Page 217 - Environmental Control in Petroleum Engineering

CHAPTER 7

Waste Disposal

Methods

The upstream petroleum industry generates a significant volume of
wastes, primarily produced water and drill cuttings. No matter how
effective a waste management plan or waste treatment program may
be, wastes will remain that must be disposed of. In some cases, the
final disposal can be on-site, while in other cases, the wastes must be
shipped for disposal off-site.
Ultimately, petroleum industry wastes can be disposed of above or
below the surface of either land or water. The suitability of these
disposal locations varies with the wastes being disposed.

7.1 SURFACE DISPOSAL

The easiest and least expensive method of waste disposal is to
discharge the wastes onto the ground or into surface waterways.
Although this has historically been a common disposal method for
many wastes, its use and misuse has been a major factor in the
increase in environmental regulations governing the petroleum industry.
Nevertheless, various forms of surface disposal are still appropriate
for many treated wastes.

7.1.1 Disposal of Water

Wastewater can be discharged directly into local streams, rivers, or
the ocean as long as its quality meets regulatory standards, i.e., its
concentration of suspended and dissolved solids, chemicals, and
hydrocarbons is sufficiently low. Surface discharge is regulated in most
areas, however, and permits for such discharge are required.

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