Buckeye Des Plaines Refined Product Pipeline, Arlington Heights, Illinois

Buckeye Des Plaines is a refined product pipeline facility located in Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois, United States. The facility is part of the extensive Buckeye Partners network, which transports refined petroleum products across the Midwest and East Coast. As a refined product pipeline, it handles commodities such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, serving key distribution markets in the Chicago metropolitan area. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. This regulatory framework mandates strict safety standards, including corrosion control, leak detection, and emergency response protocols. The pipeline infrastructure in this region is characterized by aging assets, with many pipelines dating back to the mid-20th century, requiring ongoing maintenance and integrity management. Buckeye Des Plaines plays a critical role in the regional fuel supply chain, connecting refineries and storage terminals to end-users in Illinois and beyond. Its proximity to O'Hare International Airport and major transportation corridors underscores its strategic importance. The facility's operational status ensures reliable delivery of refined products, supporting local economies and transportation networks.

The facility is situated in a densely populated suburban area near Arlington Heights, with proximity to waterways and residential zones. Refined product pipelines carry flammable liquids, posing risks of spills or leaks that could impact local ecosystems and groundwater. The region's glacial till and shallow aquifers require robust containment and monitoring systems. Regulatory compliance with PHMSA's integrity management programs is essential to mitigate environmental risks.