Marathon Pipeline - Iles Station: Oil Pipeline Facility in Moffat County, Colorado

Marathon Pipeline - Iles Station is an oil pipeline facility located in Moffat County, Colorado, approximately 14.3 miles north of Craig. The facility is operational and serves as a key component in the regional petroleum transportation network, handling crude oil or refined products. As part of the US pipeline infrastructure, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. The facility's technical specifications are limited, but its classification under NAICS code 486110 indicates it is part of the crude petroleum pipeline transportation sector. In the United States, oil pipelines are typically constructed from steel with cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, and they operate under strict safety standards including leak detection systems and regular integrity assessments. The scale of this station is likely moderate, serving as a pump or valve station along a larger pipeline corridor. Environmentally, the facility's location in rural Colorado near the Yampa River watershed requires careful management to prevent spills that could impact local waterways and ecosystems. The station plays a role in connecting oil production areas in the Rocky Mountain region to refineries and markets, contributing to the nation's energy infrastructure. Its operational status ensures continued service for regional petroleum transport.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of northwestern Colorado, near the Yampa River basin. Proximity to waterways and rural communities necessitates robust spill prevention and response measures. The pipeline's age and cathodic protection status are critical for preventing leaks that could affect local soil and water quality. Regulatory compliance under PHMSA includes environmental protection plans.