Colonial Pipeline Company - Gastonia PUM: Refined Product Pipeline Facility in Gastonia, North Carolina

Colonial Pipeline Company - Gastonia PUM is a refined product pipeline facility located at 3175 Union Road in Gastonia, North Carolina. As part of the Colonial Pipeline system, it plays a key role in transporting petroleum products across the southeastern United States. The facility is classified under NAICS code 486910 for pipeline transportation of refined petroleum products. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. This regulatory framework ensures safety standards for pipeline design, construction, operation, and maintenance, including corrosion control and leak detection. The Colonial Pipeline system is one of the largest refined product pipelines in the U.S., spanning over 5,500 miles. As a pump station, this facility is critical for maintaining pressure and flow within the pipeline network, ensuring reliable delivery of gasoline, diesel, and other refined products to markets in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Its operational status contributes to regional energy security and economic activity, supporting local communities and industries that depend on consistent fuel supply.

The facility is situated in Gastonia, a city in Gaston County, North Carolina, near the Catawba River and several waterways. Proximity to water bodies and populated areas necessitates robust spill prevention and response measures. The pipeline transports refined petroleum products, which pose risks of leaks or ruptures that could impact soil and water quality. Regulatory requirements under PHMSA mandate cathodic protection, regular inspections, and emergency response plans to mitigate environmental risks.