Summary

This paper discusses the various test methods used to estimate the rate of biodegradation, which is one of the key ratelimiting steps in the cleanup or remediation of contaminated drill cuttings. Although this paper considers the problems of both onshore and offshore cuttings remediation from a global perspective, much of the information presented concerns the North Sea. In recent years this area has seen many significant changes in environmental legislation and many European-based organizations are involved in the development of new biodegradation tests. Also discussed are the factors affecting rates of biodegradation and the environmental impact of the drilling waste together with ways of reducing the amount of waste produced. The paper concludes that it is important to consider both the type of receiving environment and the technical factors that will affect the environmental impact of the drilling waste. This is particularly important when trying to predict the actual impact of drilling operations and in particular drilling fluids and contaminated cuttings.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas