PLAINS MARKETING LP - ERATH STATION: Oil Pipeline Facility in Erath, Louisiana

PLAINS MARKETING LP - ERATH STATION is an oil pipeline facility located at 17453 AURELIEN RD in Erath, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. The facility is operational and serves as a key node in the regional crude oil transportation network, connecting production areas to refineries and terminals. As part of the Plains Marketing LP system, it contributes to the movement of crude oil across the Gulf Coast region. 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. The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum Extraction) and 486110 (Crude Oil Pipeline Transportation) indicate its role in both upstream and midstream activities. Typical infrastructure at such stations includes pump stations, storage tanks, and metering equipment to ensure safe and efficient transfer. Located in the heart of Louisiana's oil-producing region, the station supports the local energy economy and connects to a vast pipeline network that supplies crude to Gulf Coast refineries. The facility's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and coastal waterways necessitates robust environmental safeguards, including leak detection and spill response plans, to protect sensitive marsh and aquatic ecosystems.

The facility is situated in coastal Louisiana, an area characterized by wetlands, bayous, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. These ecosystems are sensitive to oil spills, which can harm wildlife and water quality. Pipeline operations must adhere to PHMSA integrity management programs, including cathodic protection and regular inspections, to minimize leakage risks. The region's subsidence and hurricane activity add to operational challenges, requiring robust emergency response protocols.