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Project Title:
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Pipeline Transportation of Diluted Bitumen
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PIN:
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TRB-SASP-12-04
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Major Unit:
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Division on Earth and Life Studies
Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
Transportation Research Board
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Sub Unit:
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Studies and Special Programs Division
Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology
DEPS Board on Energy & Environmental Systems
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RSO:
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Menzies, Thomas
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Subject/Focus Area:
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Transportation and Infrastructure
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Project Scope
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The committee will analyze whether transportation of diluted bitumen (dilbit) by transmission pipeline has an increased likelihood of release compared with pipeline transportation of other crude oils. Should the committee conclude that an increased likelihood of release exists, it will review the federal hazardous liquid pipeline facility regulations to determine whether they are sufficient to mitigate the increased likelihood of release.
In the first phase of the project, the committee will examine whether dilbit can affect transmission pipelines and their operations so as to create an increased likelihood of release when compared with other crude oils transported through pipelines. Should the committee conclude there is no increased likelihood of release or find there is insufficient information to reach such a conclusion, a second phase of the project will not be required and the committee will prepare a final report to the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This report may include recommendations for improving information to assess the likelihood of failure.
Should the committee conclude there is an increased likelihood of release on the basis of dilbit’s effects on transmission pipelines and their operations, it will issue a brief Phase 1 report of its findings and then proceed to the second phase of the project to determine whether hazardous liquids pipeline regulations are sufficient to mitigate the increased likelihood of release. The committee’s final report following completion of this second phase will contain the complete set of findings, conclusions, and recommendations of both project phases.
Note (08-22-2012): The Project Scope was updated for added clarity following the first meeting of the committee. The updated version is as shown.
The Project is sponsored by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
The approximate start date for the project is June 8, 2012.
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Project Duration:
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21 months
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Provide FEEDBACK on this project.
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Contact the Public Access Records Office to make an inquiry, request a list of the public access file materials, or obtain a copy of the materials found in the file.
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