Warning Issued About Oil Shipped From North Dakota, Montana
This crude oil is considered more flammable than other forms of oil. Federal officials are making this claim after a string of explosive accidents.
Thursday’s announcement from officials declares that the Bakken’s light, sweet crude oil may be different from traditional heavy crudes because it is prone to ignite at a lower temperature. Experts say lighter crudes, which contain more natural gas, have a much lower “flash point” — the temperature at which vapors given off by the oil can ignite.
The government’s warning comes after a huge explosion on Monday caused by a crude train derailment near Casselton, N.D. No one was hurt, but worries about toxic fumes prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents from the small eastern North Dakota town.
Renewable energy, anyone?
