Mobile Bay drilling operations are conducted under strict "zero discharge" of drilling and completion fluid wastes. This regulatory constraint challenges drilling operators to develop waste management systems for the collection, treatment, and onshore disposal or reuse of these wastes.

This paper presents a generally applicable, multi-step process used in the development of a successful drilling waste management plan, and proposes the reuse of treated drilling wastes as municipal landfill daily or intermediate cover material.

Keywords:
spe 25929, liability, disposal, hierarchy, landfill, waste management plan, management plan, permeability, cover material, waste management option
Subjects:
Environment, Waste management
Copyright 1993, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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