EL PASO MERCHANT ENERGY-PETROLEUM CO. Fuel Terminal, Wichita, Kansas

EL PASO MERCHANT ENERGY-PETROLEUM CO. is a fuel terminal located at 1100 East 21st Street North in Wichita, Kansas. Situated in Sedgwick County, this facility plays a key role in the regional fuel supply chain, handling petroleum products for distribution. As an operational fuel terminal, it supports the energy infrastructure of the central United States. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations and the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules. These regulations mandate secondary containment, leak detection, and spill response plans to mitigate environmental risks. The terminal's NAICS codes (424710 and 531312) indicate its involvement in petroleum bulk stations and terminals, as well as real estate leasing. Fuel terminals like this one are critical nodes in the petroleum supply chain, providing storage and transfer capabilities that support local and regional fuel demand. The facility's location in Wichita, a major transportation hub, enhances its strategic importance. Environmental management practices, such as vapor recovery systems and regular inspections, are typical for such sites to minimize spill and vapor risks.

The fuel terminal is located in an industrial area of Wichita, near the Arkansas River. The region's climate includes seasonal temperature variations that can affect tank integrity and vapor pressure. Proximity to residential and commercial zones necessitates robust secondary containment and vapor control measures to protect local air and water quality. The facility's compliance with SPCC and UST regulations helps mitigate spill risks to nearby waterways.