The application of Analytical Network Process to environmental prioritizing criteria for coastal oil jetties site selection in Persian Gulf coasts (Iran)

Oil jetties are among the most effective land structures, which have cause a different potential for coastal environment destruction. These effects relate to the oil products of these industries that cause extensive oil pollution in coastal regions. Thus, the identification and prioritization of important criteria in site surveying of oil jetties are among the initial steps in preventing the loss of these natural resources. Therefore, the Analytical Network Process (ANP) method was used for this purpose for the first time in Iran. Due to considering feedbacks and interrelations among all used elements of decision making process, ANP is considered an appropriate technique in environmental researches. After screening the selected criteria using Delphi, all criteria were distributed in BOCR merits according to their effects on oil jetties' location. Then, pair comparisons were done among the criteria, based on the ANP method. The prioritized criteria showed that “Compatibility with Land Uses” and “Sensitive Coastal Area” have the most and “Human Population” and “Possibility for Port Development” the least global priority among all. The priority of alternatives is determined under the effect of each criterion. Finally, the suggested linear model through ANP findings showed a high efficiency of this method for ranking the important criteria of environmental construction in coastal regions, especially for oil jetties.

► Analytical Network Process (ANP) method is an appropriate tool in environmental researches.
► ANP structure and its capabilities leads decision maker to obtain a real framework in their field and chose best criteria which leads them to best site selection.
► Because of the complex and sensitive coasts in Persian Gulf, constructing oil jetties and ports can be more safe and environmental friendly by practical methods such as ANP.
► linear model through ANP findings showed a high efficiency of this method for ranking the important criteria of environmental construction in coastal regions.