OFFSHORE DRILLING WASTES DISPOSAL TECHNIQUES AND REDUCTION OF ECOLOGICAL IMPACT IN DRILLING OPERATION

Abstract

This paper explored offshore drilling waste disposal techniques and reduction of ecological impact
in drilling operation. Offshore drilling industry has been working to reduce its environmental impact
by implementing innovative waste reduction technology and best practices. The techniques explored
here include zero policy, Seabed injection and Bioremediation techniques as well as innovative
techniques such as Robotic and Automation, Advanced treatment and Biodegradable techniques.
The intent of this paper therefore was to assess these various offshore drilling waste disposals
techniques and advice on the best practice that is cost effective as well as the one that reduces
impact most on the ecosystem. The questions that comes to mind are why is it important to dispose
offshore drilling waste adequately, what positive impact has proper waste disposal, how is proper
waste offshore disposal carried out and incorporation of 3R to offshore disposal technique. The study
scope is majorly analyzing Zero discharge policy, Subsea injection and Bioremediation techniques
by evaluating their strength and weaknesses to the objective of ensuring no effect on the ecosystem
as well as cost effectiveness. In conclusion, synergizing with literature reviews such as Norwegian
oil company Equinor implemented zero policy Technique and achieved a 99.9% reduction in offshore
waste disposal and Nigeria enforcement and monitoring forcing most offshore companies to comply
to Zero policy technique by Nigerian Marine time administration and Safety agency (NIMASA) made
zero policy techniques as best in control of offshore waste disposal. It was then recommended that
Offshore Drilling waste disposal should be prohibited or regulated without compromise. All
environmental agencies should ensure that new developed techniques on offshore drilling waste
disposal embarked by organizations meet regulatory requirements, adhered to and strictly
enforced. The three-tiered waste management hierarchy, wastes minimization, waste treatment and
waste disposal should be followed by all the operatives to control and manage drilling waste in the
most eco-friendly manner possible.