RCP is currently working to develop more precise methods to estimate the worst case discharge (WCD) for long oil pipelines. The default method is to assume the entire volume of oil in the pipeline between block valves is lost during a worst case discharge spill. However, numerous factors can have a significant impact on the volume of oil that could actually leak from a damaged pipeline – including pipeline diameter, pipe elevation profile, oil compressibility, and pipeline wall thickness versus operating pressure. If you would like to participate in development of this WCD calculation methodology, please contact Bill Byrd at wrbyrd@your-rcp.com.