Colonial Pipeline Company Fuel Terminal in Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Colonial Pipeline Company operates a fuel terminal located on Elm Road in Linthicum Heights, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. This facility is part of the Colonial Pipeline system, the largest refined products pipeline in the United States, which transports gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast. The terminal serves as a key distribution point for the Mid-Atlantic region, including the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. As a fuel terminal, the facility stores and transfers petroleum products, with typical infrastructure including aboveground storage tanks, loading racks for tanker trucks, and pipeline connections. The terminal operates under U.S. EPA regulations for spill prevention (SPCC) and underground storage tanks (UST) where applicable. Maryland Department of the Environment oversees state-level compliance, including air quality permits for vapor recovery systems. The facility's location near Baltimore/Washington International Airport suggests it may also supply jet fuel. The terminal plays a critical role in regional fuel supply, supporting transportation and economic activity in the densely populated Mid-Atlantic corridor. Its proximity to major highways and the airport enhances distribution efficiency. The facility's operational status and integration with the Colonial Pipeline network underscore its importance to energy infrastructure resilience.

The terminal is located in an urbanized area near Baltimore/Washington International Airport and residential communities. Fuel terminals pose spill and vapor risks, requiring secondary containment for tanks and loading areas. The facility's proximity to sensitive receptors such as schools and neighborhoods necessitates robust leak detection and vapor recovery systems. Groundwater protection is a concern due to potential releases from underground pipelines or storage tanks. Maryland's coastal location also raises considerations for stormwater management to prevent runoff into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.