Assessment Of Drilling Waste Disposal Options In The Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Alberta's certification program for reclaimed upstream oil and gas facilities changed on October 1, 2003 to include stronger requirements for management of contamination, including any related to drilling waste. This document was developed by representatives from the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, drilling waste disposal consultants, Sustainable Resource Development, the Energy and Utilities Board, and Alberta Environment to provide guidance for assessing drilling waste disposal areas for reclamation. To address the diversity of drilling wastes and available information types, three compliance options have been developed. Each of the three options is discussed in this document and appendices are included to support technical procedures included in the options.--Document.

Examines current practice, considers future drilling needs and recommends a) improvements in methods of disposing of waste fluids, b) suitability of methods for different well types and locations, and c) regulation of disposal. Includes literature review and discussions with people active in field.