NUSTAR/KANEB, LE MARS TERMINAL - Refined Product Pipeline Terminal in Le Mars, Iowa

NUSTAR/KANEB, LE MARS TERMINAL is a refined product pipeline terminal located at 33035 C12 in Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa. The facility is operational and serves as a critical node in the United States' refined product pipeline network, handling the storage and distribution of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. As a terminal, it connects long-haul pipelines to local distribution systems, supporting regional fuel supply. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines. The terminal's infrastructure includes storage tanks, loading racks, and pipeline connections, typical for refined product terminals in the Midwest. Its location in Iowa places it within a network serving agricultural and industrial markets, with connections to major pipeline systems like the Explorer Pipeline or Magellan Midstream Partners. Environmental and operational significance includes the terminal's role in ensuring reliable fuel supply for Le Mars and surrounding areas. The facility's proximity to agricultural land and waterways necessitates robust spill prevention and cathodic protection systems to mitigate risks. As part of the national pipeline grid, it contributes to energy security and economic activity in the region.

The terminal is situated in a rural area of Plymouth County, Iowa, near agricultural land and the Floyd River. The primary environmental concern for refined product terminals is the potential for leaks or spills that could impact soil and water resources. The facility likely employs secondary containment, leak detection, and cathodic protection to prevent corrosion. Regulatory compliance with PHMSA's integrity management programs helps mitigate risks to nearby communities and ecosystems.