Multiple sustainability criteria mapping of gas station incident consequences and subsequent decision optimisation

Abstract

This paper presents work towards a systematic mapping of the consequences of an incident at a public-use gas station, informing a subsequent decision regarding which gas stations to close in a given geographical zone in times of heightened risk. A criteria hierarchy of economic, environmental and social sustainability impacts is proposed. A scoring method over the set of sustainability criteria is developed. A two-level lexicographic vulnerability score for a gas filling station that considers potential loss of life and combined sustainability is then elicited. A goal programming methodology with loss of life, sustainability impact and population inconvenience goals is formulated. A case study based on the city of Portsmouth, UK is developed, with the vulnerability scores and closure recommendations of a set of gas stations calculated. Sensitivity analysis is undertaken with respect to target levels and weighting factors. The results are discussed and wider conclusions drawn.