An emergency order issued Tuesday that requires testing of crude to be transported by rail has left refiners with questions for federal authorities. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is requiring that shippers test all Bakken oil before transporting it by rail and classify it in accordance with federal guidelines. The order also requires that all Class III crude oil shipments be transported using a “more robust” tank car.
The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), however, said DOT’s edict does not make clear how frequently oil must be tested nor does it address the rule’s impact on transportation capacity. AFPM President Charles Drevna said in a statement his group is also concerned about how mandated testing will affect crude oil deliveries to refineries.
“AFPM hopes that as DOT implements the Emergency Order it will work collaboratively to answer these and other unanswered questions, which should be based on quality data provided by stakeholders that are legally accountable for transporting crude oil,” Drevna said.
A Tuesday report by Bloomberg also highlighted the confusion among some refiners. Alon USA official George Stutzmann told a reporter he did not know what the DOT wants refiners to test for.
A recent study revealed that Bakken oil is more flammable than other types of crude produced in the U.S. due to its high vapor content. Many believe the high relative volatility of Bakken crude and DOT 111 tank cars' susceptibility to puncture are the key factors in the recent spate of disasters caused by crude oil train derailments.
Photo: Harvey Henkelmann
