(112c) Societal Risk Criteria and Pipelines

The discussion of societal risk criteria for the process industry began in the 1970’s, led primarily by the Dutch and British governments.  Most of the discussion, however, has centered on fixed facilities.  The literature on the societal risk of hazardous goods transportation, particularly by pipeline, has been much more limited.

 How should we quantify the risk of transporting gases and liquids via pipeline?  What criteria should we use to determine if the risk is tolerable?  Can we compare a pipeline risk to that of a fixed facility or another mode of transportation?

 This paper will address these questions and discuss the merits of various alternatives for the assessment of the risk of a pipeline to the general public.