UPDATE ON CRUDE
BY RAIL ISSUES
Tony Semenza
June 26, 2014
CRUDE BY RAIL IN CONTRA
COSTA COUNTY
• Currently one crude train every 7-10 days
from Stockton to Richmond
• Transported over the Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Line
• Railroad required to notify the state
regarding shipments by rail
• The state is required to inform local
emergency responders and planners
• Crude by rail shipments in California
expected to exceed 150 million barrels a
year by the end of 2016
• None of the Contra Costa refineries
(Chevron, Phillips 66, Shell and Tesoro)
receive any crude by rail
LEADING CAUSES FOR
DERAILMENT
• Condition of track bed and rails
• Speed of trains
• Wheel bearing failures
• Human errors
VOLUNTARY EFFORTS TO
INCREASE SAFETY OF CRUDE
BY RAIL
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Increased track inspections
Braking systems
Use of rail traffic routing technology
Lower speeds
Community relations
Increased track side safety technology
Increased emergency response training
Emergency response capability planning
ADDITIONAL ISSUES
• Tank car standards
• Proper shipping classifications
BAKKEN CRUDE OIL
CHARACTERISTICS
• Low flash point
• Higher vapor pressure
OTHER DOCUMENTS OF
INTEREST
• June 10, 2014 publication of Oil by Rail
Safety in California
• Preliminary findings and recommendations
• Prepared by the Interagency Rail Safety
Working Group