MERIT ENERGY - ILLINOIS BANKER LIFE 1-17 STATION (AIR) Gas Pipeline, Ulysses, Kansas

MERIT ENERGY - ILLINOIS BANKER LIFE 1-17 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 transmission infrastructure in the region, connecting to the broader pipeline network that supplies energy across the Midwest. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with DOT 49 CFR Part 192, which governs gas pipeline safety. As a gas pipeline station, it likely includes metering, compression, or valve infrastructure to manage gas flow. The NAICS codes 211111 (Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction) and 486210 (Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas) indicate its role in both extraction and transmission. This facility contributes to the reliable delivery of natural gas to industrial, commercial, and residential consumers in Kansas and surrounding states. Its location in a rural area of Grant County minimizes proximity to dense populations, though pipeline integrity and cathodic protection remain critical for safe operation. The facility supports energy security and economic activity in the region.

The facility is situated in a semi-arid region of southwestern Kansas, characterized by agricultural land and low population density. Pipeline infrastructure in this area must manage risks related to soil corrosion and potential leaks, which could affect local groundwater or ecosystems. Cathodic protection systems and regular inspections are essential to prevent environmental incidents. The commodity transported (natural gas) poses lower spill risk compared to liquids, but methane leakage is a concern for air quality and climate impact.