Should drilling waste from offshore operations be treated at the rig site or should it be shipped it to shore for treatment? What is the best option and why?
The decision of whether to treat drilling waste at the rig site or ship it to shore for treatment depends on various factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will vary based on the specific circumstances and considerations involved. Let's explore some key points for each option:
1. ON-SITE TREATMENT:
Advantages:
A) Environmental Impact: On-site treatment can reduce the environmental impact related to GHG emmissions from transportation and logistical activities involved with shipping wastes to offsite disposal facilities.
B) Cost-Effectiveness: Treating drilling waste at the rig site can be more cost-effective since it eliminates the need for transportation and associated expenses.
C) Time Efficiency: On-site treatment can lead to quicker processing of drilling waste and does not depend on having waste transport options available at the site, reducing potential logistical delays and NPT in the drilling operation.
D) Space Utilization: It can free up space onshore, where treatment facilities might already be handling other types of waste and reduces the need for waste storage space on the rig as wastes are processed in real time.
E) Safety: By treating the drilling wastes onsite, the need for transporting, rig to boat and boat to shorebase transfers and handling of hazardous materials is minimized, which can lower the risk of accidents and spills during transportation. In addition onsite treatment eliminates the need for cuttings boxes in a skip and ship scenario which represents an additional safety hazard associated with the ship to shore option when they are used.
Disadvantages:
A) Environmental Impact: On-site treatment could potentially result in accidental spills or releases of wastes near sensitive marine environments, impacting local ecosystems.
B) Limited Treatment Capacity: The rig site might not have the necessary infrastructure or capacity to handle certain types of complex wastes.
C) Space Utilization: Onsite treatment requires space on the rig to install and operate waste treatment technologies, and in addition, if there was any breakdown of waste treatment equipment, additional space may be required to store any wastes generated during the down time period. Space may not always be available due to other operational needs.
D) Regulatory Compliance: Some regions may have regulations that require drilling waste to be treated onshore to meet environmental standards.
E) Occupational risks: Treating drilling wastes onsite can expose rig personnel to additional occupational hazards associated with handling and processing hazardous materials. In addition extra personnel are required on the rig to operate the waste treatment equipment.
2. SHIPPING TO SHORE FOR TREATMENT:
Advantages:
A) Specialized Treatment: Shore-based treatment facilities often have advanced equipment and expertise to handle a wide range of drilling waste effectively.
B) Environmental Protection: By shipping waste to shore, the risk of spills and environmental contamination during treatment may be reduced.
C) Regulatory Compliance: Some regions may have regulations that require drilling waste to be treated onshore to meet environmental standards.
D) Reduced on-site safety risks: By shipping the drilling wastes to shore, the amount of potentially hazardous materials present on the drilling rig is minimized as is the amount of personnel on the drilling rig. This can reduce the risk of accidents, spills, and other incidents that could harm personnel and the environment.
Disadvantages:
A) Environmental Impact: Shipping wastes to an offsite treatment facility can increase the environmental impact due to excess GHG emmissions from transportation and logistical activities.
B) Transportation Costs: Shipping drilling waste to shore incurs transportation costs, which can be substantial depending on the distance and logistics involved.
C) Time and Delays: Transporting waste to shore and back may cause delays in drilling operations and in additional transportation can be delayed due to adverse offshore weather conditions.
C) Logistical Challenges: Coordinating the transportation of waste and ensuring proper treatment while avoiding delays to the drilling operation can be complex.
D) Safety: Transporting drilling wastes to shore can involve additional risks, such as accidents during transit and transfer/movement/handling of wastes and cuttings boxes that could lead to accidents, spills or environmental contamination.
Conclusion:
The best option depends on a range of factors, including the proximity and availability of suitable shore-based treatment facilities, the type and volume of drilling waste generated, environmental regulations, and the overall cost-benefit analysis.
Whenever feasible, it is generally preferable to prioritize the protection of the environment and opt for the option that minimizes potential environmental risks. This may mean shipping drilling waste to specialized onshore treatment facilities when the environmental impact and risks of on-site treatment are higher. However, in cases where the on-site treatment can be performed safely and cost-effectively, it may be a viable and efficient option. In addition, both options have their safety considerations, and the choice should be based on a comprehensive risk assessment, environmental impact assessment, and adherence to applicable regulations. Whenever possible, it's essential to prioritize safety, environmental protection, and compliance with best practices in drilling waste management.
In any scenario, it's crucial for companies to adhere to environmental regulations and adopt best practices to manage drilling waste responsibly and sustainably. Regular monitoring and compliance with local regulations are essential aspects of the decision-making process. Contact BEAD Environmental Solutions for a free, independent no obligation assessment of how we can help you develop a cost effective waste management strategy for your offshore drilling project.