Shell Pipeline Co LP - Kaplan Station: Oil Pipeline Facility in Lake Arthur, Louisiana

Shell Pipeline Co LP - Kaplan Station is an oil pipeline facility located off Highway 14 in Lake Arthur, Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. The facility is part of the extensive Shell Pipeline network that transports crude oil and refined products across the Gulf Coast region. As an operational station, it plays a role in the midstream infrastructure connecting production areas to refineries and terminals. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. Typical pipeline stations in this region include pump stations, metering facilities, and tank farms. The station's location in southwestern Louisiana places it within a dense network of pipelines serving the petrochemical industry along the Gulf Coast. Louisiana's pipeline infrastructure is critical for transporting energy products from the Gulf of Mexico and inland production areas. The Kaplan Station contributes to the reliability of regional fuel supply and supports local industrial activity. Its proximity to waterways and populated areas necessitates robust safety and environmental protection measures, including leak detection and cathodic protection systems.

The facility is located in a region with numerous waterways, including the Mermentau River basin, which increases the risk of environmental impact from potential spills. The surrounding area includes agricultural land and small communities, requiring careful monitoring of pipeline integrity. Cathodic protection and regular inspections are essential to prevent corrosion-related leaks in this humid subtropical climate.