Waste management potential for the 'associated wastes' of oil and gas exploration and production.

摘要

The oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) industry annually generates approximately 21.3 (times) 10(sup 9) barrels of waste* (US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1987). Most of this waste (20.9 (times) 10(sup 9) barrels) consists of reservoir water produced in conjunction with oil and natural gas. Drilling fluids, drill cuttings, and rigwash make up approximately 361 (times) 10(sup 6) barrels of waste. Produced water, drilling fluids, drill cuttings, and rigwash are high-volume wastes. The remaining 11 (times) 10(sup 6) barrels of waste, less than 1% of the total, consists of a variety of by-products referred to as ''associated wastes.'' Associated wastes are low-volume wastes intrinsically derived from the primary exploration, development, and production operations of the oil and gas industry. This report describes the E&P industry's current methods for managing associated wastes, innovative management technologies under development, and the potential to segregate associated wastes from high-volume waste streams. This report does not assess the toxicity of associated wastes or describe the variety of existing state regulations that supplement RCRA regulations. Waste minimization technologies and practices are discussed in relation to associated wastes. 25 refs., 1 tab.