MERIT ENERGY - FORT STATION (AIR) Gas Pipeline Facility in Ulysses, Kansas

MERIT ENERGY - FORT STATION (AIR) is a gas pipeline facility located in Ulysses, Grant County, Kansas, United States. The facility is operational and serves as part of the natural gas transportation infrastructure in the region. Its location in southwestern Kansas places it within a key area for energy distribution, connecting production areas to downstream markets. The facility operates under NAICS code 486210, which covers pipeline transportation of natural gas. In the United States, gas pipelines are regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 192. This regulatory framework ensures safety standards for design, construction, operation, and maintenance, including requirements for cathodic protection and leak detection. The facility's scale is typical for a regional gas pipeline asset in the Midcontinent area. As part of the natural gas grid, this facility contributes to the reliable delivery of energy to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers. Its role in the supply chain supports local economic activity and energy security. The surrounding area is characterized by agricultural land and sparse population, which influences the environmental and operational context of the pipeline.

The facility is situated in a rural area of southwestern Kansas, where the primary land use is agriculture. The pipeline's proximity to agricultural fields and sparse population reduces certain risks associated with populated areas. However, the transport of natural gas requires careful monitoring for leaks and corrosion. The region's semi-arid climate and flat terrain influence pipeline maintenance practices, including cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion.