Drilling fluids disposal regulations: A critical review

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Drilling-DCW; (United States)

OSTI ID:5991020

Jones, F V; Moffitt, C M; Leuterman, A J.J.

This article discusses the ever increasing environmental regulations which continue to play a major role in drilling operations, particularly with regard to disposal. Increasing costs associated with disposal of drilling fluids (muds) and cuttings plus restrictive disposal methods are a significant concern of drilling operators. Concern over potential environmental impacts and new and pending regulatory changes will substantially impact both offshore and onshore drilling. With the reduced cost of oil and the increased expense of drilling new and more remote reserves, regulatory compliance will become a more significant part of the drilling process. Offshore operators have two alternatives regarding drilling fluids and cuttings disposal: discharge from the platform or transport to shore for ultimate disposal. Under authority of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues permits governing point source discharges. These National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are limitations based on ocean water quality criteria and levels of technology available to control pollutants.

• Research Organization: M-I Drilling Fluids, Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 5991020
• Journal Information: Drilling-DCW; (United States), Journal Name: Drilling-DCW; (United States) Vol. 48:2; ISSN DRDCD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020800* -- Petroleum-- Waste Management
021000 -- Petroleum-- Legislation & Regulations
03 NATURAL GAS
030700 -- Natural Gas-- Waste Management
031000 -- Natural Gas-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
520600 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Regulations -- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
COMPLIANCE
CONTROL
DOCUMENT TYPES
DRILLING FLUIDS
FLUIDS
LAWS
MANAGEMENT
MARINE DISPOSAL
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OFFSHORE SITES
OIL WELLS
ONSHORE SITES
PERMITS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS
REVIEWS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
WELLS