Feds: Oil from Dakota fields improperly classified

[unhappycamper]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/energy/article/Feds-Oil-from-Dakota-fields-improperly-classified-5204566.php

Feds: Oil from Dakota fields improperly classified
By JOAN LOWY, Associated Press : February 4, 2014 : Updated: February 4, 2014 6:07pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — Government investigators have found crude oil being transported from North Dakota's Bakken region was misclassified in samples taken from 11 out of 18 truck shipments en route to rail loading stations, federal transportation officials said Tuesday.

Hazardous materials shipments are supposed to be classified into one of nine categories depending on the risk involved. If the materials are misclassified, they could wind up being shipped in less protective rail tank cars and emergency personnel might follow the wrong protocols when responding to a spill.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said it has proposed fining three companies involved in the shipments — Hess Corp., Whiting Oil and Gas Corp., and Marathon Oil Co. — a total of $93,000.

"The fines we are proposing today should send a message to everyone involved in the shipment of crude oil: You must test and classify this material properly if you want to use our transportation system to ship it," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.

[pscot]

1. I guess it depends on whether the "proposed" fines

are actually imposed. As the congressman from Philadelphia said to the FBI agent, money talks, bullshit walks.

[Demeter]

2. We ought to have a protective high security facility for managers with active suicidal impulses like

these.

[defacto7]

3. Why don't they fine them a nickel...

and call that a message to everyone involved in shipping of crude oil. It's the same message.

[NickB79]

4. Screw the fines. Require upgraded rail cars

Make them use the most spill-resistant cars possible if they want to move this filth. If it hurts their profits by using more expensive cars, fuck em.