Modeling oil spill risk in Washington waters
The modeling framework will be a long-term asset for Ecology to analyze oil spill risks and the potential effectiveness of oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response strategies. As part of this work, we are consulting with tribes and stakeholders to develop modeling assumptions and scenarios, and to periodically update the model.
The Legislature directed Ecology to use the model to complete two analyses:
- A quantitative assessment of whether an emergency response towing vessel (ERTV) serving Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, Rosario Strait, and connected navigable waterways will reduce oil spill risk.
- An analysis of tug escorts for oil tankers, articulated tug barges, and towed oil barges to be completed with the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners.
Reports on the results of these first two analyses are due to the Legislature by Sept. 1, 2023.
Modeling
Marine transportation systems are complex. As a result, it can be difficult to compare the relative benefits of different safety measures just by analyzing historical data. A modeling approach will help us leverage our knowledge about the past into insights about what might happen in the future.
Our approach
We are developing a flexible model framework to make sure that our model is able to tackle a wide array of possible oil spill risk related questions. To do this, we are breaking down our modeling approach into a series of modules. Each module deals with an element of determining oil spill risk.
- Vessel Movement Module simulates vessel movements.
- Vessel Encounter Module measures and evaluates relationships between each vessel and shore and other vessels.
- Vessel Accident Module evaluates situations for their potential for accidents.
- Oil Outflow Module estimates spill volumes from simulated accidents.
Each analysis may need additional tools or just a subset of the model capability. These modules are foundational but the model will be customized based on project requirements. To learn more about our modeling approach, and the role of each individual module, please see our focus sheet on this topic.
The output of this model will be the location of simulated incidents, and estimated volume of oil spilled. This output may be a sufficient representation of consequence to meet the needs of many analysis projects. However, when a specific risk analysis requires additional consideration of potential consequences, these model outputs will be available to form the inputs to other analytical techniques, as needed.
Why it matters
More than 20 billion gallons of crude oil and refined petroleum products are transported through Washington each year by vessel, pipeline, and rail. A major spill in Washington waters could have severe consequences to the environment, economy, public health, and cultural and historical resources.
Our new modeling capability will provide tools to consider current and future oil spills risks, and the potential effectiveness of safety measures.