Offshore discharge of drilling fluids and cuttings – a scientific perspective on public policy

Abstract

The most effective regulations or public policies are developed cooperatively by government and
industry based on sound scientific understanding of the potential impacts, risk considerations, and
evaluation of the costs and benefits of alternative approaches. This paper reviews the scientific
framework that helped achieve general regulatory acceptance of the discharge of water-based
drilling fluids and cuttings and discusses information being considered in current efforts to develop
policies for the discharge of cuttings drilled with non-aqueous fluids (NAF). Development of
effective policies for discharges depends on consideration of the specific local environmental
conditions that govern the fate of discharge materials, the scientific basis for assessing the potential
for effects in that environment, and balanced consideration of the environmental effects and relative
costs of discharge versus other disposal options. This approach can lead to policies that provide for
environmental protection and encourage adoption of mitigation measures that provide benefits
commensurate with their cost.