Consensus Ecological Risk Assessment of Potential Transportation-related Bakken and Dilbit Crude Oil Spills in the Delaware Bay Watershed, USA

摘要: Unconventionally-produced crude oils, i.e., Bakken oil and bitumen diluted for transport known as dilbit, have become prominent components of the North American petroleum industry. Spills these oils occurred during from production areas to refineries via pipeline, rail, barge. Some their physical chemical properties are distinct present new challenges in mitigating spill impacts on people environment. This paper describes adaptation a qualitative risk assessment process improve preparedness response decisions when transported an estuarine area. The application this collaborative, interdisciplinary drew upon literature review, local knowledge experience broad set decision makers, practitioners, technical experts who developed consensus-based recommendations aimed at improving spills oils. Two emphasized consensus ecological (CERA) concerned risks: (1) human health safety (2) spilled associated actions endangered species. Participants defined levels concern with dilbit relative freshwater, brackish saltwater habitats resources risk.