// Risk Intelligence
| Risk Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Facility Type | 🚂 Rail / Transportation Infrastructure |
| Operator / Branch | BNSF Railway / Various |
| Host County | Williams County ND |
| Nearest City | Washington DC |
| Primary Risk Radius | 5 miles |
| Secondary Risk Radius | 25 miles |
// Strategic Significance
The Bakken crude oil rail corridor in North Dakota carries millions of barrels of Bakken shale crude oil by rail to refineries across the US. Bakken crude is highly volatile and has caused catastrophic train fires and explosions in several derailments. The July 2013 Lac-Megantic Quebec disaster killed 47 people when a Bakken crude train derailed and exploded. The April 2015 Heimdal North Dakota derailment caused a massive fireball. Williams County is at the heart of Bakken crude rail loading operations.
// Civilian Impact Assessment
Williams County with 35,000 residents and communities along the entire Bakken crude rail corridor. Bakken crude is significantly more volatile than conventional crude oil. Derailments have caused massive explosions and fires in multiple states. Rail corridors pass through populated areas with limited emergency response resources.
// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance
US-2, US-85, Williston Basin. Williams County Emergency Management coordinates crude oil rail emergency protocols.