Presentation
HCA Assessments for Offshore Pipelines and Other Infrastructure
DescriptionTwo-dimensional computational spill modeling results have been used to predict the overland and downstream movement and behavior of hypothetical crude oil releases for many years to identify “could-affect” segments of pipelines that may either “directly” or “indirectly” affect downslope or downstream HCA (high consequence area) receptors, as defined by PHMSA. On land, the movement of oil is predominantly controlled by gravity and therefore the slope of the land surface. However, in the offshore environment releases are more dynamic and can be influenced by winds, currents, and waves. In recent years, three-dimensional in-water spill modeling in the offshore environment, which includes subsurface release conditions, has been used to identify pipelines that may be considered “could-affect” segments. A novel approach investigates the identification of release points and the use of stochastic release modeling to identify the likely trajectory, fate, and minimum time of arrival to specific receptors of interest. The likelihood (probability) and minimum time to specific threshold exceedances of surface floating oil thickness are then used to identify resources at risk. The assessments can be completed quickly and definitively identify whether a pipeline would be identified as a “could-affect” segment, which may trigger requirements such as more frequent in-line inspection.
Authors
Scientist III - GIS Analyst
Event Type
Paper
TimeThursday, May 16th1:30pm - 1:50pm CDT
Location275-277
Preparedness