This dataset was developed  for  the http://explosive-crude-by-rail.org/ web application.  It is meant to show the 0.5-mile and the 1.0-mile zone USDOT impact/evacuation zones associated with potential oil train derailments and fires for crude oil.
A map of major oil transporting lines of the North American rail network was published in “All Oiled Up” by Fred Frailey.  That map was interpreted through GIS analysis,and with selections of data from the CTA Rail Network and Open Street Map, a GIS layer of the major oil transporting lines of North America was generated.  The rail lines were then buffered 800 meters and 1600 meters based on USDOT hazard response recommendations for oil train derailment and/or explosion.  The derived buffer was subsequently published by Forest Ethics as part of an on-line interactive map tool showing the potential “Blast Zone” for oil transporting rail in North America (http://explosive-crude-by-rail.org/).  Updates have been made to the original buffer as first hand accounts have come in pointing out errors in the originally derived blast zone buffer polygon.
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