, including cathodic protection to prevent corrosion. The pipeline plays a vital role in the local economy by enabling efficient oil transport, reducing reliance on trucking, and supporting energy security.

The pipeline operates in McKenzie County, North Dakota, a region characterized by the Bakken shale formation and cold continental climate. Proximity to waterways and rural communities necessitates careful monitoring to prevent leaks and spills. The facility's age and cathodic protection systems are critical for maintaining integrity, as the transported crude oil poses environmental risks if released. Regulatory compliance with PHMSA standards helps mitigate these risks.