KAW PIPE LINE CO. - Oil Pipeline Facility in Dopita Sta., Kansas

KAW PIPE LINE CO. is an oil pipeline facility located in Dopita Sta., Hamilton County, Kansas, United States. The facility is operational and plays a role in the regional transportation of crude oil or refined petroleum products, connecting production areas to refineries or distribution hubs. As part of the U.S. pipeline network, it contributes to the energy supply chain in the central United States. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines. The NAICS code 486110 indicates it is classified as a crude petroleum pipeline transportation operation. Typical oil pipelines in Kansas range from tens to hundreds of miles, often traversing agricultural and rural landscapes. Environmentally, the pipeline's location in western Kansas places it in a semi-arid region with sensitive groundwater resources, including the Ogallala Aquifer. The facility's operational status implies adherence to safety protocols including cathodic protection and leak detection systems. Its role in the national pipeline grid supports energy distribution but also necessitates rigorous maintenance and spill prevention measures to protect local ecosystems and communities.

The pipeline traverses the High Plains region of Kansas, an area underlain by the Ogallala Aquifer, a critical water source for agriculture and drinking water. Spills or leaks could potentially impact groundwater quality. The semi-arid climate and sparse vegetation mean that any contamination could persist longer than in wetter regions. Proximity to rural communities and agricultural land requires robust spill response plans and regular integrity testing to minimize environmental risks.