Stricter marine pollution standards accelerate move to zero discharge rigs

Journal Article · Mon Dec 30 00:00:00 EST 1991 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:5493893

Thorson, J A ^[1]

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1. Global Marine Drilling Co., Houston, TX (US)

The trend toward solving pollution problems on site has accelerated the replacement and upgrading of rig equipment, specifically with the conversion of many mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) to zero discharge operations. This approach will increase as governments with jurisdiction over onshore disposal facilities grapple with the shrinking availability of land-based waste disposal facilities. Recent Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing U.S. outer continental shelf mandate compliance using the best available technology to deal with waste disposal. The determination of best is debatable and leaves the door open for requiring the continual replacement of equipment as technology improves. New regulations are being imposed so rapidly that technology is hard pressed to keep pace. This paper reports on the techniques for controlling discharges that cover two general areas: solids and liquids.

• OSTI ID: 5493893
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 89:52; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
DRILLING RIGS
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WATER POLLUTION
OFFSHORE DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
US EPA
DRILLING
EQUIPMENT
MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POLLUTION
REGULATIONS
US ORGANIZATIONS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
020900* - Petroleum- Environmental Aspects
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety