Crude Oil Transportation by Rail in Saratoga County, New York: Public Perceptions of Technological Risk, State Responses, and Policy

U.S. rail shipments of crude oil grew by 5,091 percent from 2008 to 2014 due to increased production in the Bakken Shale Formation. Rail transportation of hazardous materials is not a new phenomenon; however, infrastructure in disrepair, coupled with the quantity and frequency of train cars not designed to haul crude oil and its volatility, and a community's means to manage accidents, presented a new technological risk. Rail infrastructure nationally needs repair ‐ contributed to recent accidents ‐ thus heightening the risk. While rail shipments peaked in 2014 and declined through 2019, communities along rail lines experience a heightened risk to safety, property, and the environment. The purpose of this qualitative research was to better understand the perceptions and awareness of Saratoga County residents and community influentials, as well as document policy responses. We conducted interviews, 419 surveys, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, and policy and archival data analysis. Data showed the public had a low level of knowledge about oil shipments and emergency management plans. We documented distrust in the federal government coupled with social amplification factors, resulting in a high level of perceived risk. We provide a suite of recommendations for improving communications, community preparedness, engagement, safety, and environmental protection.