ENBRIDGE ENERGY - THIEF RIVER Oil Pipeline Facility, Thief River Falls, Minnesota

ENBRIDGE ENERGY - THIEF RIVER is an oil pipeline facility located at 1125 3rd St W, Thief River Falls, Minnesota, in Pennington County. The facility is part of the extensive Enbridge pipeline network, which transports crude oil and petroleum products across North America. As an operational oil pipeline, it plays a key role in the regional energy infrastructure. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. Typical oil pipelines in this region are part of larger trunk lines with diameters ranging from 20 to 36 inches and are equipped with cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion. This facility contributes to the transportation of crude oil from producing regions to refineries and distribution centers. Its location in northwestern Minnesota places it within a network that connects Canadian oil sands and Bakken shale production to markets in the Midwest and Gulf Coast. The pipeline's operational status ensures ongoing energy supply to downstream consumers.

The facility is situated in a region with cold winters and flat terrain, which can affect pipeline integrity through frost heave and soil movement. Proximity to the Red River Valley and local waterways requires careful monitoring to prevent spills that could impact aquatic ecosystems. Enbridge employs leak detection systems and regular inspections to mitigate environmental risks.