The environmental policy in the Netherlands, as outlined in the National Environmental Policy Plan, aims for a sustainable development. In principle a two track approach is adhered to: source oriented as well as effects oriented.

Effects oriented policy includes the setting of environmental quality objectives and is used to establish the final goals for the source-oriented measures. The policy aims at integrated life-cycle management; in the final target situation all waste is used again as raw material and remaining emissions to the environment should comply with the environmental objectives.

In this paper the implications of this policy for the offshore mining industry are elaborated, both for drilling operations and for the production of oil, gas and condensate.

The results of the recently concluded Environmental Impact Assessment for the offshore mining industry as a whole are also elaborated.

Keywords:
environmental policy, cutting, new regulation, offshore operator, drilling fluid selection and formulation, operation, netherlands, drilling fluid property, information, regulation
Subjects:
Drilling Fluids and Materials, HSSE & Social Responsibility Management, Environment, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties), HSSE management systems, Air emissions
Copyright 1991, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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