A pilot scale feasibility study was initiated to evaluate the feasibility of landfarming diesel mud residues in southeastern Oklahoma. Results indicated that land application of diesel residues is an environmentally acceptable disposal method. In a plot with an initial oil and grease (O and G) loading rate of 7.6%, the O and G content decreased by 89.5% during the 209-day study interval. Addition of nutrients enhanced degradation rates and reduced O and G levels below the 1% phytotoxic threshold. An O and G loading rate of 5.8% resulted in no measurable hydrocarbon migration in the soil profile. BTEX levels in leachate samples did not exceed drinking water standards. Total metals measured in the zone of incorporation did not exceed guidelines for limiting constituents. Seed germination studies suggested that landfarming operations could be revegetated within 180 days. Introduction The Oklahoma portion of the Arkoma Basin is a very active natural gas exploration and production region. Typical exploration and production wells are drilled to total dept[is of 14,000–17,000 ft. Diesel-based drilling muds are used because of their desirable rheological properties and value in maintenance of wellbore quality. Approximately 12,000 ft of diesel-contaminated drill cuttings are produced while drilling a single well. Disposal of hydrocarbon-based drill cuttings is a major problem for E and P operators. Disposal options for hydrocarbon-based drill cuttings include burial, landfilling, incineration, solidification, mixing with fly ash and road spreading, and land farming. The preferred disposal method in south-eastern Oklahoma is to mix the cuttings with fly ash and spread on lease roads or production sites. This study was initiated to evaluate the feasibility of land farming diesel mud residues. Soil can be considered a large bioreactor which biodegrades hydrocarbons and converts them into environmentally safe forms. The objectives of this study were:To evaluate the potential of native soil bacteria to degrade the hydrocarbon component of the diesel mud residues.To determine biodegradation rates.To determine if biodegradation rates could be enhanced through addition of nutrients.To determine the effect of landfarming on levels of metals and salts in the soils.To evaluate the potential of landfarming to adversely effect groundwater.To determine when soils treated with diesel mud residues could be revegetated.To determine if hydrocarbons, salts or heavy metalsl each from fly ash/diesel cuttings mixtures. Materials and Methods Construction of Test Plots The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) approved this pilot study with the stipulation that all runoff and leachate from the test plots must be collected and properly discarded. Figure 1 illustrates a plan and cross-section view of a test plot and associated leachate collection system. P. 149^
Sustainable development is being widely promoted as the environmental vision for the world for the 21st century. It presents both significant risks and advantages for companies in the E&P industry.
Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) can be developed at any stage in a project to propose measures to mitigate potential adverse social impacts and enhance positive social impacts. This paper describes guidance developed on how to make the best use of SIAs in oil and gas projects. Social Impacts of Oil and Gas Projects Potential social impacts of an oil and gas project can be both positive and negative. Adverse impacts such as resource use and the movement of people are often well publicized. However these are often balanced by positive impacts such as the promotion of employment, socio-economic development and improvements in infrastructure. Some typical impacts are described in the table below. SIA is a tool utilized in the oil gas industry to manage social impacts, enhancing positive impacts and avoiding or mitigating adverse ones. SIA provides coompanies an effective risk management tool and communities the opportunity to give input on a project. What is Social Impact Assessment? The Oil and Gas Industry has been aware of these and other impacts for many years and has been developing methods for managing social impacts. In 1997, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) published a report entitled " Principles for Impact Assessment: The Environmental and Social Dimension"1. This report set out principles for the environmental and social dimension of impact assessment for oil and gas exploration and production projects. It was intended for oil and gas companies and their contractors, and highlights the importance of social and environmental assessment in all aspects of project planning and implementation. The document was subsequently endorsed by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA). The document was viewed as a stepping-stone to a more comprehensive guidance document for industry practitioners. In 2002, OGP and IPIECA took the next step and developed ‘Lists of Questions’2 that may need to be asked and answered in considering the social dimension of oil and gas projects. These questions give an extensive insight into the range and diversity of the potential social impacts that an oil and gas project may need to manage. However, these lists of questions were not intended as check lists or as detailed guidance for conducting social impact assessment.
Sustainable development is being widely promoted as the environmental vision for the world for the 21st century. It presents both significant risks and advantages for companies in the E&P industry.
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