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.

中文翻译：

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纽约州萨拉托加县的铁路原油运输：对技术风险，国家对策和政策的公众看法

由于巴肯页岩组的产量增加，2008年至2014年，美国铁路原油运输量增长了5.091％。危险物质的铁路运输不是一个新现象。但是，基础设施不健全，再加上火车的数量和频率不适合运输原油及其挥发性，以及社区管理事故的手段，带来了新的技术风险。全国范围内的铁路基础设施需要维修-造成了最近的事故-因此增加了风险。铁路运输量在2014年达到顶峰，到2019年下降，但沿线社区对安全，财产和环境的风险却越来越高。这项定性研究的目的是更好地了解萨拉托加县居民和社区影响者的看法和认识，以及记录政策回应。我们进行了访谈，419次调查，地理信息系统（GIS）测绘以及政策和档案数据分析。数据显示，公众对石油运输和应急管理计划了解不足。我们记录了对联邦政府的不信任以及社会放大因素，从而导致较高的感知风险。我们提供了一系列建议，以改善沟通，社区准备，参与，安全和环境保护。我们记录了对联邦政府的不信任以及社会放大因素，从而导致较高的感知风险。我们提供了一系列建议，以改善沟通，社区准备，参与，安全和环境保护。我们记录了对联邦政府的不信任以及社会放大因素，从而导致较高的感知风险。我们提供了一系列建议，以改善沟通，社区准备，参与，安全和环境保护。