(Source: The Chemical Engineer, March 26, 2020)
LONDON — In 2008, a sharp increase in hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) sent crude oil production in North America soaring. Production quickly outgrew existing pipeline capacity and saw record volumes of crude oil being hauled by rail. The 2013 high-profile crude oil train disaster at Lac-Mégantic, Canada – which killed 47 people and destroyed most of the town – was an unfortunate reminder of the dangers associated with this method of transportation. It led to a permanent change in public perception alongside a re-examination of the regulatory approach. At the same time, opposition to pipeline projects meant that there remained a heavy reliance on the transportation via rail, and there was significant resistance from rail operators towards retrofitting safety features and upgrading their rolling stock.
Full story: The Chemical Engineer