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

Plains Pipeline - Herndon Station (Crude Stor) is an operational oil pipeline facility located in Herndon, Rawlins County, Kansas, United States. The facility is part of the extensive Plains Pipeline network, which plays a key role in transporting crude oil across the central United States. As a storage station, it supports the regional pipeline system by providing intermediate storage capacity for crude oil. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. The station is situated in a rural area of northwestern Kansas, a region with significant crude oil production from the Denver-Julesburg Basin and other nearby plays. The pipeline infrastructure in this area typically involves large-diameter pipes and pump stations to move crude oil to refineries and distribution hubs. The Herndon Station contributes to the reliability of crude oil supply chains in the Midwest, supporting downstream refineries and end-users. Its location in a sparsely populated area reduces certain community-related risks, though environmental monitoring and spill prevention remain critical operational priorities. The facility's role in crude storage helps balance supply and demand fluctuations in the regional market.

The facility is located in a rural agricultural area of northwestern Kansas, with the nearest population center being Herndon. The region is characterized by flat terrain and a semi-arid climate. The primary environmental considerations for this oil pipeline station include potential risks to groundwater and soil from spills, as well as impacts on local wildlife. The facility's proximity to waterways is limited, but the area's agricultural land use requires careful management to prevent contamination.