Page 106 - Hydrocarbon

Safety and the Environment 93

5.4.6. Waste management
An oil and gas operation produces much waste material, such as contaminated drill
cuttings, completion and workover fluids, chemical waste, radioactive scale, oil
sludge and spent catalysts. For all those compounds, systems have to be put in place
which effectively deal with containment, transport and disposal. Whilst this will
often involve contractor companies, the operating oil or gas company will remain
responsible for the waste management process.
Unfortunately, our industry carries a legacy of many cases where oil spills and
inadequate waste management have lead to pollution or harm to humans and the
environment. Subsequent litigation and persecution have resulted in hefty fines,
compensation claims and the loss of reputation.