Title: Network-based risk assessment of the US crude pipeline infrastructure

Authors: Patrick K. Smith; John M. Bennett; Rudy P. Darken; Ted G. Lewis; Michael D. Larrañaga

Addresses: Boots & Coots Center for Fire Safety and Pressure Control, School of Fire Protection and Safety, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA ' Boots & Coots Center for Fire Safety and Pressure Control, School of Fire Protection and Safety, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA ' Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA 93943, USA ' Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA 93943, USA ' Boots & Coots Center for Fire Safety and Pressure Control, School of Fire Protection and Safety, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA

Abstract: The purpose of this project was to assess the nation's US crude oil pipeline network and identify the hubs that would have the greatest financial impact if their operation were disrupted by a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other catastrophic event. The resilience of the crude oil pipeline network was analysed using the model-based risk analysis (MBRA) software tool developed by the Naval Post Graduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. Results identified five critical hubs, with the most critical hub being the Cushing, OK Trading Hub (COTH). A disruption in operation of the COTH or any of the five critical hubs would have far reaching negative consequences, creating long lasting political, psychological, and economic impacts. Based on the results of this assessment, it is recommended that the critical hubs be considered critical national assets and protected as such.

Keywords: crude oil; critical infrastructures; model-based risk assessment; MBRA; network analysis; oil pipelines; homeland security; USA; United States; financial impact; catastrophic events; pipeline networks; infrastructure resilience; nework resilience; resiliency; critical hubs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2014.059550

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2014 Vol.10 No.1, pp.67 - 80

Received: 14 Jan 2013
Accepted: 08 Mar 2013
Published online: 31 May 2014 *

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