TEPPCO-ATLANTA Refined Product Pipeline in Emerson, Arkansas

TEPPCO-ATLANTA is a refined product pipeline facility located in Emerson, Columbia County, Arkansas, United States. The facility is part of the broader TEPPCO pipeline network, which transports refined petroleum products across the central United States. As a refined product pipeline, it plays a key role in the distribution of gasoline, diesel, and other fuels to regional markets. 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's age and maintenance practices are critical to its safe operation, with cathodic protection systems typically employed to prevent corrosion. TEPPCO-ATLANTA contributes to the energy infrastructure of the region, supporting fuel supply for transportation and industrial sectors. Its location in southern Arkansas places it near major transportation corridors, facilitating efficient distribution. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to downstream markets, highlighting its importance in the regional fuel supply chain.

The facility is situated in a rural area of Columbia County, Arkansas, near the town of Emerson. The surrounding landscape includes agricultural land and forested areas, with the nearby waterways such as the Ouachita River. Pipeline operations in this region must consider potential impacts on local ecosystems and groundwater. The transport of refined products poses risks of spills, which could affect soil and water quality. Regulatory requirements under PHMSA include spill prevention and response plans to mitigate environmental harm.