Comprehensive Risk and Environmental-Social Impact Assessment of Fuel Storage Tank Incidents in Infrastructure Projects Using Phast (A Case Study of the Esfahan Emergency Water Transfer Project)

Subject Areas : Environmental impact assessment

Zahra Johari ¹ , maryam nasrinasrabadi ^{2 *} , Parvaneh Peykanpour ³

1 - 1- Department of environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 -
3 - Department of HSE Management, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

Received: 2024-09-19 Accepted : 2025-03-14 Published : 2025-07-01

Keywords: Diesel Tank Incidents, Phast Software, Risk Management Strategies, Isfahan Water Project.,

Abstract :

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental-social risks and consequences associated with diesel fuel storage tank incidents within the Isfahan Emergency Water Transfer Project. Utilizing Phast software, two scenarios—complete tank rupture and a 150 mm wall puncture—were modeled for quantitative evaluation and assessment of environmental-social impacts. The Phast simulations modeled dispersion, explosion, and fire hazards. The results indicated that a complete tank rupture would lead to diesel dispersion up to 400 meters with a maximum concentration of 65,000 PPM, overpressures from 0.02 to 0.13 bar, and fire radiation zones extending up to 400 meters. The 150 mm puncture scenario resulted in more localized consequences, with dispersion limited to 90 meters and a maximum concentration of 100,000 PPM. Environmental consequences include potential contamination of the Marbor River and agricultural lands within a 15 km radius, primarily due to sulfur compounds in diesel, which can lead to SO2 production and acid rain. Social impacts, assessed through GIS mapping, show minimal direct risks to settlements but emphasize indirect effects on livelihoods and infrastructure. The findings underscore the necessity of leak containment, real-time monitoring, and community engagement to ensure safety and sustainability, with implications for similar projects globally. Based on this study, risk management strategies are more effective in enhancing safety and regulatory compliance. The research findings contribute to the safer design of infrastructure projects and environmental protection.

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