Plains Pipeline - Colby Station (Crude Stor) - Oil Pipeline Facility in Colby, Kansas

Plains Pipeline - Colby Station (Crude Stor) is an oil pipeline facility located in Colby, Thomas County, Kansas. The facility is operational and plays a role in the transportation and storage of crude oil within the United States pipeline network. As part of the Plains Pipeline system, it contributes to the midstream sector, connecting 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 for hazardous liquid pipelines. While specific technical specifications such as pipeline length or storage capacity are not detailed, the facility's NAICS code 486110 indicates it is classified as crude petroleum pipeline transportation. In the context of Kansas, a key state for oil and gas production, this station supports the movement of crude oil from the region. Environmentally, the facility's location in a rural area of northwestern Kansas reduces immediate population density risks. However, as a crude oil storage and pipeline station, it requires robust spill prevention and cathodic protection systems to safeguard local soil and groundwater. The station's role in the Plains Pipeline network enhances energy supply reliability for the broader region.

The facility is situated in a rural agricultural area of Thomas County, Kansas, with low population density. The primary environmental considerations for this oil pipeline station include potential risks to soil and groundwater from crude oil spills, as well as the need for effective cathodic protection to prevent pipeline corrosion. The region's flat terrain and semi-arid climate influence drainage patterns, making spill containment and monitoring critical for protecting local ecosystems.