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Biofuel Ethanol Transport Risk
Citation:
JORGENSEN, E. E., D. F. Pope, AND B. E. Pivetz. Biofuel Ethanol Transport Risk. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/F-11/011, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
Fact sheet on biofuel transport risk.
Description:
Ethanol production has increased rapidly over the last 10 years and many communities lack awareness of the increased and growing extent of biofuel transportation through their jurisdictions. These communities and their emergency responders may not have the information and resources to address spills, explosions, and fires should a biofuel transportation accident occur. Biofuel ethanol may be mixed with gasoline in varying proportions and this increases the uncertainty when addressing transportation accidents and fires. Ethanol is largely produced within the comparatively Upper Midwest and is transported and used throughout the country, particularly as moter fuel in heavily-populated coastal regions that are far removed from the production centers. Strategies for minimizing or reducing transportation risk in the future will include increasing the use of biofuels in the farm economy thereby reducing the need for long-distance transportation. Risk reduction also includes ensuring an adequate and safe transportation infrastructure, aware and informed communities, and trained and properly supplied emergency personnel.