YOCEMENTO NH3 PLANT - Fuel Terminal in Hays, Kansas

YOCEMENTO NH3 PLANT is a fuel terminal located at 1558 YOCEMENTO AVENUE in Hays, Kansas, within Ellis County. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS 424510, which covers grain and field bean merchant wholesalers, indicating a likely focus on agricultural inputs such as anhydrous ammonia. As a fuel terminal, it plays a key role in the regional supply chain for fertilizers and fuels. The facility operates under U.S. EPA regulations including the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule for oil storage and the Risk Management Program (RMP) for hazardous substances like ammonia. Given the NAICS code, the terminal likely handles anhydrous ammonia, a common nitrogen fertilizer, which requires strict adherence to OSHA Process Safety Management and EPA RMP due to its toxicity. Typical storage involves pressurized or refrigerated tanks with secondary containment. Located in the Great Plains, the plant supports the agricultural economy of western Kansas, where farming is a primary industry. Its proximity to Hays, a regional hub, ensures efficient distribution to local farms and cooperatives. The facility's operational status underscores its importance in maintaining a stable supply of essential agricultural inputs.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region with low annual precipitation, reducing the risk of groundwater contamination from spills. However, the handling of anhydrous ammonia poses acute toxicity risks to nearby receptors. Secondary containment and emergency response plans are critical to mitigate potential releases. The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with sensitive receptors including farmlands and the city of Hays approximately 5 miles east.