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Texas Floods: Oil Tanks Risk Disaster
9 Feb
Summary
- Warming climate increases Texas precipitation intensity.
- Oil tanks in floodplains risk environmental disaster.
- FEMA flood projections may understate current risks.
The warming climate is intensifying precipitation in Texas, increasing the likelihood of extreme rainfall events and exacerbating the risk of oil spills. Over 500 oil tanks in the floodplains of the Guadalupe River in the Eagle Ford Shale region pose a significant threat.
A repeat of the 1998 flood, or even a 500-year flood event, could submerge numerous tanks, leading to catastrophic environmental damage. Residents worry about oil and toxic wastewater spills, potentially ruining land for centuries. Current FEMA flood projections may understate present risks due to escalating extreme rainfall.
Historical floods in Texas and other regions have demonstrated the destructive potential of overflowing tanks and pipeline ruptures. The rules for building in floodplains in Texas are managed by local county governments, raising concerns about the adequacy of current policies and the need for a statewide approach.
Research indicates that extreme rainfall intensity in Texas is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. This is attributed to rising global temperatures, largely driven by the burning of fossil fuels, which exacerbates the risk of severe flooding and subsequent environmental contamination.
