Bakken crude oil is well within the safety standards for current rail car designs, an American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers report concluded. The crude is comparable to other light grades and does not pose risks that are significantly different than other crudes or flammable liquids authorized for rail transport, it added. Specifically, Bakken crudes are within pressure, flashpoint, boiling point, and corrosivity standards for use in rail cars approved by the US Department of Transportation, AFPM said in announcing its findings on May 15. It said the report is based on a survey of AFPM members conducted in response to a request by DOT. A third-party auditor collected the data from 17 AFPM member companies on a confidential basis in accordance with federal antitrust laws, the Washington-based trade association noted. “AFPM engaged a former, long-time DOT official with an expertise in hazardous material transportation safety to develop the final […]