Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Vulnerability Study
iParametrics conducted a vulnerability study for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), taking a multi-phase approach to evaluate both immediate hazards and the broader cascading effects that disruptions could impose on upstream and downstream systems across Bayou Choctaw, multiple refineries, and eight terminals. This thorough assessment emphasized how dependencies, interdependencies, and impacts intertwined with various threats.
Situation
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), vital to U.S. energy security, was increasingly threatened by extreme weather, rising sea levels, and aging infrastructure. iParametrics was selected to assess resilience vulnerabilities at the Bayou Choctaw site, its refineries, and connected terminals.
Task
iParametrics was tasked with evaluating the impacts of hurricanes, flooding, and system interdependencies such as power, water, transportation, and communications, on SPR operations. The goal was to uncover resilience gaps and provide foundational data for long-term mitigation strategies.
Action
With the Board of Commissioners’ approval, the iParametrics team developed an application to support the hardening of six stations, including bay door upgrades, improved windows, and hardened roof structures, to ensure all buildings met the latest building code.
Result
The study provided FEMA and Fluor with actionable insights into infrastructure vulnerability, enabling strategic planning and investment. The findings established a data-backed path forward for enhancing SPR resilience and affirmed iParametrics’ expertise in complex, national-level risk assessments.