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Glossary

 Abatement
the reduction in degree or intensity of pollution.
 abiotic
not biotic; not formed by biologic processes.
 absolute viscosity
A measure of a fluid's resistance to tangential or shear stress. Also referred to as dynamic viscosity; see also viscosity. Units are usually given in centipoise.
 absorption
the penetration of atoms, ions, or molecules into the bulk mass of a substance.
 Actinomycetes
any of numerous, generally filamentous, and often pathogenic, microorganisms resembling both bacteria and fungi.
 adsorption
the retention of atoms, ions, or molecules onto the surface of another substance.
 advection
the process of transfer of fluids (vapors or liquid) through a geologic formation in response to a pressure gradient that may be caused by changes in barometric pressure, water table levels, wind fluctuations, or infiltration.
 aeration
the process of bringing air into contact with a liquid (typically water), usually by bubbling air through the liquid, spraying the liquid into the air, allowing the liquid to cascade down a waterfall, or by mechanical agitation. Aeration serves to (1) strip dissolved gases from solution, and/or (2) oxygenate the liquid. The rate at which a gas transfers into solution can be described by Fick's First Law.
 aerobic
able to live, grow, or take place only when free oxygen is present.
 afterburner
an off-gas posttreatment unit for control of organic compounds by thermal oxidation. A typical afterburner is a refractory-lined shell providing enough residence time at a sufficiently high temperature to destroy organic compounds in the off-gas stream.
 aggregate
coarse mineral material (e.g., sand, gravel) that is mixed with either cement to form concrete or tarry hydrocarbons to form asphalt.
 algae
chiefly aquatic, eucaryotic one-celled or multicellular plants without true stems, roots and leaves, that are typically autotrophic, photosynthetic, and contain chlorophyll. Algae are not typically found in groundwater.
 aliphatic
of or pertaining to a broad category of carbon compounds distinguished by a straight, or branched, open chain arrangement of the constituent carbon atoms. The carbon-carbon bonds may be either saturated or unsaturated. Alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes are aliphatic hydrocarbons.
 alkanes
the homologous group of linear saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having the general formula C(n)H(2n+2). Alkanes can be straight chains, branched chains, or ring structures. Also referred to as paraffins.
 alkenes
the group of unsaturated hydrocarbons having the general formula C(n)H(2n) and characterized by being highly chemically reactive. Also referred to as olefins.
 alkynes
the group of unsaturated hydrocarbons with a triple Carbon-Carbon bond having the general formula C(n)H(2n-2).
 ambient
surrounding; the surrounding environment and conditions.
 Amortization
When an oil company offers up front cash to induce an independent dealer to brand with that oil company. Normally, as long as the dealer continues to purchase product from that company, the money does not have to be paid back. It is amortized over the term of the contract, which is typically a ten-year agreement.
 AMPM
A Brand That Stands Apart Powerful, distinctive branding is the cornerstone of ampm's high visibility in the convenience-store industry. Wherever our stores are located, ampm enjoys broad name recognition as a result of our familiar trademarks and distinctive marketing.
By combining top brands with our own unique, in-demand offerings, ampm franchises will continue to lead in the convenience-store industry.

- Proprietary offers such as Fast Food, Coffee & Fountain Drinks differentiates ampm from the competition
- Innovative marketing, branding & media advertising helps support business growth
- ARCO and ampm combine to enable our customers to enjoy a one-stop experience with two highly visible brands Day or Night, ampm Stores are Always There to Serve Their Customers Our success depends on your success. At ARCO and ampm facilities you will find commitment to excellence and an emphasis on respect in how we treat our customers and each other. ampm convenience stores offer a fast, fun, dynamic and rewarding experience. The World of ampm Petroleum - convenience store growth is an unstoppable force—an evolving industry with high customer demand. Americans want to get in, indulge and get out. The ARCO and ampm brands are uniquely positioned to meet these needs.
An ampm franchise stands out from the typical convenience store with a unique emphasis on having the right products for our customers.
With ampm you get a thoroughly distinctive brand, a history of success, comprehensive support for your business and award-winning marketing support. A key element of ampm's convenience strategy is the delivery of a differentiated and distinctive offer focused on meeting the needs of its target customer segments. ampm is an established brand on the west coast with high brand awareness and customer loyalty. The ampm brand has meaning to its customers - it has established itself as part of the west coast's culture.
ampm Customers Come in for Breakfast, Maybe Even Brunch. It is the Quick and Satisfying way to "Do Lunch." Our "Vision" store format offers an exciting ampm customer experience. The new vision format helps grow the ampm c-store business with an expanded fountain, coffee and food offer, increased targeted ethnic product selection and increased selling space at the cooler and checkout counter.
The vision ampm stores are similar to snack-food theme parks. With a bigger selection, more variety, special hot and cold food stations and beverage bars, ampm offers an extraordinary convenience-store experience. Our "To Go" dispenser area features baked, grilled and chilled edibles such as salads, fruit cups and sandwiches. A fresh ampm condiment bar lets customers load up on hot dogs, hamburgers and tasty sandwiches. And to cool things off, the new "Thirst Oasis" bar boasts 24 different fountain drinks with a choice of "crunch" or cubed ice.
http://www.ampm.com/
 anaerobic
able to live, grow, or take place where free oxygen is not present.
 analog
in chemistry, a structural derivative of a parent compound.
 anisotropic
the condition in which hydraulic properties of an aquifer are not equal when measured in all directions.
 anoxic
total deprivation of oxygen.
 APlus® Convenience Stores
Sunoco APlus Convenience Stores are available at selected Sunoco gasoline locations all along the east coast of the United States from Massachusetts to Florida and west into upstate New York and Ohio. Customers looking for on-the-go snacks, beverages, and lunches can find them at APlus for a fair price, every day. APlus Stores are staffed by friendly employees who welcome you to come back every day for your morning coffee, afternoon pick-me-up, or always-needed groceries like bread, milk, and eggs.

Park right next to the store, or fill up your tank and only stop once for the things you need right now. Sunoco makes every effort to make your shopping experience positive by keeping stores clean and organized so you can get on your way in this fast-paced world.

In 2004, APlus became a proud sponsor of NASCAR and is the “Official Pitstop of NASCAR” and the “Official Convenience Store of NASCAR.” NASCAR merchandise and products are available at participating APlus locations.
APlus Gas Convenience Store Business Opportunity:
Sunoco APlus Convenience Stores are available at select SUNOCO gasoline locations along the east coast of the United States from Massachusetts to Florida and west into upstate New York and Ohio.
In 2004, APlus became the “Official Pitstop of NASCAR*” and the “Official Convenience Store of NASCAR.” NASCAR merchandise and products are available at participating APlus locations.
Proven Business Model
Sunoco’s APlus innovative business model aims to provide a consistent set of standards and practices and utilizes the latest technology to ensure and promote efficient operation at your APlus location. High quality POP and traffic driving promotions, as well as strategically designed store lay-outs and plan-o-grams supported by extensive research and industry specific data, are just some of the benefits you’ll enjoy as an APlus franchisee.
The Store
Averaging between 2,400 and 4,100 square feet and with easy-to-navigate design layouts, APlus stores welcome customers with spaciousness, cleanliness and shopping ease. The large assortment of name brand merchandise positioned on the sales floor and in the cooler and the fresh food offerings catering to regional and national tastes make shopping at an APlus store a pleasure and a breeze. Participating APlus locations also offer a full range of other services, including ATM, Money Orders, Propane tank exchange, Lottery, and Pre Paid products such as gift cards, pre-paid cellular, and pre-paid MasterCard. In addition, seasonal and special promotional programs are offered throughout the year designed to increase traffic and sales at APlus locations. The APlus franchise complements the Sunoco brand and allows retailers to compete with non-traditional fuel operators.
Experience
Founded in 1985, with corporate roots formed in the early 1970’s as another successful convenience store chain, APlus has over 25 years of experience serving millions of customers. Today, Sunoco is proud to have over 800 franchised and company APlus stores in its family.
Power Branding
As a well respected industry leader, Sunoco’s distinctive brands set us apart from the competition. By combining Sunoco and APlus, two broadly recognized brands that consumers know and trust, you’ll have the foundation for success.
Quality Marketing Experience

- NASCAR exclusive c-store relationship*
- Industry exclusive promotions
- Proprietary brands
- Distinctive store image
- High quality sign package Support Overview

- Marketing and advertising support
- Marketing research
- Specialized training systems
- Franchise consultants
- Building and dйcor specifications
- Sales planning
- Accounting and financial management assistance
- Feedback on your store’s performance
- Advice on product mix Field Support
APlus franchisees have access to a full team of knowledgeable experts whose primarily goal is to facilitate the franchisees’ operation and management of APlus stores. Area Marketing Managers and Regional Sales Managers are available to support franchises and help grow the brand, while Marketing Development Specialists may in some cases assist with real estate and site evaluation, site maps and construction designs. For general business consulting support, APlus franchisees consult with the APlus Franchise Marketing Manager and Regional Sales Manager, who are available to answer the franchisees’ general operations and retail questions and to provide feedback and practical solutions. With corporate roots form in the early 1970’s as another successful convenience store chain, we offer a proud history of continued growth and a wealth of knowledge to assist our franchisees.
Comprehensive Training and Support
APlus supports your business efforts and provides advice on your operational questions and challenges. While the Franchise Operations team assists you in keeping your business running 24/7, the Marketing Managers provide guidance and business consultation to help maximize revenue and operating efficiencies at your APlus location. Additional products and services offered by APlus include:

- Top selling, national brand snack foods, beverages, and cigarettes.
- Hot and cold eat on the go foods.
- Proprietary brands including:
- Gulliver’s Coffee
- Chill Express Fountain Drinks.
- Silver Eagles Cigarettes
- Coffee varietals and Cappuccinos – many only available at APlus
- ATM services
- Money Orders
- Lottery
- Pre-Paid wireless, wireless re-fills, and Master Card gift cards
- Propane tank exchange
 aqueous solubility
the extent to which a compound will dissolve in water. The log of solubility is generally inversely related to molecular weight.
 aquifer
a geologic formation capable of transmitting significant quantities of groundwater under normal hydraulic gradients.
 aquitard
a geologic formation that may contain groundwater but is not capable of transmitting significant quantities of groundwater under normal hydraulic gradients. In some situations aquitards may function as confining beds.
 ARCO
Today, there are approximately 930 ARCO branded gasoline and ampm convenience stores serving nearly 2,200 different products. Together, ARCO and ampm sites serve about 24 million customers per month. The ARCO and ampm brands with their scale, cost structure, customer base and franchise provide for a positive differential to compete in our chosen markets. With a clear understanding of customer demands, we developed a compelling offer and strategy tailored specifically to the ARCO customer segment. The ARCO gasoline brand and ampm convenience store franchise provide a strong franchising opportunity. On the US West Coast, ARCO is the leading retail gasoline brand and the volume supplier in areas such as Southern California and Sacramento. The ARCO and ampm business is comprised of 12 markets across 5 states. Of the approximately 1,400 ARCO branded sites throughout the US West Coast (California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington and Oregon), approximately 930 are ampm locations of which nearly 650 are franchisee operated. http://www.ampm.com/
 aromatic
of or relating to organic compounds that resemble benzene in chemical behavior. These compounds are unsaturated and characterized by containing at least one 6-carbon benzene ring.
 asymptote
a line that is considered to be the limit to a curve. As the curve approaches the asymptote, the distance separating the curve and the asymptote continues to decrease, but the curve never actually intersects the asymptote.
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