Environmental and Safety Aspects of Drilling Waste Disposal

Abstract

Muds and fluids are frequently used in the drilling of petroleum exploration and production wells. The basic purpose of these fluids is to remove cuttings from hole and carry them to coal and lubricate the bit and the drill string. The down hole pressure is controlled through the use of muds and the use of mud system depends upon anticipated problems.
Ground water contamination is a major environmental concern. Base metals in drilling fluids causes damages to both living organisms and fresh water aquifers. Toxins which exist in drilling fluid once introduced into the soil, it causes widespread growth and development problems to all associated systems. Though guideline and regulator provisions exist but no elaborate audit programmes are available to promote and check the compliance.
This paper has been prepared with an aim to in-depth review of environmental impact of drilling activities and its likely impact on environment.