MIDAMERICA PIPE LINE MANKATO - Refined Product Pipeline in Garden City Township, Minnesota

MIDAMERICA PIPE LINE MANKATO is a refined product pipeline facility located at 16082 Highway 169 in Garden City Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, United States. The facility is operational and serves as part of the regional pipeline infrastructure for transporting refined petroleum products. As a refined product pipeline, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and DOT 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. The facility operates within a well-established regulatory framework that includes requirements for pipeline integrity management, cathodic protection, and leak detection. In Minnesota, pipeline infrastructure is subject to state-level coordination with federal regulations, ensuring safe transport of commodities. The NAICS codes 486910 and 48691 indicate its classification as a pipeline transportation of refined petroleum products. This pipeline plays a key role in the regional fuel supply chain, connecting refineries or storage terminals to distribution points in southern Minnesota. Its location near Highway 169 provides accessibility, while proximity to agricultural and residential areas necessitates robust safety and environmental monitoring. The facility contributes to the energy infrastructure of the region, supporting local economies and transportation networks.

The facility is situated in a rural area of Blue Earth County, near agricultural lands and the Minnesota River watershed. Pipeline operations in such settings require careful management to prevent spills that could impact soil and water resources. The transport of refined products like gasoline or diesel poses risks of groundwater contamination if leaks occur. Regulatory compliance with PHMSA's integrity management programs helps mitigate these risks through regular inspections and cathodic protection monitoring.