United States

Environmental Protection

Agency

Office of Water

Mail Code 4303

Washington, DC 20460

EPA-821-B-00-013

December 2000

EPA Development Document for Final Effluent

Limitations Guidelines and Standards for

Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids and other

Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and

Gas Extraction Point Source Category
Acknowledgments

This report was prepared by Mr. Carey A. Johnston and Mr. Marvin Rubin of the Engineering and

Analysis Division. Assistance was provided by Ms. Birute Vanatta of Eastern Research Group and

Mr. Gary Petrazzuolo, Ms. Lynn Petrazzuolo, and Ms. Nerija Orentas of Avanti Corporation.

References to proprietary technologies are not intended to be an endorsement by the Agency.

Questions or comments regarding this report should be addressed to:

Mr. Carey A. Johnston, Environmental Engineer

Engineering and Analysis Division (4303)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

(202) 260-7186

johnston.carey@epa.gov
i

CONTENTS

Page

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1. LEGAL AUTHORITY ................................................... I-1

2. CLEAN WATER ACT ................................................... I-1

2.1 Best Practicable Control Technology Currently Available (BPT) ................ I-2

2.2 Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology (BCT) ...................... I-3

2.3 Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BAT) ................... I-3

2.4 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) .............................. I-4

2.5 Pretreatment Standards for Existing Sources (PSES) and Pretreatment Standards 

for New Sources (PSNS) ............................................ I-4

2.6 Best Management Practices (BMPs) .................................... I-4

3. CWA SECTION 304(m) REQUIREMENTS AND LITIGATION .................... I-4

4. POLLUTION PREVENTION ACT .......................................... I-5

5. PRIOR FEDERAL RULEMAKINGS AND OTHER NOTICES ...................... I-7

6. CURRENT NPDES PERMIT STATUS ....................................... I-10

7. REFERENCES ......................................................... I-11

CHAPTER II: PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF THE REGULATION

1. PURPOSE OF THIS RULEMAKING ........................................ II-1

2. SUMMARY OF THE SBF GUIDELINES ..................................... II-1

CHAPTER III: DEFINITION OF SBF AND ASSOCIATED WASTE STREAMS

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................... III-1

2. INDUSTRY DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE ..................... III-1

3. WASTE STREAMS REGULATED BY THE SBF GUIDELINES ................... III-2

CHAPTER IV: INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................... IV-1

2. DRILLING ACTIVITIES ................................................ IV-1

2.1 Exploratory Drilling ............................................... IV-1

2.1.1 Drilling Rigs .............................................. IV-2

2.1.2 Formation Evaluation ........................................ IV-3

2.2 Development Drilling .............................................. IV-3

2.2.1 Well Drilling .............................................. IV-4

2.3 Drilling with Subsea Pumping ........................................ IV-7

2.4 Types of Drilling Fluid ............................................. IV-7

3. INDUSTRY PROFILE: HISTORIC AND PROJECTED DRILLING ACTIVITIES ...... IV-8

4. REFERENCES ....................................................... IV-16
CONTENTS

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CHAPTER V: DATA AND INFORMATION GATHERING

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... V-1

2. POLLUTANT LOADING AND NUMERIC LIMIT ANALYSES .................... V-1

2.1 SBF Retention on Cuttings ........................................... V-1

2.2 Days to Drill ..................................................... V-3

2.3 Well Count Projections Over Next Five Years ............................. V-3

2.4 Current and Projected OBF, WBF, and SBF Use Ratios ...................... V-4

2.5 Waste Volumes and Characteristics ..................................... V-6

3. COMPLIANCE COSTS ANALYSES ........................................ V-7

3.1 Equipment Installation and Downtime ................................... V-7

3.2 Current Drilling Fluid Costs .......................................... V-9

3.3 Cost Savings of SBF Use as Compared with WBF Use ...................... V-9

3.4 Construction Cost Index ............................................ V-10

4. NON-WATER QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSES ............... V-10

5. COMPLIANCE ANALYTICAL METHODS .................................. V-11

6. SEABED SURVEYS .................................................... V-11

7. REFERENCES ........................................................ V-12

CHAPTER VI: SELECTION OF POLLUTANT PARAMETERS

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................... VI-1

2. STOCK LIMITATIONS OF BASE FLUIDS .................................. VI-1

2.1 General ....................................................... VI-1

2.2 Base Fluid PAH Content ........................................... VI-2

2.3 Base Fluid Sediment Toxicity ........................................ VI-2

2.4 Base Fluid Biodegradation .......................................... VI-2

2.5 Base Fluid Bioaccumulation ......................................... VI-2

3. DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS ............................................. VI-4

3.1 Free Oil ....................................................... VI-4

3.2 Formation Oil Contamination ........................................ VI-4

3.3 Retention of SBF on Cuttings ........................................ VI-5

3.4 Cuttings Discharge Sediment Toxicity .................................. VI-6

4. MAINTENANCE OF CURRENT REQUIREMENTS ............................ VI-7

5. REFERENCES ........................................................ VI-7

CHAPTER VII: DRILLING WASTES CHARACTERIZATION, CONTROL, AND

TREATMENT

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................... VII-1

2. DRILLING WASTE SOURCES ........................................... VII-1

2.1 Drilling Fluid Sources .............................................. VII-1

2.2 Drill Cuttings Sources ............................................. VII-3

3. DRILLING WASTE CHARACTERISTICS ................................... VII-4

3.1 Drilling Fluid Characteristics ......................................... VII-5

3.2 Drill Cuttings Characteristics ......................................... VII-7

3.3 Formation Oil Contamination ........................................ VII-7
CONTENTS

(continued)

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4. DRILLING WASTE VOLUMES ........................................... VII-8

4.1 Factors Affecting Drilling Waste Volumes ............................... VII-8

4.2 Estimates of Drilling Waste Volume ................................... VII-9

4.2.1 Waste SBF/OBF Drill Cuttings Volumes .......................... VII-9

4.2.2 SBF Drilling Fluid Retention-on-Cuttings (ROC) Values .............. VII-11

4.2.3 Analysis of ROC Data and Determination of ROC Values ............. VII-15

4.2.4 Calculation of SBF/OBF Model Well Drilling Waste Volumes .......... VII-18

4.2.5 WBF Waste Volumes and Characteristics ........................ VII-23

5. CONTROL AND TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES ........................... VII-27

5.1 BPT/BCT Technology ........................................... VII-27

5.2 Product Substitution: SBF Base Fluid Selection .......................... VII-28

5.2.1 Currently Available Synthetic and Non-Aqueous Base Fluids ........... VII-28

5.2.2 PAH Content of Base Fluids ................................. VII-30

5.2.3 Sediment Toxicity of Base Fluids .............................. VII-31

5.2.4 Biodegradation Rate of Base Fluids ............................. VII-37

5.2.5 Bioaccumulation .......................................... VII-47

5.2.6 Product Substitution Costs ................................... VII-47

5.3 Solids Control: Waste Minimization/Pollution Prevention ................... VII-48

5.3.1 Shale Shakers ............................................ VII-50

5.3.2 High-G Shale Shakers ...................................... VII-55

5.3.3 Centrifuges .............................................. VII-56

5.3.4 Squeeze Presses .......................................... VII-58

5.3.5 Fines Control ............................................ VII-58

5.3.6 Rig Compatibility .......................................... VII-59

5.3.7 Small Volume Wastes ...................................... VII-61

5.4 Land-based Treatment and Disposal .................................. VII-62

5.4.1 Transportation to Land-Based Facilities .......................... VII-64

5.4.2 Land Treatment and Disposal ................................. VII-65

5.4.3 Land-Based Subsurface Injection .............................. VII-66

5.5 Onsite Subsurface Injection ........................................ VII-67

5.6 SBF Discharges Not Associated with Cuttings ........................... VII-69

5.7 Additional Control Methodologies Considered ........................... VII-70

6. REFERENCES ....................................................... VII-70

CHAPTER VIII: COMPLIANCE COST AND POLLUTANT REDUCTION

DETERMINATION OF DRILLING FLUIDS AND DRILL CUTTINGS

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................... VIII-1

2. OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND SUMMARY COSTS .......................... VIII-1

3. COMPLIANCE COST METHODOLOGY ................................... VIII-2

3.1 Drilling Activity Projections and Allocations for the Final Rule ................ VIII-4

3.2 Model Well Characteristics ......................................... VIII-5

3.3 Onsite Solids Control Technology Costs ............................... VIII-6

3.3.1 Baseline Solids Control Technology Costs ........................ VIII-6

3.3.2 BAT/NSPS Compliance Solids Control Technology Costs ............ VIII-7

3.4 Transportation and Onshore Disposal Costs ............................ VIII-10

3.4.1 Baseline Transport and Disposal Costs ......................... VIII-10
CONTENTS

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iv

3.4.2 BAT/NSPS Transport and Disposal Costs ....................... VIII-13

3.5 Onsite Grinding and Injection Costs ................................. VIII-13

4. DETAILED ANALYSES OF TECHNOLOGY AND INCREMENTAL COMPLIANCE 

COSTS ........................................................... VIII-14

4.1 BAT Baseline Operational Costs .................................... VIII-20

4.2 BAT/NSPS Option 1 Discharge Option Costs .......................... VIII-22

4.3 BAT/NSPS Option 2 Discharge Option Costs .......................... VIII-24

4.4 BAT/NSPS Option 3 Zero Discharge Option Costs ...................... VIII-25

4.5 Retention on Cuttings Incremental Costs (Including Fluid Recovery/Re-use) ..... VIII-26

4.6 Costs (Savings) Due to Efficiencies of SBF Drilling over WBF Drilling ........ VIII-27

4.6.1 Costs (Savings) for Operators Converting from WBF to SBF ......... VIII-27

4.6.2 Cost Impacts to Operators Currently Using SBFs .................. VIII-29

4.7 Net Incremental BAT Costs/Savings ................................. VIII-30

4.8 NSPS Compliance Cost Analysis ................................... VIII-31

5. POLLUTANT LOADINGS (REMOVALS) ................................. VIII-32

5.1 Input Data and Methodology ...................................... VIII-33

5.1.1 SBF and OBF Pollutant Loadings (Removals) in Effluent Discharges, 

Land Disposal, and Injected Waste ............................ VIII-33

5.1.2 WBF Well Loadings (Removals) .............................. VIII-37

5.2 Baseline Pollutant Loadings for Existing Sources ........................ VIII-38

5.3 BAT Option 1 Pollutant Loadings (Removals) for Existing Sources ........... VIII-40

5.4 BAT Option 2 Pollutant Loadings (Removals) for Existing Sources ........... VIII-41

5.5 BAT Option 3 Zero Discharge Pollutant Loadings (Removals) for 

Existing Sources ............................................... VIII-44

5.6 Pollutant Removals Analysis for New Sources .......................... VIII-47

6. REFERENCES ...................................................... VIII-51

CHAPTER IX: NON-WATER QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND OTHER

FACTORS

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................... IX-1

2. SUMMARY OF NON-WATER QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ........... IX-1

3. ENERGY REQUIREMENTS AND AIR EMISSIONS ........................... IX-2

3.1 Water Based Drilling Fluids ......................................... IX-5

3.2 Energy Requirements .............................................. IX-5

3.2.1 Drilling Rig Activity ......................................... IX-5

3.2.2 Baseline Energy Requirements ................................. IX-7

3.2.3 Energy Requirements for BAT/NSPS Discharge Options .............. IX-9

3.2.4 Energy Requirements for BAT/NSPS Option 3 Zero Discharge ......... IX-10

3.3 Air Emissions .................................................. IX-14

3.4 New Source Energy Requirements and Air Emissions ...................... IX-15

4. SOLID WASTE GENERATION .......................................... IX-16

5. CONSUMPTIVE WATER USE .......................................... IX-19

6. OTHER FACTORS ................................................... IX-19

6.1 Impact of Marine Traffic .......................................... IX-19

6.2 Safety ....................................................... IX-20

7. AIR EMISSIONS MONETIZED HUMAN HEALTH BENEFITS .................. IX-21
CONTENTS

(continued)

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8. REFERENCES ....................................................... IX-24

CHAPTER X: OPTIONS SELECTION RATIONALE

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................... X-1

2. REGULATORY OPTIONS CONSIDERED FOR SBFs NOT ASSOCIATED WITH DRILL

CUTTINGS ........................................................... X-1

3. REGULATORY OPTIONS CONSIDERED FOR SBFs ASSOCIATED WITH DRILL

CUTTINGS ........................................................... X-2

3.1 BPT Technology Options Considered and Selected ......................... X-2

3.2 BCT Technology Options Considered and Selected ......................... X-3

3.3 BAT Technology Options Considered and Selected ......................... X-3

3.3.1 Overview ................................................. X-3

3.3.2 Stock Base Fluid Technical Availability and Economic Achievability ....... X-9

3.3.3 Discharge Limitations Technical Availability and Economic Achievability ... X-16

3.4 NSPS Technology Options Considered and Selected for Drilling Fluid

Associated with Drill Cuttings ........................................ X-27

3.5 PSES and PSNS Technology Options Considered and Selected ................ X-28

3.6 Best Management Practices (BMPs) to Demonstrate Compliance with Numeric

BAT Limitations and NSPS for Drilling Fluid Associated with Drill Cuttings ....... X-29

4. REFERENCES ........................................................ X-30

CHAPTER XI: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................ G-1

APPENDIX VII-1: SBF/OBF Model Well Drilling Waste Volumes .......................... A-1

APPENDIX VII-2: WBF Waste Volume and Characteristics .............................. A-7

APPENDIX VIII-1: Derivation of Supply Boat Transport Days ........................... A-10

APPENDIX VIII-2: Cost (Savings) Analysis Worksheets ................................ A-16

APPENDIX VIII-3: (Deleted) ................................................... A-55

APPENDIX VIII-4: Pollutant Loadings (Removals) Worksheets .......................... A-56

APPENDIX VIII-5: Pollutant Loadings (Removals) Supporting Worksheets .................. A-91

APPENDIX IX-1: Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts ........................... A-133
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TABLES

Page

IV-1 Number of Wells Drilled Annually, 1995 - 1997, by Geographic Area ................. IV-9

IV-2 Estimated Number of Wells Drilled Annually by Drilling Fluid Used for Proposed Rule .... IV-12

IV-3 Estimated Number of Existing Source Wells Drilled Annually by Well and 

Drilling Fluid Type for the Final Rule ....................................... IV-14

IV-4 Estimated Number of New Source Wells Drilled Annually by Well and 

Drilling Fluid Type for the Final Rule ....................................... IV-15

VII-1 SBF Drilling Waste Characteristics .......................................... VII-6

VII-2 Model Well Volume Data ................................................ VII-10

VII-3 API Recommended Practice 13B-2 MDL Phase 1 Study Results ................... VII-13

VII-4 API Recommended Practice 13B-2 MDL Phase 2 Verification Results ............... VII-13

VII-5 Drilling Fluid Treatment System Retention on Cuttings Performance ................. VII-17

VII-6 Input Data and General Equations for Calculating Per-Well SBF/OBF Waste Volumes .... VII-20

VII-7 Summary SBF/OBF Model Well Waste Volume Estimates ........................ VII-21

VII-8 Estimated Offshore WBF Static Sheen Test/Toxicity Limitation Failure Rates Used in 

Maximum Failure Rate Analysis ........................................... VII-25

VII-9 EPA Determination of Sediment Toxicity For Base Fluids ......................... VII-34

VII-10 EPA Determination of Sediment Toxicity for Whole Mud Formulations with Synthetic

Base Fluids .......................................................... VII-35

VII-11 Industry Sediment Toxicity Results ......................................... VII-36

VII-12 EPA Solid Phase Test (1000 mg/Kg) ....................................... VII-39

VII-13 EPA Solid Phase Test (2000 mg/Kg) ....................................... VII-40

VII-14 EPA Solid Phase Test (5000 mg/Kg) ....................................... VII-41

VII-15 Industry Marine Anaerobic Closed Bottle Biodegradation Test Results ................ VII-43

VII-16 Industry Respirometry Test Results ........................................ VII-45

VII-17 Drilling Fluid Recovery Devices ........................................... VII-52

VIII-1 Annual Technology Costs and Pollutant Loadings for Drill Cuttings BAT 

and NSPS Options .................................................... VIII-3

VIII-2 Summary Annual and Incremental Costs for Management of SBF-Cuttings 

from Existing Sources ................................................. VIII-16

VIII-3 Summary Annual and Incremental Costs for Management of SBF-Cuttings 

from New Sources ................................................... VIII-17

VIII-4 Estimated Number of Wells Drilled Annually ................................. VIII-19

VIII-5 Summary Total Pollutant Loadings And Incremental Loadings (Removals) for 

Large Volume Wastes from Existing Sources ................................. VIII-35

VIII-6 SBF, OBF, and WBF Annual BAT/NSPS Option 1 Pollutant Loadings and 

Incremental Loadings (Removals) for Large Volume Wastes from Existing Sources ..... VIII-39

VIII-7 SBF, OBF, and WBF Annual BAT Option 2 Pollutant Loadings and 

Incremental Loadings (Removals) for Large Volume Wastes from Existing Sources ..... VIII-43
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TABLES

(continued)

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VIII-8 SBF, OBF, and WBF Annual BAT Option 3 Pollutant Loadings and 

Incremental Loadings (Removals) for Large Volume Wastes from Existing Sources ..... VIII-46

VIII-9 Summary Total Pollutant Loadings And Incremental Loadings (Removals) for 

Large Volume Wastes from New Sources ................................... VIII-48

VIII-10 Summary SBF, OBF, and WBF Annual Baseline, BAT/NSPS Option 1, 

BAT/NSPS Option 2, and BAT/NSPS Option 3 Pollutant Loadings and 

Incremental Loadings (Removals) for Large Volume Wastes from New Sources ........ VIII-49

IX-1 Summary of Annual NWQEI for Drill Cuttings ................................. IX-3

IX-2 Summary of Baseline and BAT/NSPS Options Air Emissions and Fuel Usage for 

Existing Sources ....................................................... IX-4

IX-3 Summary NWQEI by Drilling Fluid Type for Baseline and BAT/NSPS Options 

for Existing Sources ..................................................... IX-6

IX-4 Uncontrolled Emission Factors for Drill Cuttings Management Activities .............. IX-15

IX-5 Summary Air Emissions and Fuel Usage for Gulf of Mexico New Sources ............. IX-17

IX-6 Amounts and Incremental Increases (Decreases) of Solid Waste Disposed by 

Zero Discharge Technologies for Existing and New Source Wells ................... IX-18

IX-7 Summary of Monetized Human Health Benefits or Impacts Associated with

VOC, PM, and SO2 Emissions, Existing Sources ............................... IX-23

IX-8 Summary of Monetized Human Health Benefits or Impacts Associated with

VOC, PM, and SO2 Emissions, New Sources ................................. IX-23

X-1 Properties for Reference C16-C18 IOs SBF Used in Discharge Sediment Toxicity Testing .... X-27
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FIGURES

Page

IV-1 Generalized Drilling Fluids Circulation Systems ................................. IV-6

VII-1 Low Range Spike Concentrations (1000 mg/Kg) ............................... VII-39

VII-2 Mid-Range Spike Concentrations (2000 mg/Kg) ................................ VII-40

VII-3 High-Range Spike Concentrations (5000 mg/Kg) ............................... VII-41

VII-4 Industry Solid Phase Test Results .......................................... VII-42

VII-5 Industry Anaerobic Closed Bottle Test Results ................................. VII-44

VII-6 Industry Respirometry Test Results ........................................ VII-45

VII-7 Generalized Solids Control System ......................................... VII-50

VII-8 Schematic Side and Front Views of Two-Tiered Shale Shakers ..................... VII-54

VII-9 Configuration of Amirante Solids Control Equipment ............................ VII-57
I - 1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1. LEGAL AUTHORITY

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating Effluent Limitations Guidelines

and New Source Performance Standards for discharges associated with the use of synthetic-based drilling

fluids (SBFs) and other non-aqueous drilling fluids in portions of the Offshore Subcategory and Cook Inlet

portion of the Coastal Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category under the authority

of Sections 301, 304 (b), (c), and (e); 306; 307; 308; 402; and 501 of the Clean Water Act (the Federal

Water Pollution Control Act); 33 U.S.C. 1311, 1314 (b), (c), and (e); 1316; 1317; 1318; 1342; and 1361. 

The regulation and supporting technical information are presented in the following chapters of this

document. This chapter describes EPA’s legal authority for issuing the rule, as well as background

information on prior regulations and litigation related to this rule.

2. CLEAN WATER ACT

Congress adopted the Clean Water Act (CWA) to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and

biological integrity of the Nation's waters" (Section 101(a), 33 U.S.C. 1251(a)). To achieve this goal, the

CWA prohibits the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters except in compliance with the statute. The

Clean Water Act addresses the problem of water pollution on a number of different fronts. Its primary

reliance, however, is on establishing restrictions on the types and amounts of pollutants discharged from

various industrial, commercial, and public sources of wastewater.

Direct dischargers (i.e., those that discharge effluent directly into navigable waters) must comply

with effluent limitation guidelines and new source performance standards (NSPS) in National Pollutant

Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permits (CWA 401 and 402); indirect dischargers (i.e., those that

discharge to publicly owned treatment works systems which in turn discharge into waters of the U.S.) must

comply with pretreatment standards. EPA issues these guidelines and standards for categories of industrial

dischargers based on the degree of pollution control that can be achieved using various levels of control

technology. The guidelines and standards are summarized below.
1

 Conventional pollutants are biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS),

fecal coliforn, pH, and oil and grease; toxic pollutants are those pollutants listed by the Administrator under

CWA Section 307(a); nonconventional pollutants are those that are neither toxic nor listed as conventional.

I - 2

2.1 Best Practicable Control Technology Currently Available (BPT)

Section 304(b)(1)(A) of the CWA requires EPA to identify effluent reductions attainable through

the application of “best practicable control technology currently available for classes and categories of point

sources.” Generally, EPA determines BPT effluent levels based upon the average of the best existing

performances by plants of various sizes, ages, and unit processes within each industrial category or

subcategory. In industrial categories where present practices are uniformly inadequate, however, EPA may

determine that BPT requires higher levels of control than any currently in place if the technology to achieve

those levels can be practicably applied (see “A Legislative History of the Federal Water Pollution Control

Act Amendments of 1972,” U.S. Senate Committee of Public Works, Serial No. 93-1, January 1973, p.

1468).

In addition, CWA Section 304(b)(1)(B) requires a cost assessment for BPT limitations. In

determining the BPT limits, EPA must consider the total cost of treatment technologies in relation to

effluent reduction benefits achieved. This inquiry does not limit EPA's broad discretion to adopt BPT

limitations that are achievable with available technology unless the required additional reductions are “wholly

out of proportion to the costs of achieving such marginal level of reduction” (see Legislative History, op. cit.

p. 170). Moreover, the inquiry does not require the Agency to quantify benefits in monetary terms [e.g.,

American Iron and Steel Institute v. EPA, 526 F. 2d 1027 (3rd Cir., 1975)].

In balancing costs against the benefits of effluent reduction, EPA considers the volume and nature

of expected discharges after application of BPT, the general environmental effects of pollutants, and the

cost and economic impacts of the required level of pollution control. In developing guidelines, the Act does

not require consideration of water quality problems attributable to particular point sources, or water quality

improvements in particular bodies of water.

Effluent limitations guidelines based on BPT apply to discharges of conventional, toxic, and nonconventional pollutants1

 from existing sources (CWA section 304(b)(1)). BPT guidelines generally are

based on the average of the best existing performance by plants in a category or subcategory. In

establishing BPT, EPA considers the cost of achieving effluent reductions in relation to the effluent

reduction benefits, the age of equipment and facilities, the processes employed, process changes required,

engineering aspects of the control technologies, non-water quality environmental impacts (including energy
I - 3

requirements), and other factors the EPA Administrator deems appropriate (CWA § 304(b)(1)(B)). Where

existing performance is uniformly inadequate, BPT may be transferred from a different subcategory or

category.

2.2 Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology (BCT)

The 1977 amendments to the CWA established BCT as an additional level of control for discharges

of conventional pollutants from existing industrial point sources. In addition to other factors specified in

section 304(b)(4)(B), the CWA requires that BCT limitations be established in light of a two-part "costreasonableness" test. EPA published a methodology for the development of BCT limitations which became

effective August 22, 1986 (51 FR 24974, July 9, 1986).

Section 304(a)(4) designates the following as conventional pollutants: biochemical oxygen

demanding pollutants (measured as BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), fecal coliform, pH, and any

additional pollutants defined by the Administrator as conventional. The Administrator designated oil and

grease as an additional conventional pollutant on July 30, 1979 (44 FR 44501).

2.3 Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BAT)

The CWA establishes BAT as a principle means of controlling the discharge of toxic and nonconventional pollutants. In general, BAT effluent limitation guidelines represent the best existing

economically achievable performance of direct discharging plants in the industrial subcategory or category. 

The factors considered in assessing BAT include the cost of achieving BAT effluent reductions, the age of

equipment and facilities involved, the processes employed, engineering aspects of the control technology,

potential process changes, non-water quality environmental impacts (including energy requirements), and

such factors as the Administrator deems appropriate. The Agency retains considerable discretion in

assigning the weight to be accorded to these factors. An additional statutory factor considered in setting

BAT is economic achievability. Generally, the achievability is determined on the basis of the total cost to

the industrial subcategory and the overall effect of the rule on the industry’s financial health. BAT

limitations may be based upon effluent reductions attainable through changes in a facility's processes and

operations. As with BPT, where existing performance is uniformly inadequate, BAT may be based upon

technology transferred from a different subcategory within an industry or from another industrial category. 

BAT also may be based upon process changes or internal controls, even when these technologies are not

common industry practice.
I - 4

2.4 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)

NSPS reflect effluent reductions that are achievable based on the best available demonstrated

control technology. New facilities have the opportunity to install the best and most efficient production

processes and wastewater treatment technologies. As a result, NSPS should represent the greatest degree of

effluent reduction attainable through the application of the best available demonstrated control technology

for all pollutants (i.e., conventional, non-conventional, and priority pollutants). In establishing NSPS, EPA

is directed to take into consideration the cost of achieving the effluent reduction and any non-water quality

environmental impacts and energy requirements.

2.5 Pretreatment Standards For Existing Sources (PSES) And Pretreatment Standards For New

Sources (PSNS)

Pretreatment standards are designed to prevent the discharge of pollutants to publicly-owned

treatment works (POTW) that pass through, interfere, or are otherwise incompatible with the operation of

the POTW (CWA section 307(b)). Because none of the facilities to which this rule applies discharge to a

POTW, pretreatment standards are not being promulgated as part of this rulemaking.

2.6 Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Section 304(e) of the CWA gives the Administrator authority to publish regulations, in addition to

the effluent limitations guidelines and standards listed above, to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks,

sludge or waste disposal, and drainage from raw material storage which the Administrator determines may

contribute significant amounts of toxic and hazardous pollutants to navigable waters. Section 402(a)(1) also

authorizes BMPs as necessary to carry out the purposes and intent of the CWA; see 40 CFR Part

122.44(k).

3. CWA SECTION 304(m) REQUIREMENTS AND LITIGATION

Section 304(m) of the CWA, added by the Water Quality Act of 1987, requires EPA to establish

schedules for (i) reviewing and revising existing effluent limitations guidelines and standards and (ii)

promulgating new effluent guidelines. On January 2, 1990, EPA published an Effluent Guidelines Plan (55

FR 80), in which a schedule was established for developing new and revised effluent guidelines for several

industry categories, including the oil and gas extraction industry. The Natural Resources Defense Council,

Inc. challenged the Effluent Guidelines Plan in a suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of
I - 5

Columbia (NRDC et al. v. Browner, Civ. No. 89-2980). On January 31, 1992, the Court entered a consent

decree (the "304(m) Decree") that included schedules for EPA's proposal and promulgation of effluent

guidelines for a number of point source categories. The most recent Effluent Guidelines Plan was published

in the Federal Register on August 31, 2000 (65 FR 53008). This plan requires, among other things, that

EPA take final action on the Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids Guidelines by December 2000.

4. POLLUTION PREVENTION ACT

The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA; 42 U.S.C. 13101 et seq., Pub. L. 101-508, November

5, 1990) “declares it to be the national policy of the United States that pollution should be prevented or

reduced whenever feasible; pollution that cannot be prevented should be recycled in an environmentally safe

manner, whenever feasible; pollution that cannot be prevented or recycled should be treated in an

environmentally safe manner whenever feasible; and disposal or release into the environment should be

employed only as a last resort...” (Sec. 6602; 42 U.S.C. 13101 (b)). In short, preventing pollution before it

is created is preferable to trying to manage, treat or dispose of it after it is created. The PPA directs the

Agency to, among other things, “review regulations of the Agency prior and subsequent to their proposal to

determine their effect on source reduction” (Sec. 6604; 42 U.S.C. 13103(b)(2)). EPA reviewed this

effluent guideline for its incorporation of pollution prevention.

According to the PPA, source reduction reduces the generation and release of hazardous

substances, pollutants, wastes, contaminants, or residuals at the source, usually within a process. The term

source reduction “include[s] equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications,

reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of raw materials, and improvements in housekeeping,

maintenance, training or inventory control. The term ‘source reduction’ does not include any practice

which alters the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics or the volume of a hazardous substance,

pollutant, or contaminant through a process or activity which itself is not integral to or necessary for the

production of a product or the providing of a service” 42 U.S.C. 13102(5). In effect, source reduction

means reducing the amount of a pollutant that enters a waste stream or that is otherwise released into the

environment prior to out-of-process recycling, treatment, or disposal.

In the final regulations, EPA supports pollution prevention technology by encouraging the

appropriate use of synthetic-based drilling fluids (SBFs) based on the use of base fluid materials in place of

traditional: (1) water-based drilling fluids (WBFs); and (2) oil-based drilling fluids (OBFs) consisting of diesel

oil/or and mineral oil. The appropriate use of SBFs in place of WBFs will generally lead to more efficient

and faster drilling and a per well reduction in non-water quality environmental impacts (NWQEI; including
2

 Priority pollutants are the 126 toxic pollutants listed in Appendix A to 40 CFR 423.

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energy requirements) and discharged pollutants. Use of SBFs may also lead to a reduced demand for new

drilling platforms and development well drilling though the use of directional and extended reach drilling. 

Compared to OBFs, discharges from SBF-drilling operations have lower aqueous and sediment toxicities,

lower bioaccumulation potentials, and faster biodegradation rates. In addition, polynuclear aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs), including those which are priority pollutants,2 which are constituents in OBFs are not

present in SBFs.

EPA considered a “zero discharge” requirement (i.e., BAT/NSPS Option 3) for SBF-cuttings

wastes. EPA has determined that, under this requirement, most operators would decrease the use of SBFs

in favor of OBFs and WBFs due to lower OBF and WBF drilling fluid unit costs. EPA concluded that a

zero discharge requirement for SBF-cuttings and the subsequent increase use of OBFs and WBFs would

result in: (1) unacceptable NWQEIs; and (2) increased pollutant loadings to the ocean due to operators

switching from SBFs to less efficient WBFs.

The appropriate use of SBF in place of OBF will eliminate the need to inject OBF-waste cuttings

onsite or to barge OBF wastes to shore, thereby reducing NWQEI such as fuel use, air emissions, and any

land disposal risks associated with OBFs. Operators also are using drilling fluids and creating wastes with

increased toxicity when using OBFs in place of SBFs. The controlled discharge options eliminate the risk of

OBF and OBF-cuttings spills and of cross-media contamination at land disposal operations from wells

converting to SBF use. As stated in April 2000 (65 FR 21557), EPA uses SBF and OBF spill data in this

final rule as a factor that supports a controlled discharge option. MMS spill data show that riser disconnects

in deep water drilling operations release approximately 2,400 barrels of SBF drilling fluids; these incidents

occur in deep water, on average, two to three times per year due to riser failure.1 Riser disconnects in deep

water are a particular concern due to: (1) increased riser tensioning; (2) deep water technical requirements

(e.g., riser verticality, increased use of top drive systems, multiple flex joints in deep water risers, or

placement of well heads and upper casing sections in soft sea beds); and (3) deep water ocean environments

(e.g., uncharted eddy and loop currents).2, 3 

In addition to these OBF versus SBF concerns, use of WBFs in place of SBFs also leads to suboptimal environmental performance. Thus, replacing SBFs with WBFs results in: (1) an increase in

NWQEIs due to the increased length of the drilling project; and (2) a per-well increase in the quantity of

discharged pollutants due to both the poorer technical performance of WBFs (i.e., increased washout of

WBF compared to SBF) and the permitted discharge of WBFs. These permitted discharges include not
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only WBF-associated cuttings, but neat WBF either as discharges related to dilution or bulk discharges of

mud systems at a mud-type change over or at the end of well. For these reasons, EPA rejected the zero

discharge option.

In addition, the technology controls in the final regulation are based on a more efficient solids

control technology to increase recycling of SBF in the drilling operation. Increased SBF recycling reduces

the quantity of SBF required for drilling operations and the quantity of SBF discharged with drill cuttings. A

discussion of this pollution prevention technology is contained in Chapter VII of this Development

Document.

5. PRIOR FEDERAL RULEMAKINGS AND OTHER NOTICES

On March 4, 1993, EPA published final effluent guidelines for the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil

and Gas Extraction Point Source Category (58 FR 12454). The data and information gathering phase for

this rulemaking corresponded to the introduction of SBFs in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of this timing, the

range of drilling fluids for which data and information were available to EPA was limited to WBFs and

OBFs using diesel and mineral oil. Industry representatives, however, submitted information on SBFs

during the comment period concerning environmental benefits of SBFs over OBFs and WBFs, and

problems with false positives of free oil in the static sheen test applied to SBFs.

The requirements in the offshore rule applicable to drilling fluids and drill cuttings consist of

mercury and cadmium limitations on the stock barite, a diesel oil discharge prohibition, a toxicity limitation

on the suspended particulate phase (SPP) generated when the drilling fluids or drill cuttings are mixed in

seawater, and no discharge of free oil as determined by the static sheen test.

While the SPP toxicity test and the static sheen test, as well as their limitations, were developed for

WBF, the offshore regulation applied to all types of drilling fluids and drill cuttings. Thus, under the rule,

any drilling waste in compliance with the discharge limitations could be discharged. When the offshore rule

was proposed, EPA believed that all drilling fluids, whether WBFs, OBFs, or SBFs, could be controlled by

the SPP toxicity and static sheen tests. This is because OBFs based on diesel oil or mineral oil failed one or

both of the SPP toxicity test and no free oil static sheen test. In addition, OBFs based on diesel oil were

subject to the diesel oil discharge prohibition.

Based on comments received from industry, EPA thought SBFs could also be adequately controlled

by the offshore regulation. After the offshore rule was proposed, EPA received several industry comments
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that focused on the fact that the static sheen test could often be interpreted as giving a false positive for the

presence of diesel oil, mineral oil, or formation hydrocarbons. For this reason, the industry commenters

contended that SBFs should be exempt from compliance with the no free oil limitation required by the final

offshore effluent guidelines.

In the final rulemaking record in 1993, EPA’s response to these comments was that the prohibition

on discharges of free oil was an appropriate limitation for discharge of drill fluids and drill cuttings, including

SBFs. While EPA agreed that some of the newer SBFs may be less toxic and more readily biodegradable

than many of the OBFs, EPA was concerned that no alternative method was offered for determining

compliance with the no free oil standard to replace the static sheen test. In other words, if EPA were to

exclude certain fluids from the requirement, there would be no way to determine whether diesel oil, mineral

oil or formation hydrocarbons also were being discharged.

Also in the final offshore rule, EPA encouraged the use of drilling fluids that were less toxic and that

biodegraded faster. EPA solicited data on alterative ways of monitoring for the no free oil discharge

requirement, such as gas chromatography or other analytical methods. EPA also solicited information on

technology issues related to the use of SBFs, any toxicity data or biodegradation data on these newer fluids,

and cost information.

By focusing on the issue of false positives with the static sheen test, EPA interpreted the offshore

effluent guidelines to mean that SBFs could be discharged provided they complied with the existing

discharge requirements. At that time, however, EPA did not think that many, if any, SBFs would be able to

meet the no free oil requirement.

In the final coastal effluent guidelines, EPA raised the issue of false negatives with the static sheen

test as opposed to the issue of false positives raised during the offshore rulemaking. EPA had information

indicating that the static sheen test does not adequately detect the presence of diesel, mineral, or formation

oil in SBFs. In addition, EPA raised other concerns regarding the inadequacy of the existing effluent

guidelines to control of SBF wastestreams. Thus, the final coastal effluent guidelines, published on

December 16, 1996 (61 FR 66086), constitute the first time EPA identified, as part of a rulemaking, the

inadequacies of the current regulations and the need for new controls for discharges associated with SBFs.

The coastal rule adopted the offshore discharge requirements to allow discharge of drilling wastes in

one geographic area of the coastal subcategory (Cook Inlet, Alaska), and prohibited the discharge of drilling

wastes in all other coastal areas.
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Due to the lack of information concerning appropriate controls, EPA could not provide controls

specific to SBFs as a part of the coastal rule. However, the coastal rulemaking solicited comments on

SBFs. In responding to these comments, EPA again identified certain environmental benefits of using

SBFs, and stated that allowing the controlled discharge of SBF-cuttings would encourage their use in place

of OBFs. EPA also noted the inadequacies of the current effluent guidelines to control SBF waste streams

and provided an outline of the parameters that EPA saw as important for adequate control. Inadequacies

cited include: the inability of the static sheen test to detect formation oil or other oil contamination in SBFs;

and the inability of the SPP toxicity test to adequately measure the toxicity of SBFs. EPA offered

alternative tests of gas chromatography (GC) and a benthic toxicity test to verify the results of the static

sheen and the SPP toxicity testing currently required. EPA also mentioned the potential need for controls

on the base fluid used to formulate the SBF, based on one or more of the following parameters: PAH

content, toxicity (preferably sediment toxicity), rate of biodegradation, and bioaccumulation potential.

The final coastal rule also incorporated clarifying definitions of drilling fluids for both the offshore

and coastal subcategories to better differentiate between the types of drilling fluids. The preamble to the

rule provided guidance to NPDES permit writers needing to write limits for SBFs on a best professional

judgement (BPJ) basis. This guidance recommended using GC as a confirmation tool to assure the absence

of free oil in addition to meeting the current no free oil (static sheen), toxicity, and barite limits on mercury

and cadmium. EPA recommended Method 1663 as described in EPA 821-R-92-008 as a gas

chromatograph with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) method to identify an increase in n-alkanes due to

crude oil contamination of the synthetic materials coating the drill cuttings. Additional tests, such as benthic

toxicity conducted on the synthetic material prior to use, or on whole SBF prior to discharge, were also

suggested for controlling the discharge of cuttings contaminated with drilling fluid.

EPA stated its intention to further evaluate test methods for benthic toxicity and to determine an

appropriate limitation if this additional test was warranted. In addition, test methods and results for

bioaccumulation and biodegradation, as indicators of the rate of recovery of SBF cuttings piles on the sea

floor, were to be evaluated. EPA recognized that evaluations of such new testing protocols may be beyond

the technical expertise of individual permit writers, and so stated that these efforts would be coordinated as a

continuing effluent guidelines effort. 

On February 3, 1999 (64 FR 5488), EPA published proposed effluent limitations guidelines for the

discharge of SBF drilling fluids and drill cuttings into waters of the U.S. by existing and new sources in the

oil and gas extraction point source category.
I - 10

EPA received comments on many aspects of the proposal. The majority of comments related to:

(1) the proposed analytical test methods for stock and discharge limitations; (2) equipment basis used to set

BAT and NSPS cuttings retention limitations; (3) Best Management Practices (BMPs) and their use to

control small volume spills and releases of SBF; (4) the proposal engineering and economic assumptions;

and (5) proposal procedural and definition issues. EPA evaluated all of these issues based on additional

information collected by EPA or received during the comment period following the proposal. EPA then

discussed the results of these evaluations in a Notice of Data Availability, which is discussed below.

On April 21, 2000 (65 FR 21548), EPA published a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) in which

the Agency presented a summary of new data received in comments on the proposed rule or collected by

EPA since the publication of the proposal. EPA discussed the major issues raised during the proposal

comment period and presented several revisions to the modeling and alternative approaches to address these

issues. EPA solicited comments on the data collected since proposal and on the revised modeling and

alternative approaches to manage SBF discharges.

6. CURRENT NPDES PERMIT STATUS

Four EPA Regions currently issue or review permits for offshore and coastal oil and gas well drilling

activities in areas where drilling wastes may be discharged: Region 4 for the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and

Central/South Atlantic coast, Region 6 in the Central and Western Gulf of Mexico, Region 9 for offshore

California, and Region 10 for offshore Alaska and Cook Inlet, Alaska. Permits in Regions 4, 9 and 10 have

never allowed the discharge of SBFs, and those three Regions are currently preparing final general permits

that specifically prohibit SBF discharges. Any drilling using SBFs will require an individual permit or a

modification of the general permits.

Discharge of drill cuttings contaminated with SBF (SBF-cuttings) has occurred under the Region 6

offshore continental shelf (OCS) general permit issued in 1993 (58 FR 63964). The general permit reissued

on November 2, 1998 (63 FR 58722) also does not specifically disallow the discharge of SBF-cuttings if

they meet the limitations of the permit. The reason for these differences between Region 6 and other EPA

Regions relates to the timing of the 1993 Region 6 general permit and the issues raised in comments during

the issuance of that permit.

The previous individual and general permits of Regions 4, 9 and 10 were issued long before SBFs

were developed and used. In Region 6, however, the first SBF well was drilled in June of 1992 and the

development of the Region 6 OCS general permit, published December 3, 1993 (58 FR 63964), thus
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corresponded to the introduction of SBF use in the GOM. After proposal of this permit, industry

representatives commented that the no free oil limitation, as measured by the static sheen test, should be

waived for SBFs due to the occurrence of false positives. They contended that a sheen was sometimes

perceived when the SBF was known to be free of diesel oil, mineral oil, or formation oil. These comments

were essentially the same as those submitted as part of the offshore rulemaking, which occurred in the same

time frame. EPA responded as it had in the offshore rulemaking, maintaining the static sheen test until there

existed a replacement test to determine the presence of free oil. EPA stated that if the current discharge

requirements could be met, then the drilling fluid and associated wastes could be discharged. This response

was consistent with EPA’s position that SBF drilling wastes could be discharged as long as the discharge

met permit requirements. But again, in the context of these comments, EPA did not expect that many, if

any SBFs, would be able to meet the static sheen requirements.

In addition to the requirements of the offshore guidelines, the Region 6 OCS general permit also

prohibited the discharge of oil-based and inverse emulsion drilling fluids. Although SBFs are, in chemical

terms, inverse emulsion drilling fluids, the definition in the permit limited the term “inverse emulsion drilling

fluids” to mean “an oil-based drilling fluid which also contains a large amount of water.” Further, the permit

provides a definition for oil-based drilling fluid as having “diesel oil, mineral oil, or some other oil as its

continuous phase with water as the dispersed phase.” Since the SBFs clearly do not have diesel or mineral

oil as the continuous phase, there was a question of whether synthetic base fluids (and more broadly, other

oleaginous base fluids) used to formulate the SBFs are “some other oil.” With consideration of the intent of

the inverse emulsion discharge prohibition, and the known differences in PAH content, toxicity, and

biodegradation between diesel and mineral oil versus synthetic fluids, EPA determined that SBFs were not

inverse emulsion drilling fluids as defined in the Region 6 general permit. This determination is exemplified

by the separate definitions for OBFs and SBFs introduced with the Coastal Effluent Guidelines (see 61 FR

66086, December 16, 1996).

7. REFERENCES

1. Johnston, C.A., EPA. 2000. Memorandum to the File, Telephone Conversation with T. Prosser,

Maurer Engineering. 11/22/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.3)

2. Johnston, 2000 - Attendee Information from the DOE/MMS Deepwater Dual-Density Drilling

Workshop, Houston, TX. 9/28/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.4)

3. Furlow, W. and M. Deluca. 2000. Riser management taking center stage as drilling moves into

greater depths. Offshore, January 2000. Pp 32-33. (Record No. IV.B.a.5)
II - 1

CHAPTER II

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF THE REGULATION

1. PURPOSE OF THIS RULEMAKING

The purpose of this rulemaking is to amend the effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the

control of discharges of certain pollutants associated with the use of synthetic-based drilling fluids (SBFs)

and other non-aqueous drilling fluids in portions of the Offshore Subcategory and the Cook Inlet portion of

the Coastal Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category. These limitations apply to

effluent discharges when oil and gas wells are drilled using SBFs or other non-aqueous drilling fluids

(henceforth collectively referred to simply as SBFs) in coastal and offshore regions in locations where

drilling wastes may be discharged. The processes and operations that comprise the offshore and coastal oil

and gas subcategories are currently regulated under 40 CFR Part 435, Subparts A (offshore) and D

(coastal).

2. SUMMARY OF THE SBF GUIDELINES

EPA is establishing regulations based on the "best practicable control technology currently available"

(BPT), "best conventional pollutant control technology" (BCT), "best available control technology

economically achievable" (BAT), and the best available demonstrated control technology (BADCT) for new

source performance standards (NSPS), for the waste stream of synthetic-based drilling fluids and other nonaqueous drilling fluids, and cuttings contaminated with these drilling fluids.

For certain drilling situations, such as drilling in reactive shales, high angle and/or high displacement

directional drilling, and drilling in deep water, progress with water-based drilling fluids (WBFs) can be slow,

costly, or even impossible, and often creates a large amount of drilling waste. In these situations, the well is

normally drilled with traditional oil-based drilling fluids (OBFs), which use diesel oil or mineral oil as the

base fluid. Because EPA rules or current permits require zero discharge of these wastes, they are either

sent to shore for disposal in non-hazardous oil field waste (NOW) sites or injected into disposal wells.
II - 2

Since about 1990, the oil and gas extraction industry has developed many new oleaginous (oil-like)

base materials from which to formulate high performance drilling fluids. A general class of these are called

the synthetic materials, such as the vegetable esters, poly alpha olefins, internal olefins, linear alpha olefins,

synthetic paraffins, ethers, linear alkyl benzenes, and others. Other oleaginous materials have also been

developed for this purpose, such as the enhanced mineral oils and non-synthetic paraffins. Industry

developed SBFs with these synthetic and non-synthetic oleaginous materials as the base fluid to provide the

drilling performance characteristics of traditional OBFs based on diesel and mineral oil, but with lower

environmental impact and greater worker safety through lower toxicity, elimination of polynuclear aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs), faster biodegradability, lower bioaccumulation potential, and, in some drilling

situations, less drilling waste volume. EPA believes that this product substitution approach is an excellent

example of pollution prevention that can be accomplished by the oil and gas industry.

 

EPA intends that these regulations control the discharge of SBFs in a way that reflects application

of appropriate levels of technology, while also encouraging their use as a replacement to the traditional

mineral oil- and diesel oil-based fluids. Available information indicate that use of certain SBFs and discharge

of the cuttings waste with proper controls would overall be environmentally preferable to the use of OBFs. 

This is because OBFs are subject to zero discharge requirements, and thus, must be shipped to shore for

land disposal or injected underground, resulting in higher air emissions, increased energy use, and increased

land disposal of oily wastes. By contrast, the discharge of cuttings associated with SBFs would eliminate

those impacts. At the same time, EPA recognizes that the discharge of improperly controlled SBFs may

have impacts to the receiving water. Because SBFs are water non-dispersible and sink to the seafloor, the

primary potential environmental impacts are associated with the benthic community. EPA’s information to

date, including seabed surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, indicate that the effect zone of the discharge of certain

SBFs is within a few hundred meters of the discharge point and may be significantly recovered in one to

two years. EPA believes that impacts are primarily due to smothering by the drill cuttings, changes in

sediment grain size and composition (physical alteration of habitat), and anoxia (absence of oxygen) caused

by the decomposition of the organic base fluid. The benthic smothering and changes in grain size and

composition from the cuttings are effects that are also associated with the discharge of WBFs and associated

cuttings.

EPA finds that these impacts, which are believed to be of limited duration, are less harmful to the

environment than the non-water quality environmental impacts associated with the zero discharge

requirement applicable to OBFs. EPA estimates that the final rule will reduce air emissions by 2,927 tons

per year, decrease fuel use by 200,817 barrels per year of oil equivalent, and reduce the discharge of 118

million pounds of cuttings. These estimates are based on the current industry practice of discharging SBF-
II - 3

cuttings outside of 3 miles in the Gulf of Mexico and no discharge of SBFs in any other areas, including 3

miles offshore of California and in offshore and Cook Inlet, Alaska.

As SBFs came into commercial use, EPA determined that the current effluent limitations guidelines

and discharge monitoring methods, which were developed to control the discharge of WBFs, did not

appropriately control the discharge of these new drilling fluids. Since cuttings associated with WBFs

disperse in water, oil contamination of WBFs with formation oil or other sources can be measured by the

static sheen test, and any toxic components of the WBFs will disperse in the aqueous phase and be detected

by the suspended particulate phase (SPP) toxicity test. With SBFs, which do not disperse in water but

instead sink as a mass, formation oil contamination has been shown to be less detectible by the static sheen

test. Similarly, the potential sediment toxicity of the discharge is not apparent using the current SPP toxicity

test.

EPA has therefore sought to identify methods to control the discharge of cuttings associated with

SBFs (SBF-cuttings) in a way that reflects the appropriate level of technology. One way to do this is

through stock limitations on the base fluids from which the drilling fluids are formulated. This ensures that

substitution of synthetic and other oleaginous base fluids for traditional mineral oil and diesel oil reflects the

appropriate level of technology. Parameters that distinguish the various base fluids are their PAH content,

sediment toxicity, and rate of biodegradation.

EPA also is controlling SBF-cuttings discharges with limitations on the toxicity (sediment and solid

particulate phase) of the SBF at the point of discharge and a limitation on the mass (as volume) or

concentration of SBFs discharged. The latter type of limitation takes advantage of the solids separation

efficiencies achievable with SBFs, and consequently minimizes the discharge of organic and toxic

components. Further, field results show that: (1) cuttings are dispersed during transit to the seabed and no

cuttings piles are formed when SBF concentrations on cuttings are held below 5%; and (2) cuttings

discharged from cuttings dryers (with SBF retention values under 5%) in combination with a sea water

flush, hydrate very quickly and disperse like water-based cuttings. EPA maintains that SBFs separated from

drill cuttings meet zero discharge requirements, as this is the current industry practice due to the value of

these drilling fluids.

EPA is promulgating stock limitations and discharge limitations in a two part approach to control

SBF-cuttings discharges under BAT. The first part is based on product substitution through use of stock

limitations (e.g., sediment toxicity, biodegradation, PAH content, metals content) and discharge limitations

(e.g., diesel oil prohibition, formation oil prohibition, sediment toxicity, aqueous toxicity). The second part
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is the control of the quantity of SBF discharged with SBF-cuttings. EPA finds that the second part is

particularly important because limiting the amount of SBF content in discharged cuttings controls: (1) the

amount of SBF discharged to the ocean; (2) the biodegradation rate affect of discharged SBF; and (3) the

potential for SBF-cuttings to develop cuttings piles and mats which are detrimental to the benthic

environment.

Thus, EPA is establishing limits appropriate to the use of SBFs in the drilling operation. EPA is

promulgating zero discharge of neat SBFs (not associated with cuttings), which reflects current practice. 

The limitations applicable to cuttings contaminated with SBFs are as follows:

• Stock Limitations on Base Fluids (BAT/NSPS):

S Maximum PAH content of 10 ppm (wt. based on phenanthrene/wt. base fluid) as measured

by EPA Method 1654A. 

S Maximum sediment toxicity of SBF base fluids that allows discharge of only SBF-cuttings

that are as toxic or less toxic than C16 - C18 internal olefins (IOs) as measured by the 10-day

sediment toxicity test [ASTM E1367-92 supplemented by preparation procedures in

Appendix 3 in Subpart A of 40 CFR 435] using natural or formulated sediment and

Leptocheirus plumulosus as the test species. Alternatively, the limitation is expressed as “a

sediment toxicity ratio” defined as the 10-day LC50 of C16 - C18 IOs/ 10-day LC50 of the

stock base fluid. This ratio must be less than 1.0.

S Minimum rate of biodegradation (biodegradation equal to or faster than C16 - C18 internal

olefin by the marine anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test [i.e., ISO 11734:1995 as

modified at Appendix 4 in Subpart A of 40 CFR 435]). Alternatively, the limitation is

expressed as “a biodegradation rate ratio” defined as the percent degradation of C16 - C18

IOs/ percent degradation of the stock base fluid, both at 275 days. This ratio must be less

than 1.0.
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• Discharge Limitations on Cuttings Contaminated with SBFs:

S No free oil as determined by the static sheen test (Appendix 1 to Subpart A of 40 CFR

435). (BPT/BCT/NSPS)

S Zero discharge of formation oil as measured at two points. First, SBF must be free of

formation oil before its initial use as detected by gas chromatography with mass

spectroscopy (GC/MS; Appendix 5 to Subpart A of 40 CFR 435). Second, in the SBF

recovered by the solids control equipment as measured by the reverse phase extraction

(RPE) method (Appendix 6 to Subpart A of 40 CFR 435). (BAT/NSPS)

S Maximum well-average retention of SBF on cuttings expressed as the percentage of base

fluid on wet cuttings. The well-averaged retention limitation for SBFs with the

environmental performance (e.g., sediment toxicity, biodegradation) of vegetable esters or

low viscosity esters is 9.4%; and for SBFs with the environmental performance of C16 - C18

internal olefins (IOs) is 6.9%. (BAT/NSPS)

S Maximum sediment toxicity of SBF discharged with cuttings that allows discharge of only

SBF cuttings that are as toxic or less toxic than C16 - C18 IOs as measured by the 10-day

sediment toxicity test (ASTM E1367-92 supplemented by preparation procedures in

Appendix 3 in Subpart A of 40 CFR 435) using natural or formulated sediment and

Leptocheirus plumulosus as the test species. Alternatively, the limitation is expressed as “a

sediment toxicity ratio” defined as the 10-day LC50 of C16 - C18 IOs/10-day LC50 of the

SBF being discharged with cuttings. This ratio must be less than 1.0. (BAT/NSPS)

• Discharges remain subject to the following requirements already applicable to all drilling waste

discharges and thus these requirements are not within the scope of this rulemaking:

S Mercury limitation in stock barite of 1 mg/kg. (BAT/NSPS)

S Cadmium limitation in stock barite of 3 mg/kg. (BAT/NSPS)

S Diesel oil discharge prohibition. (BAT/NSPS)
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S Minimum aqueous phase toxicity (96-hour LC50) of 3% by volume for SBF-cuttings using

the suspended particulate phase (SPP). (BAT/NSPS)

This final regulation establishes the geographic areas where drilling wastes may be discharged: the

offshore subcategory waters beyond 3 miles from the shoreline, and in Alaska offshore waters with no 3-

mile restriction. The only coastal subcategory waters where drilling wastes may be discharged is in Cook

Inlet, Alaska. EPA is retaining the zero discharge limitations in areas where discharge is currently prohibited

and these requirements are not within the scope of this rulemaking.
III - 1

CHAPTER III

DEFINITION OF SBF AND ASSOCIATED WASTE STREAMS

1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the industry, geographic areas, and waste streams to which this regulation

would apply.

2. INDUSTRY DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE

The final rule applies to certain coastal and offshore facilities included in the following standard

industrial classification (SIC) codes: 1311 - Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas, 1381 - Drilling Oil and Gas

Wells, 1382 - Oil and Gas Field Exploration Services, and 1389 - Oil and Gas Field Services, not classified

elsewhere.

This regulation applies to offshore and coastal facilities located in waters where drilling wastes are

allowed for discharge under the current effluent guidelines at 40 CFR Part 435, Subparts A (Offshore) and

D (Coastal). The offshore subcategory of the oil and gas extraction point source category, as defined in 40

CFR 435.10, comprises those structures involved in exploration, development, and production operations

seaward of the inner boundary of the territorial seas (shoreline). The discharge of drilling waste is allowed

within the offshore subcategory beyond three miles from shore, except in offshore Alaska where there is no

three-mile discharge prohibition. The coastal subcategory of the oil and gas extraction point source

category, as defined in 40 CFR 435.40, comprises those facilities involved in exploration, development, and

production operations in waters of the U.S. landward of the inner boundary of the territorial seas

(shoreline). The only coastal area where discharge of water-based drilling fluid is allowed in the coastal

subcategory is in Cook Inlet, Alaska.

To summarize, this regulation is applicable to facilities engaged in the drilling of oil and gas wells in

(a) offshore waters greater that three miles from shore, except in Alaska offshore waters and (b) Cook Inlet,

Alaska.
III - 2

3. WASTE STREAMS REGULATED BY THE SBF GUIDELINES

This rule applies to wastes generated when oil and gas wells are drilled with synthetic-based drilling

fluids (SBFs) and other non-aqueous drilling fluids by facilities in coastal and offshore locations where

drilling wastes may be discharged. These wastes include the drilling fluids themselves, and drill cuttings

contaminated with these drilling fluids. 

This rule also amends the current effluent guidelines such that the current guidelines are applicable

only to water-based drilling fluids (WBF), while these SBF discharge requirements are applicable to all other

drilling fluids. To achieve this, EPA is defining WBFs and non-aqueous drilling fluids such that all drilling

fluids will fall into one classification or the other. In this way, all drilling fluids are controlled by either

applying the current requirements for WBFs or the final requirements for non-aqueous drilling fluids. The

definition is based on the miscibility (solubility) of the base fluid in water. The definitions for various drilling

fluids are as follows:

C A water-based drilling fluid has water or a water miscible fluid as the continuous phase and the

suspending medium for solids, whether or not oil is present. 

C A non-aqueous drilling fluid is one in which the continuous phase is a water immiscible fluid such

as an oleaginous material (e.g., mineral oil, enhanced mineral oil, paraffinic oil, or synthetic material

such as olefins and vegetable esters).

C An oil-based drilling fluid has diesel oil, mineral oil, or some other oil, but neither a synthetic

material nor enhanced mineral oil, as its continuous phase with water as the dispersed phase. Oilbased drilling fluids are a subset of non-aqueous drilling fluids.

C An enhanced mineral oil-based drilling fluid has an enhanced mineral oil as its continuous phase

with water as the dispersed phase. Enhanced mineral oil-based drilling fluids are a subset of nonaqueous drilling fluids.

C A synthetic-based drilling fluid has a synthetic material as its continuous phase with water as the

dispersed phase. Synthetic-based drilling fluids are a subset of non-aqueous drilling fluids.
III - 3

In addition, there are other types of non-aqueous drilling fluids that are not listed in the definitions

above. For example, drilling fluids based on synthetic linear paraffins are considered non-aqueous drilling

fluids.
IV - 1

CHAPTER IV

INDUSTRY DESCRIPTION

1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the major processes associated with the offshore oil and gas extraction

industry, and presents the current and projected drilling activities for this industry.

2. DRILLING ACTIVITIES

There are two types of drilling associated with oil and gas operations: exploratory and development. 

Exploratory drilling includes those operations drilling wells to determine potential hydrocarbon reserves. 

Development drilling includes those operations drilling production wells once a hydrocarbon reserve has

been discovered and delineated. Although the rigs used in exploratory and development drilling sometimes

differ, the drilling process is generally the same for both types of drilling operations.

The water depth in which either exploratory or development drilling occurs may determine the

operator’s choice of drill rigs and drilling systems, including the type of drilling fluid. The Minerals

Management Service (MMS) and the drilling industry classify wells as located in either deep water or

shallow water, depending on whether drilling is in water depths greater than 1,000 feet or less than 1,000

feet, respectively.

2.1 Exploratory Drilling

Exploration for hydrocarbon-bearing strata consists of several indirect and direct methods. Indirect

methods, such as geological and geophysical surveys, identify the physical and chemical properties of

formations through surface instrumentation. Geological surveys determine subsurface stratigraphy to

identify rock formations that are typically associated with hydrocarbon bearing formations. Geophysical

surveys establish the depth and nature of subsurface rock formations and identify underground conditions

favorable to oil and gas deposits. There are three types of geophysical surveys: magnetic, gravity, and

seismic. These surveys are conducted from the surface with equipment specially designed for this purpose. 
IV - 2

Direct exploratory drilling, however, is the only method to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons and to

determine the quantity of hydrocarbons after indirect methods have indicated hydrocarbon potential. 

Exploratory wells are also referred to as “wildcats.”

Exploratory wells may be drilled to shallow or deep footage, depending on the purpose of the well. 

Shallow exploratory wells are usually drilled in the initial phases of exploration to discover the presence of

oil and gas reservoirs. Deep exploratory wells are usually drilled to establish the extent of the oil or gas

reservoirs, once they have been discovered. These types of exploration activities are usually of short

duration, involve a small number of wells, and are conducted from mobile drilling rigs.

2.1.1 Drilling Rigs

Mobile drilling rigs are used to drill exploratory wells because they can be moved easily from one

drilling location to another. These units are self contained and include all equipment necessary to conduct

the drilling operation plus living quarters for the crew. The two basic types of mobile drilling units are

bottom-supported units and floating units. Bottom-supported units include submersibles and jackups. 

Floating units include inland barge rigs, semi-submersibles, drill ships, and ship-shaped barges.1

Bottom-supported drilling units are typically used in the Gulf of Mexico region when drilling occurs

in shallow waters. Submersibles are barge-mounted drilling rigs that are towed to the drill site and sunk to

the bottom. There are two common types of submersible rigs: posted barge and bottle-type.

Jackups are barge-mounted drilling rigs that have extendable legs that are retracted during transport. 

At the drill site, the legs are extended to the seafloor. As the legs continue to extend, the barge hull is lifted

above the water. Jackup rigs can be used in waters up to 300 feet deep. There are two basic types of

design for jackup rigs: columnar leg and open-truss leg. 

Floating drilling units are typically used when drilling occurs in deep waters and at locations far from

shore. Semi-submersible units are able to withstand rough seas with minimal rolling and pitching tendencies. 

Semi-submersibles are hull-mounted drilling rigs that float on the surface of the water when empty. At the

drilling site, the hulls are flooded and sunk to a certain depth below the surface of the water. When the hulls

are fully submerged, the unit is stable and not susceptible to wave motion due to its low center of gravity. 

The unit is moored with anchors to the seafloor. There are two types of semi-submersible rigs: bottle-type

and column-stabilized.
IV - 3

Drill ships and ship-shaped barges are vessels equipped with drilling rigs that float on the surface of

the water. These vessels maintain position above the drill site by anchors on the seafloor or the use of

propellers mounted fore, aft, and on both sides of the vessel. Drill ships and ship–shaped barges are

susceptible to wave motion because they float on the surface of the water, and thus are not suitable for use

in heavy seas.

2.1.2 Formation Evaluation

The operator constantly evaluates characteristics of the formation during the drilling process. The

evaluation involves measuring properties of the reservoir rock and obtaining samples of the rock fluids from

the formation. Three common evaluation methods are well logging, coring, and drill stem testing. Well

logging uses instrumentation that is placed in the wellbore and measures electrical, radioactive, and acoustic

properties of the rocks. Coring consists of extracting rock samples from the formation and characterizing

the rocks. Drill stem testing brings fluids from the formation to the surface for analysis.1

2.2 Development Drilling

Development of oil and gas involves drilling wells into the identified reservoirs to initiate

hydrocarbon extraction, increase production, or replace wells that are not producing on existing production

sites. Development wells tend to be smaller in diameter than exploratory wells because, since the geological

and geophysical properties of the producing formation are known, drilling difficulties can be anticipated and

the number of workovers (remedial procedures) during drilling minimized.

The two most common types of rigs used in developmental drilling operations are the platform rig

and the mobile offshore drilling unit. Development wells are often drilled from fixed platforms because once

the exploratory drilling has confirmed that an extractable quantity of hydrocarbons exists, a platform is

constructed at that site for drilling and production operations.

To extract hydrocarbons from the reservoir, several wells are drilled into different parts of the

formation. Because all wells must originate directly below the platform, a special drilling technique, called

“controlled directional drilling,” is used to steer the direction of the hole and penetrate different portions of

the reservoir. Directional drilling involves drilling the top part of the well straight and then directing the

wellbore to the desired location in non-vertical directions. This requires special drilling tools and devices

that measure the direction and angle of the hole. Directional drilling also requires the use of drilling fluids
IV - 4

that provide more lubricity to prevent temperature build up and stuck pipe incidents due to the increased

friction on the drill bit and drill string.

2.2.1 Well Drilling

The process of preparing the first few hundred feet of a well is referred to as “spudding.” This

process consists of extending a large diameter pipe, known as the conductor casing, from a few hundred feet

below the seafloor up to the drilling rig. The conductor casing, which is approximately two feet in diameter,

is either hammered, jetted, or placed into the seafloor depending on the composition of the seafloor. If the

composition of the seafloor is soft, the conductor casing can be hammered into place or lowered into a hole

created by a high-pressure jet of seawater. In areas where the seafloor is composed of harder material, the

casing is placed in a hole created by rotating a large-diameter drill bit on the seafloor. In all cases, the

cuttings or solids displaced from setting the casing are not brought to the surface and are expended onto the

seafloor.

Rotary drilling is the drilling process used to drill the well. Rotary drilling equipment uses a drill bit

attached to the end of a drill pipe, referred to as the “drill string,” which makes a hole in the ground when

rotated. Once the well is spudded and the conductor casing is in place, the drill string is lowered through the

inside of the casing to the bottom of the hole. The bit rotates and is slowly lowered as the hole is formed. 

As the hole deepens, the walls of the hole tend to cave in and widen, so periodically the drill string is lifted

out of the hole and casing is placed into the newly formed portion of the hole to protect the wellbore. This

process of drilling and adding sections of casing is continued until final well depth is reached.

Rotary drilling utilizes a system of circulating drilling fluid to move drill cuttings away from the bit

and out of the borehole. The drilling fluid, or mud, is a mixture of water or sometimes other base fluids,

special clays, and certain minerals and chemicals. The drilling fluid is pumped downhole through the drill

string and is ejected through the nozzles in the drill bit with great speed and pressure. The jets of fluid lift

the cuttings off the bottom of the hole and away from the bit so that the cuttings do not interfere with the

effectiveness of the drill bit. The drilling fluid is circulated to the surface through the space between the drill

string and the casing, called the annulus. At the surface, the drill cuttings, silt, sand, and any gases are

removed from the drilling fluid before returning it downhole through the drill string to the bit. The cuttings,

sand, and silt are separated from the drilling fluid by a solids separation process which typically includes a

shale shaker, desilter, and desander, and sometimes centrifuges. Figure IV-1 presents a schematic flow

diagram of a generalized drilling fluid circulation system. Some of the drilling fluid remains with the cuttings

after solids separation. Following solids separation, the cuttings are disposed in one of three ways,
IV - 5

depending on the type of drilling fluid used and the oil content of the cuttings. The disposal methods, which

are described in detail in Chapter VII, are discharge, transport to shore for land-based disposal, and onsite

subsurface injection.

Drilling fluids function to cool and lubricate the bit, stabilize the walls of the borehole, and maintain

equilibrium between the borehole and the formation pressure. The drilling fluid must exert a higher pressure

in the wellbore than exists in the surrounding formation, to prevent formation fluids (water, oil, and gas)

from entering the wellbore which will otherwise migrate from the formation into the wellbore, and

potentially create a blowout. A blowout occurs when drilling fluids are ejected from the well by subsurface

pressure and the well flows uncontrolled. To prevent well blowouts, high pressure safety valves called

blowout preventers (BOPs) are attached at the top of the well.

Because formation pressure varies at different depths, the density of the drilling fluid must be

constantly monitored and adjusted to the downhole conditions during each phase of the drilling project. One

purpose of setting casing strings is to accommodate different fluid pressure requirements at different well

depths. Other properties of the drilling fluid, such as lubricity, gel strength, and viscosity, must also be

controlled to satisfy changing drilling conditions. The fluid must be replaced if the drilling fluid cannot be

adjusted to meet the downhole drilling conditions. This is referred to as a “changeover.”

The solids control system is necessary to maintain constant fluid properties and/or change them as

required by the drilling conditions. The ability to remove drill solids from the drilling fluid, referred to as

“solids removal efficiency,” is dependent on the equipment used and the formation characteristics. High

solids content in the drilling fluid, or a low solids removal efficiency, results in increased drilling torque and

drag, increased tendency for stuck pipe, increased fluid costs, and reduced wellbore stability. Detailed

discussion of solids control systems can be found in Chapter VII.
IV - 6

 Figure IV-1

Generalized Drilling Fluids Circulation Systems

In addition to using solids separation equipment, operators control the solids content of the drilling

fluid by adding fresh drilling fluid or components to the circulating fluid system to reduce the percentage of

solids and to rebuild the desired rheological properties of the fluid. A disadvantage of dilution is that the

portion of the fluid removed, or displaced, from the circulating system must be stored or disposed. Also,

additional quantities of fluid additives are required to formulate the replacement fluid. Both of these add

expenses to the drilling project.
IV - 7

2.3 Drilling with Subsea Pumping

For use in the relatively new area of deep water drilling, generally greater than 3,000 feet of water,

EPA is aware of a proprietary innovative technology that is claimed by the developer to contribute to a

number of environmental and cost benefits.2 The technology, referred to as “subsea pumping,” involves

pumping the drilling fluid up a pipe separate from the drill string annulus by means of pumps at or near the

seafloor. Rotary drilling methods are generally performed as described above, with the exception that the

drilling fluid is boosted by the pump near the seafloor. By boosting the drilling fluid, the adverse effects on

the wellbore caused by the drilling fluid pressure from the seafloor to the surface is eliminated, thereby

allowing wells to be drilled with as much as 50 percent reduction in the number of casing strings generally

required to line the well wall. Wells are drilled in less time, including less trouble time. The developer of

this technology claims that subsea pumping can significantly improve drilling efficiencies and thereby reduce

the volume of drilling fluid discharged, as well as reduce the non-water quality effects of fuel use and air

emissions. Because fewer casing strings are needed, the hole diameter in the upper sections of the well can

be smaller, which reduces the amount of cuttings produced. Also, the well bore will require fewer casing

strings of smaller diameter, resulting in a reduction in steel consumption.

To enable the pumping of drilling fluids and cuttings to the surface, about half of the drill cuttings,

comprising the cuttings larger than approximately one-quarter inch, are separated from the drilling fluid and

discharged at the seafloor because these cuttings cannot reliably be pumped to the surface. With a currently

reported design, the drill cuttings that are separated at the seafloor are discharged through an eductor hose at

the seafloor within a 300-foot radius of the well site. The drilling fluid, which is boosted at the seafloor and

transports the remainder of the drill cuttings back to the surface, is processed as described in the general

rotary drilling methods presented in section IV.2.2.1. For purposes of monitoring, samples of the drilling

fluid can be taken prior to subsea treatment for separation of the larger cuttings, and transported to the

surface for separation of cuttings in a manner identical to that employed at the seafloor.

2.4 Types of Drilling Fluid

Water-based drilling fluids (WBFs) are the most commonly used drilling fluids and perform well

enough to be used for most drilling. Upper well sections usually are drilled with WBF, and a conversion to

oil-based fluid (OBF) will, in general, be made only if cost and technical considerations show a preference

towards OBF. WBFs are not only the least expensive drilling fluids on a per-barrel basis, but in general they

are less expensive to use because the resultant drilling wastes can be discharged onsite provided these wastes

pass regulatory requirements.
IV - 8

For certain drilling situations, such as drilling in reactive shales, high angle directional drilling, and

drilling in deep water, progress with WBFs can be slow, costly, or even impossible, and often creates a large

amount of drilling waste. In these situations, the well is normally drilled with traditional OBFs, which use

diesel oil or mineral oil as the base fluid. Because EPA rules require zero discharge of these wastes, they

are either transported to shore for disposal or injected into isolated subsurface formations at the drill site.

Since about 1990, the oil and gas extraction industry has developed many new oleaginous (oil-like)

base materials from which to formulate high performance drilling fluids. A general class of these is called

the synthetic materials, such as the vegetable esters, poly alpha olefins, internal olefins, linear alpha olefins,

synthetic paraffins, ethers, linear alkyl benzenes, and others. Other oleaginous materials have also been

developed for this purpose, such as the enhanced mineral oils and non-synthetic paraffins. Industry

developed synthetic-based drilling fluids (SBFs) with these synthetic materials as the base fluid to provide

the drilling performance characteristics of traditional OBFs based on diesel and mineral oil, but with the

potential for lower environmental impact and greater worker safety through lower toxicity, elimination of

PAHs, faster biodegradability, lower bioaccumulation potential, and usually less drilling waste volume.

3. INDUSTRY PROFILE: HISTORIC AND PROJECTED DRILLING ACTIVITIES

The final regulation establishes discharge limitations for SBFs in areas where drilling fluids and drill

cuttings are allowed for discharge. These discharge areas are the offshore waters beyond three miles from

shore (excluding the offshore waters of Alaska which has no three mile discharge restriction), and the

coastal waters of Cook Inlet, Alaska. Drilling is currently active in three regions in these discharge areas: 1)

the offshore waters beyond three miles from shore in the Gulf of Mexico, 2) offshore waters beyond three

miles from shore in California, and 3) the coastal waters of Cook Inlet, Alaska. 

Table IV-1 presents the number of wells drilled in these three areas for 1995 through 1997. The

table also separates the wells into four categories: shallow water development (SWD), shallow water

exploratory (SWE), deep water development (DWD), and deep water exploratory (DWE). EPA uses these

categories to identify model well characteristics for the control technology analyses described in later

chapters of this document. EPA also uses these data to project the types of drilling activity in each

geographic area (i.e., development versus exploratory) from drilling activity data provided by industry.
IV - 9

TABLE IV-1

NUMBER OF WELLS DRILLED ANNUALLY, 1995 - 1997, BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

Data Source a

Shallow Water

(<1,000 ft)

Deep Water

(> 1,000 ft) Total

Wells

Development Exploration Development Exploration

Gulf of Mexico

MMS: 1995

1996

1997

Average Annual

557

617

726

640

314

348

403

355

32

42

69

48

52

73

104

76

955

1,080

1,302

1,119

RRC b 5 3 NA NA 8

Total Gulf of Mexico 645 358 48 76 1,127

Offshore California

MMS: 1995

1996

1997

Average Annual

4

15

14

11

0

0

0

0

15

16

14

15

0

0

0

0

19

31

28

26

Coastal Cook Inlet

AOGC: 1995

1996

1997

Average Annual

12

5

5

7

0

1

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12

6

7

8

a Sources: MMS: Minerals Management Service, Ref. 3

RRC: Railroad Commission of Texas, Ref. 4

AOGC: Alaska Oil and Gas Commission, Ref. 5

b Data provided by the RRC did not distinguish between development and exploratory wells. EPA allocated

the estimated 8 wells drilled annually in the Texas offshore area between development and exploratory

wells in the same ratio that the average numbers of shallow water wells are distributed in the Gulf of

Mexico MMS data.

Among these three areas, most historic drilling activity occurs in the Gulf of Mexico. As shown in

Table IV-1, 1,127 wells were drilled in the Gulf of Mexico, on average, from 1995 to 1997, compared to 26

wells in California and 8 wells in Cook Inlet. In the Gulf of Mexico, over the last few years, there has been

high growth in the number of wells drilled in deep water, defined as water greater than 1,000 feet deep. For

example, in 1995, 84 wells were drilled in deep water, or 8.6 percent of all Gulf of Mexico wells drilled that

year. By 1997, that number increased to 173 wells drilled, or over 13 percent of all Gulf of Mexico wells

drilled. The increased activity in deep water increases the usefulness of SBFs. Operators drilling in deep

water cite the potential for riser disconnect in floating drill ships, which favors SBF over OBF; higher daily

drilling cost which more easily justifies use of more expensive SBFs over WBFs; and greater distance to

barge drilling wastes that may not be discharged (i.e., OBFs).3
IV - 10

Nearly all exploration and development activities in the Gulf are taking place in the Western Gulf of

Mexico, that is, the regions off the Texas and Louisiana shores. The Western Gulf Region also is associated

with the majority of the current use and discharge of SBF cuttings.

For Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, EPA used annual well count data compiled by the

Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS).3 The MMS data include wells drilled

in offshore waters greater than 3 miles from shore, for all areas where drilling is active, except in Texas. 

The state of Texas has jurisdiction over oil and gas leases extending seaward three leagues (10.4 miles)

instead of three miles. Therefore, EPA requested and received information from the Railroad Commission

(RRC) of Texas regarding the number of wells drilled in Texas jurisdiction from three to 10.4 miles from

shore. This area is affected by the final rule, but is not included in the MMS data.

Most production activity offshore California region is occurring in an area 3 to 10 miles from shore

off of Santa Barbara and Long Beach, California. The MMS data indicate that five operators are actively

drilling in the California Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS) region.3

Cook Inlet, Alaska, is divided into two regions, Upper Cook Inlet, which is in state waters and is

governed by the coastal oil and gas effluent guidelines, and Lower Cook Inlet, which is considered Federal

OCS waters and is governed by the offshore oil and gas effluent guidelines. All references to Cook Inlet in

these SBF regulations mean Upper Cook Inlet unless otherwise identified. Currently there are three

operators active in Cook Inlet.7 

The offshore Alaska region comprises several areas, which are located both in state waters and in

Federal OCS areas. The most active area for exploration has been the Beaufort Sea, the northern-most

offshore area on the Alaska coastline. Other areas where exploration has occurred include Chukchi Sea to

the northwest, Norton Sound to the West, Navarin Basin to the west, St. George Basin to the southwest,

Lower Cook Inlet to the south, and Gulf of Alaska, along the Alaska panhandle. The only offshore

commercial production is occurring in the Beaufort Sea region.

To EPA’s knowledge, no operations are discharging any drilling fluids or cuttings in the offshore

Alaska region. No SBF cuttings discharges are occurring under the current NPDES general for Cook Inlet. 

In the Federal offshore region, the offshore guidelines do not specifically prohibit discharge of SBF cuttings,

but all operators historically have injected their drilling wastes. No commercial production has occurred in

any Federal offshore area.
IV - 11

Since the beginning of exploration in the Alaska Offshore region, 82 exploratory wells have been

drilled in Federal offshore waters, primarily in the Beaufort Sea, where nearly 40 percent of all exploratory

wells in the Alaska Federal offshore region have been drilled.8 Exploratory well drilling in Federal waters

has slacked off significantly in recent years. From a peak of about 20 wells per year in 1985, no wells were

drilled in 1994, 1995, and 1996, and two were drilled in 1997, for an average of less than one well drilled

per year.8 EPA assumes that no significant drilling activity will be occurring in the Federal offshore regions

of Alaska. Offshore Alaska, therefore, is within the scope of the regulation but is not expected to be

associated with costs or savings as a result of the effluent guidelines, either in state offshore waters (because

of state law) or in Federal waters (due to historic practice and lack of drilling activity). Wells drilled in this

region are not included in the count of potentially affected wells.

For the proposed rule, EPA estimates the numbers of wells drilled annually using WBF, OBF, and

SBF in each geographic area, as presented in Table IV-2. Following are the assumptions and methods EPA

used at proposal to estimate the well counts in Table IV-2.

• Total Gulf of Mexico WBF/SBF/OBF Wells: For the Gulf of Mexico, EPA estimated that 80% of

the average annual wells were drilled using WBF exclusively (902 wells); 10% (113 wells) were

drilled with SBF, and 10% (112) were drilled with OBF.9

• Gulf of Mexico SBF Wells: EPA learned that approximately 75% of all deep water wells in the

Gulf of Mexico were drilled with either SBF or OBF.10 Further, EPA learned that operators were

reluctant to use OBF in deep water operations because of the possibility of riser disconnect.6 For

this reason, EPA determined that in deep water: no OBF wells were drilled; 75% used SBF, and

25% used WBF exclusively. Thus, EPA estimated that 36 of 48 DWD wells and 57 of 76 DWE

wells were drilled with SBF annually. Subtracting the deep water wells from the 113 SBF wells

yielded 20 SBF wells drilled in shallow water. The distribution of SWD and SWE wells drilled with

SBF was made equal to the distribution of these well types in the total well population (i.e., 64% of

shallow water wells were development, 36% were exploratory).
IV - 12

TABLE IV-2

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF WELLS DRILLED ANNUALLY 

BY DRILLING FLUID USED FOR PROPOSED RULE

Drilling Fluid

Shallow Water

(<1,000 ft)

Deep Water

(> 1,000 ft) Total

Wells

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Gulf of Mexico

Total Wells 645 358 48 76 1,127

Well Using WBF (80%) 560 311 12 19 902

Wells Using SBF (10%) 13 7 36 57 113

Wells Using OBF (10%) 72 40 0 0 112

Offshore California

Total Wells 11 0 15 0 26

Wells Using WBF 10 0 4 0 14

Wells Using OBF 1 0 11 0 12

Coastal Cook Inlet

Total Wells 7 1 0 0 8

Wells Using WBF 6 1 0 0 7

Wells Using OBF 1 0 0 0 1

• Gulf of Mexico OBF Wells: Because EPA estimated that OBFs were not used in the deep water, all

112 OBF wells in offshore Gulf of Mexico were shallow water wells. The distribution of SWD and

SWE wells drilled with OBF was made equal to the distribution of these well types in the total well

population, as described above for SBF shallow water wells.

• Offshore California and Coastal Cook Inlet SBF/OBF Wells: EPA learned that no wells are

currently drilled with SBF in offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet.7 Therefore, all wells drilled

in these areas were either WBF or OBF wells. The distribution of OBF wells drilled in shallow and

deep waters was based on the distribution of OBF/SBF wells in Gulf of Mexico shallow and deep

waters, as follows: 13.2% of shallow water wells were drilled with OBF; 75% of deep water wells

were drilled with OBF. All other wells were assumed to be drilled exclusively with WBF.
IV - 13

• WBF Wells: The numbers of WBF wells distributed among the four model well types were simply

the difference between the numbers of SBF/OBF wells and the total well population for a given

model well. These numbers were presented for completeness, and did not appear in any further

analysis in the document for the proposed rule. Also, the top portion of SBF and OBF wells were

drilled with WBF, but this portion of the well was not included in EPA’s proposed analysis.

• Existing versus New Sources: Based on the well information presented above and expansion of the

industry into new lease blocks in the deep water areas of the Gulf of Mexico, EPA estimated that

5% of SWD and 50% of DWD wells that use SBFs would be new sources. Industry was unable to

provide any more specific estimates. Thus, of the estimated 13 SWD wells drilled annually with

SBF in the Gulf of Mexico, EPA estimated that one of these would be a new source. Of the

estimated 36 DWD wells drilled annually, EPA estimated that 18 of these would be new sources. 

Exploratory wells, by definition, are not new source wells. EPA did not project any new source

wells to be drilled in offshore California or coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska.

For the final rule, EPA has retained certain percentages noted above for various categories of wells,

but has applied these where necessary to more recent estimates of industry activity. Thus, industry

projected a total of 1,047 shallow water wells (including both new and existing sources) to be drilled in the

Gulf of Mexico. Among these shallow water wells, 80% (836) were projected to be WBF wells, 6% (69)

projected to be OBF wells, and 14% (142) projected to be SBF wells. Similarly, for 138 total deep water

wells (including both new and existing sources), 43% (59) were projected to be WBF wells, 0% (0)

projected to be OBF wells, and 57% (79) projected to be SBF wells. However, these industry projections

allocated these well types neither into exploratory versus development wells, nor existing versus new source

categories.

Therefore, the allocation of wells into exploratory versus development, existing versus new source,

and WBF, OBF, or SBF well types was a three-stage process. First, EPA used the percentage allocations

into exploratory and development well categories based on the projections developed for the proposed rule,

as applied to the total shallow and deep water well counts provided by industry. Second, EPA also used its

existing versus new sources percentages, as described in the proposed rule, to allocate wells into these well

categories. Lastly, wells were allocated into the various mud types based on the projected percentages, as

described above, provided by industry.
IV - 14

TABLE IV-3

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF EXISTING SOURCE WELLS DRILLED ANNUALLY

BY WELL AND DRILLING FLUID TYPE FOR THE FINAL RULE a

Drilling

Fluid Type Region

Well Type Total

Wells

SWD SWE DWD DWE

Baseline

WBF

SBF

OBF

Gulf of

Mexico

511

86

42

298

51

25

12

16

0

36

48

0

857

201

67

WBF

SBF

OBF

Offshore

California

3

0

1

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

0

2

WBF

SBF

OBF

Cook Inlet,

Alaska

3

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

0

2

BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2

WBF

SBF

OBF

Gulf of

Mexico

479

124

25

279

74

15

11

17

0

34

49

0

803

264

40

WBF

SBF

OBF

Offshore

California

3

0

1

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

0

2

WBF

SBF

OBF

Cook Inlet,

Alaska

3

1

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

1

1

BAT/NSPS Option 3

WBF

SBF

OBF

Gulf of

Mexico

511

0

128

298

0

76

17

3

8

51

8

25

877

11

237

WBF

SBF

OBF

Offshore

California

3

0

1

2

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

0

2

WBF

SBF

OBF

Cook Inlet,

Alaska

3

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

0

2

a Source: Ref. No. 9.
IV - 15

TABLE IV-4

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF NEW SOURCE WELLS DRILLED ANNUALLY

BY WELL AND DRILLING FLUID TYPE FOR THE FINAL RULE

Drilling

Fluid Type Region

Well Type Total

Wells

SWD SWE DWD DWE

Baseline

WBF

SBF

OBF

Gulf of

Mexico

27

5

2

0

0

0

11

15

0

0

0

0

38

20

2

WBF

SBF

OBF

Offshore

California

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

WBF

SBF

OBF

Cook Inlet,

Alaska

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2

WBF

SBF

OBF

Gulf of

Mexico

25

8

1

0

0

0

10

16

0

0

0

0

35

24

1

WBF

SBF

OBF

Offshore

California

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

WBF

SBF

OBF

Cook Inlet,

Alaska

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

BAT/NSPS Option 3

WBF

SBF

OBF

Gulf of

Mexico

27

0

7

0

0

0

15

3

8

0

0

0

42

3

15

WBF

SBF

OBF

Offshore

California

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

WBF

SBF

OBF

Cook Inlet,

Alaska

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Thus (with consideration of rounding effects), the 1,047 shallow water wells disaggregated into 673

(64.3%) development wells and 374 (35.7%) exploratory wells; the 673 development wells disaggregated

into 639 (95%) existing and 34 (5%) new source wells (all exploratory wells are considered existing

sources). These disaggregated well counts were then respectively allocated into WBF, OBF, and SBF well
IV - 16

types based on the 80%, 6%, and 14% allocations provided in industry’s most recent activity projection. 

The same procedure was used to allocate the 138 deep water wells into 84 exploratory wells (61.3%) and

54 development wells, of which 28 were classified as existing sources and 26 new sources. Tables IV-3 and

IV-4 summarize these well count allocations for existing and new sources, respectively.

In developing these well counts, EPA has considered the increased ability of operators using SBF to

take advantage of directional drilling technology. Information received by EPA indicates that, compared to

WBF, developing a reservoir using SBF would be expected to require one-third fewer wells (or reduce total

drilled footage by one-third). Improved directional drilling allows fewer wells and/or less drilled footage

because operators can reach pay zone targets at a greater deviation from a fixed location (or increase the

drilled footage through a production zone).

Thus, for the final rule, the well counts under BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2 have been adjusted. 

The projected number of WBF wells converting to SBF wells has been adjusted to reflect the ability to

maintain comparable productivity with one-third fewer wells. Thus, the 54 WBF wells projected to convert

to SBF result in an increase in the SBF well count of only 36 SBF wells. This results in a total SBF, SBF,

and OBF well count of 1,125 existing source wells, under the baseline and BAT/NSPS Option 3, reducing

to a total of 1,107 wells under BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2.

4. REFERENCES

1. Baker, R., “A Primer of Offshore Operations,” Second Edition, Petroleum Extension Service,

University of Texas at Austin, 1985. 

2. Confidential Business Information regarding subsea pumping system, 1998. (Record No. I.F.1)

3. U.S. Department of the Interior, MMS, Herndon, VA, TIMS Database, MMS 97-007, 1997.

4. Covington, J.C., EPA, Memorandum regarding well count data from the Railroad Commission of

Texas, 6/15/98. (Record No. I.E.21)

5. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “Phone Conversation Regarding Number of Wells Drilled in

Cook Inlet, Alaska,” 10/23/98. (Record No. I.C.a.1)

6. American Petroleum Institute, responses to EPA’s “Technical Questions for Oil and Gas

Exploration and Production Industry Representatives,” attached to E-mail sent by M. Parker, Exxon

Company, U.S.A., to J. Daly, EPA. 8/7/98. (Record No. I.C.c.1)

7. Veil, John A., Argonne National Laboratory, Washington, D.C., “Data Summary of Offshore

Drilling Waste Disposal Practices,” prepared for the U.S. EPA, Engineering and Analysis Division,

and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, November 1998. (Record No.

(I.C.d.1)
IV - 17

8. U.S. EPA, “Economic Analysis of Proposed Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for

Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids and other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and Gas Extraction

Point Source Category,” EPA-821-B-98-020. 2/3/99. (Record No. II.D.1)

9. Henry, L., Chevron. Memorandum to C.A. Johnston, EPA, Response to EPA Request for

Additional Input Parameter for EPA Modeling. 9/11/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.9)
V - 1

CHAPTER V

DATA AND INFORMATION GATHERING

1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the sources and methods EPA used to gather data and information for the

final rule. The following sections discuss the data and information gathered concerning pollutant loadings

and numeric limitation analyses; base fluid stock limitations; compliance costs; NWQEIs; compliance

analytical methods; and seabed impact characterizations.

2. POLLUTANT LOADING AND NUMERIC LIMIT ANALYSES

2.1 SBF Retention on Cuttings

 SBF retention on cuttings (ROC) data quantify the amount of SBF retained on cuttings (mass of

SBF/mass of wet cuttings, expressed as a percentage). Lower ROC values indicate less SBF retained on

cuttings. EPA uses ROC data, along with other engineering factors (e.g., installation requirements, fluid

rheology) to evaluate the performance of various solids control technologies.

In response to the February 1999 proposal, industry submitted data for SBF ROC from 36 wells.

EPA determined that 16 files were complete and accurate, and these data were presented in the April 2000

NODA. EPA rejected six files due to incomplete reporting. EPA received the remaining 14 files too late for

inclusion in the NODA analyses.

In response to the NODA, EPA received and evaluated ROC data from an additional 79 SBF wells:

the 14 received after the February 1999 proposal comment period; 27 additional sets received during the

NODA comment period; and 38 received after the NODA comment period. EPA has determined that data

from 49 of these 79 wells are sufficiently complete for inclusion in the final rule analyses. Therefore, EPA

uses data from 65 wells to characterize ROC performance of the various solids control technologies. EPA

bases its determination of average ROC values of various solids control technologies on this final, 65-well

data set. These revised average ROC values are combined to yield weighted average ROC values
V - 2

(weighting factors based on the relative contribution of each treatment unit to the final, composite waste

stream) for the following three primary SBF-cuttings technology options: 

• BAT/NSPS (Discharge) Option 1 is based on: the use of shale shakers, cuttings dryers, and fines

removal units; inclusion of discharges from both cuttings dryers and fines removal units in the

development of final effluent limitations guidelines; and a combined, long-term average ROC value

of 4.03%.

• BAT/NSPS (Discharge) Option 2 is based on: the use of shale shakers, cuttings dryers, and fines

removal units; inclusion of only one discharge, from cuttings dryers, in the development of final

effluent limitations guideline; and a long-term average ROC value of 3.82%.

• BAT/NSPS (Zero Discharge) Option 3 requires no discharge of SBF or SBF cuttings and is based

on: the use of shale shakers (with a long-term average ROC value of 10.2%), cuttings boxes,

barges, and trucking to achieve zero discharge via land disposal; or onsite disposal that uses cuttings

grinding systems and injection into subseabed formations offshore.

In addition, using the ROC data, EPA developed two BAT/NSPS limitations and standards that

control the amount of base fluid retained on cuttings for drilling fluids either (a) with the environmental

performance of esters (e.g., biodegradation, sediment toxicity) or (b) with the environmental performance of

C16-C18 internal olefins. EPA is using this approach to provide operators an incentive to use ester-SBFs or

equivalent fluids because they provide better environmental performance. EPA uses ROC data on four

cuttings dryer technologies (vertical and horizontal centrifuges; squeeze presses; and High-G linear shakers)

to base the discharge limitation and standard for SBFs that comply with stock limitations based on esters

(i.e., a long-term average ROC of 4.8% and a discharge limitation and standard of 9.4%). EPA uses ROC

data on the two better performing technologies (vertical and horizontal centrifuges) to base the discharge

limitation and standard for SBFs that comply with the stock limitations based on C16-C18 internal olefins

(i.e., a long-term average ROC of 3.82% and a discharge limitation and standard of 6.9%). The base fluid

retention-on-cuttings limitation and standard both incorporate the variability of solids control efficiencies and

are higher than the long-term average for both esters and C16-C18 internal olefins.
V - 3

2.2 Days to Drill

EPA uses the number of days to drill the SBF interval, for all four model wells, as an input

parameter in the NWQI and cost analysis. EPA extracted relevant data from each of the 65 wells identified

above to estimate the number of days to drill each of the four model well SBF intervals.1 For each well

type, the SBF interval volume was determined as well as the number of days to drill the respective interval. 

The average interval volume over all intervals was then calculated, and a 7.5% washout factor for SBF was

added to this average interval volume. The average interval volume plus washout (1,050 bbl) is divided by

the average number of days to drill (9.65) to obtain the revised average rate of SBF-cuttings generation (i.e.,

108.7 bbls wet cuttings/day). Each of the model well-type volumes is divided by the cuttings generation rate

to obtain the number of days to drill. The revised numbers of days required to drill the SBF model wells

are: (1) 5.2 days for shallow-water development wells (SWD); (2) 10.9 days for shallow-water exploratory

wells (SWE); (3) 7.9 days for deep-water development wells (DWD); and (4) 17.5 days for deep-water

exploratory wells (DWE).

2.3 Well Count Projections Over Next Five Years

EPA revised annual well count projections for offshore Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and

Cook Inlet, Alaska based on information submitted post-NODA by industry.2, 3, 4 The revised annual well

counts for the baseline are 1,047 shallow water wells and 138 deep water wells in offshore Gulf of Mexico;

7 shallow water wells and no deep water wells in offshore California; and 6 shallow water wells and no deep

water wells in Cook Inlet, Alaska. These revised well counts are not significantly different from the well

counts used in the proposed rule and the NODA (i.e., see SBF Proposal Development Document; Table IV2: 1,022 shallow water wells and 139 deep water wells across the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and

Cook Inlet, Alaska). 

Industry provided well-type data (i.e., SBF, OBF, or WBF well counts), but only provided these

well counts as shallow water wells or deep water wells and provided actual well counts for the baseline. 

EPA required industry’s revised well counts categorized into both development versus exploratory wells and

existing source versus new source wells for the baseline and all options to estimate pollutant loadings,

compliance costs, and NWQEIs. EPA performed the development versus exploratory allocation using prior

well count data from the NODA. EPA derives percentages of development versus exploratory wells for

both shallow water wells (64.3% and 35.7%, respectively) and deep water wells (38.7% and 61.3%,

respectively) based on the well counts projected in the NODA. EPA then applies these percentages to the

revised aggregated shallow water and deep water well counts provided by industry. EPA made existing
V - 4

source versus new source allocations based on the same assumptions as in the NODA, i.e., a 50% existing

source/50% new source allocation for development wells and a 100% existing source/0% new source

allocation for exploratory wells (which by definition, are drilled from existing sources).

Thus, industry provided baseline counts of 138 total deep water wells (i.e., both existing source and

new source) consisting of 79 SBF, no OBF, and 59 WBF wells. The 79 SBF wells are allocated 38.7% to

development (31 wells) and 61.3% to exploration (48 wells); the 31 development wells are allocated 50%

each (with rounding considerations) to existing source (16 wells) and new source (15 wells); all 48 of the

exploratory wells are classified as existing sources. This same approach is used for all other total baseline

deep water and shallow water total baseline well counts (i.e., both existing and new source wells) provided

by industry: 59 WBF and no OBF deep water wells; 142 SBF, 69 OBF, and 836 WBF shallow water well

counts. 

EPA also revised well count projections to reflect enhanced directional drilling capabilities when

using SBF. EPA received information that SBF directional drilling can reduce the number/total footage of

wells required to develop a project. This results from several properties of SBF (increase rate of

penetration, increased lubricity, fewer stuck pipe) whereby operators are able to successfully drill at much

greater deviations, resulting in greater penetration of productive zones in target formations. Thus, industry

can develop the same reservoir with fewer wells and/or less footage drilled than would be required using

WBF. Industry indicated that SBF development drilling can generally reduce by one-third the total drilled

footage required for full development of typical reservoir2 and EPA has included this consideration by

commensurately reducing the count of SBF wells resulting from conversion of development wells to SBF

wells under the two controlled discharge options.

2.4 Current and Projected OBF, WBF, and SBF Use Ratios

 For proposal and NODA, EPA estimated that 80% of the average annual Gulf of Mexico wells are

drilled using WBF exclusively; 10% are drilled with SBF; and 10% are drilled with OBF. EPA also included

in well counts estimates of operators converting from OBF to SBF or SBF to OBF under each of the SBFcuttings controlled discharge options.

For the final rule, EPA revises the relative frequency of use for WBF, OBF, and SBF under the

two discharge options and the zero discharge option based on data submitted by industry.2, 3, 4 Industry

supplied this information to EPA in several formats. EPA uses what it considers the most reliable
V - 5

information (e.g., a review of the actual well count data for WBF, OBF, and SBF wells over a period of

three years) to estimate drilling fluid use under each of the SBF-cuttings control options. 

Based on these industry well count data, EPA projects that some operators would also switch from

WBFs to SBFs for certain wells due to the increased efficiency of SBF drilling. While no extensive good

industry average statistics exist, it is generally considered that SBFs reduce overall drilling time by 50% (e.g.,

if a well took 60 days to drill with WBF, the same well should be able to be drilled with SBF in 30 days).2, 3,

4

 Reduced drilling time is expected to result in reduced drilling costs. However, not all drilling operators will

switch from WBFs to SBF due to a variety of other factors, (e.g., WBFs are less expensive [per barrel] than

SBFs, potential for lost circulation downhole). The result of EPA’s analysis of these industry submissions is

that 40% of OBF wells are projected to convert to SBF under BAT Options 1 and 2; for WBF wells, a

6.25% conversion rate is projected.

Additionally, based on industry data EPA projects that under the SBF-cuttings zero discharge

option, not all operators would switch from SBFs to OBFs but that some operators would switch to WBFs. 

Some drilling operations require the technical performance of non-aqueous drilling fluids and operators must

select either an OBF or SBF. Therefore, for these drilling operations, operators would select OBFs in place

of SBF under the SBF-cuttings zero discharge option as OBFs are less expensive (per barrel) than SBFs. 

However, some drilling operations could use either WBFs or oleaginous drilling fluids such as OBFs,

enhanced mineral oil based drilling fluids, or SBFs. Depending on a variety of site specific factors (e.g.,

formation characteristics, directional drilling requirements, torque and drag requirements), operators may

select WBFs in lieu of SBFs or OBFs under the SBF-cuttings zero discharge option.

Industry provided the observation that relative WBF/OBF/SBF usage would remain unchanged as it

was a mature technology. However, EPA noted that data provided by industry at the same time indicated a

different pattern. For example, from 1998 to 2000 OBF usage decreased consistently, respectively 14%,

9%, and 7% in shallow water and 12%, 8%, and 6% overall. SBF usage fluctuated in shallow water, going

from 13% to 8% to 14%, but consistently increased in deep water, from 50% to 51% to 57%, and overall

ranged from 16% to 14% to 19%. WBF mirrored that of SBF, i.e., showed a consistent decrease in deep

water (50% to 49% to 43%) but fluctuated in shallow water from 74% to 83% to 80%. EPA projects that

SBF usage will continue to rise relative to WBF and OBF for several reasons. 

There are clear operational advantages for SBF compared to WBF in many drilling situations and

clear environmental and health and safety advantages over diesel or mineral oil base fluids. Another

advantage of SBF is the shorter duration of drilling program using SBF compared to WBF, as well as an
V - 6

increased capability to utilize directional drilling technology to reduce the number of wells and/or total

footage required to develop a reservoir. In addition, the patterns of usage in deep water environments, in

which the industry expects to heavily invest future resources, clearly show an increased usage of SBF. EPA

projects, therefore that usage patterns will change for WBF/OBF/SBF. EPA recognizes that well count

projection data are sparse, and a well-characterized and highly reliable projection would be difficult. EPA

believes, for the reasons enumerated above, however, that a change to increased SBF usage is highly likely. 

As a conservative approach, therefore, EPA is revising its initial model of WBF/OBF/SBF usage under

BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2 (i.e., 80/10/10) to reflect the year 2000 projection provided by industry. To

do so, EPA is adjusting the well counts by the relative percentage difference between its initial 80/10/10

allocation and the year 2000 allocation of 75/6/19. (Note: the submitted data, due to rounding, was reported

76/6/19, which sums to 101%. The 3-year WBF utilization averaged 75%, so the WBF allocation was

adjusted by 1% to give the allocation used in EPA’s analysis.) 

To effect this re-allocation, the relative percentage change in WBF and OBF usage was calculated

and applied to baseline well counts. That is, the change from initial 10% OBF allocation to a 6% allocation

represents a 40% reduction (4%/10%) in OBF wells; the reduction from 80% to 75% represents a 6.25%

reduction in the WBF well count (5%/80%). These reductions result in a net conversion to SBF of 81 wells

-- 27 from OBF and 54 from WBF. This well count is further adjusted to take into consideration the

improved ability to drill directionally and develop reservoirs with fewer wells and/or total footage which

produces a net decrease of 18 total wells (i.e., all from the one-third reduction of the well count for WBF

wells converting to SBF). Thus, the 1,185 total baseline and BAT/NSPS Option 3 Gulf of Mexico wells

reduce to 1,167 BAT/NSPS Option 1 or 2 wells.

2.5 Waste Volumes and Characteristics

EPA collected additional data to identify the volumes and characteristics of WBF discharges. This

additional data more adequately describes the total amount of pollutants loadings and NWQEI under each of

the three SBF-cuttings management options. For example, under the SBF zero discharge option

(BAT/NSPS Option 3), operators would more likely choose WBF and OBF over SBF due primarily to the

relatively higher unit cost of SBF. 

Different pollutant loadings and NWQEI are expected for WBF as compared with either OBF or

SBF wells based on differences in washout and length of drilling time. EPA anticipates a reduction in

cuttings waste volume when comparing SBF-drilling to WBF-drilling based on greater hole washout (i.e.,

enlargement) in WBF drilling. Industry estimated that WBF washout percentages vary between 25% and
V - 7

75%, with 45% being an acceptable average and confirmed EPA’s SBF and OBF washout percentage of

7.5% as appropriate.2

For the final rule, EPA also estimated that the barite used in SBF drilling is nearly pure barium

sulfate (i.e., BaSO4) and, by gravimetric analysis, calculated the weight percentage of barium in barite as

58.8%.

3. COMPLIANCE COSTS ANALYSES

3.1 Equipment Installation and Downtime

For the NODA, projected compliance costs for all options included equipment installation and

downtime for each SBF well drilled. After reviewing ROC data sets submitted in response to the NODA,

EPA modified this parameter in the final analyses to reflect current practice of drilling multiple wells for any

one equipment installation.2 EPA reviewed the ROC well data for the frequency of multiple wells on

specified structures. EPA used the resulting well-per-structure analysis to adjust projected annual SBF

compliance costs by including the consideration of drilling more than one SBF well per equipment

installation per year. EPA estimated that 2.2 development wells per structure and 1.6 exploratory wells per

structure are current industry practice, based on industry-submitted data.5

Industry also submitted estimates of the number of wells drilled per structure.6 EPA’s estimates

result in a more conservative cost projection than industry’s estimates of 3 wells per structure in deep water

and 4 wells per structure in shallow water.

EPA also received information on the ability of operators to install cuttings dryers (e.g., vertical or

horizontal centrifuges, squeeze press mud recovery units, High-G linear shakers) on existing Gulf of Mexico

rigs.7 While some industry sources filed timely comments alleging that some rigs could not accommodate

additional solids control equipment, in late comments, industry provided additional comments concerning the

number of Gulf of Mexico rigs in operation which are not capable of having a cuttings dryer system installed

due to either rig space and/or rig design without prohibitive costs or rig modifications.

EPA also requested comments in the NODA on the issue of rig compatibility with the installation of

cuttings dryers (e.g., vertical or horizontal centrifuges, squeeze press mud recovery units, High-G linear

shakers). EPA received general information on the problems and issues related to cuttings dryer installations

from API/NOIA stating that not all rigs are capable of installing cuttings dryers.6 In late comments, some
V - 8

industry commentors asserted that 48 of the 223 GOM drilling rigs are not capable of having a cuttings

dryer system installed due to either rig space and/or rig design without prohibitive costs or rig modifications.7

Upon a further, more extensive review of Gulf of Mexico rigs, these same commentors asserted that 30 of

234 Gulf of Mexico drilling rigs are not capable of having a cuttings dryer system installed due to either rig

space and/or rig design without prohibitive costs or rig modifications.8 EPA also received late comments

from one operator, Unocal, stating that 36 of 122 Unocal wells drilled between late 1997 and mid-2000

were drilled with rigs that do not have 40 foot x 40 foot space available which they assert is necessary for a

cuttings dryer installation.9 The API/NOIA rig survey and the Unocal rig survey identified most of the same

rigs as unable to install cuttings dryers. However, two rigs (i.e., Parker 22, Nabors 802) identified in the

Unocal rig survey as having no space for a cuttings dryer installation were identified in the API/NOIA rig

survey as having a previous cuttings dryer installation. Unocal requested in late comments that EPA

subcategorize certain rigs from being subject to the retention limit or that these rigs be able to discharge

SBFs using performance that reflects current shale shaker technology.

Based on the record, EPA finds that current space limitations for cuttings dryers do not require a 40

foot x 40 foot space. Specifically, EPA has in the record information gathered during EPA*s October 1999

site visit and information supplied by API/NOIA and equipment vendors. Also, EPA received information

from a drilling fluid manufacturer and cuttings dryer equipment vendor, M-I Drilling Fluids, stating that they

are not aware of any Gulf of Mexico rig not capable of installing a cuttings dryer.10 API/NOIA estimated

that 150 square feet are required for a cuttings dryer installation in order to meet the ROC BAT limitation

and NSPS. EPA also estimates that the minimum height clearance for a typical cuttings dryer installation is

6 feet. The API/NOIA estimate is based on the installation of a horizontal centrifuge cuttings dryer. The

Unocal estimate is based on the vertical centrifuge cuttings dryer and is also characterized by other industry

representatives as too high.8 EPA*s estimate of a typical vertical centrifuge installation is 15 feet x 15 feet

with a minimum height clearance of 11 feet. EPA based the ROC BAT limitation and NSPS (e.g., 6.9%)

on the use of both these cuttings dryers for SBFs with the stock limitations of C16-C18 IOs. Based on

comments from operators and equipment vendors, EPA believes that most of these shallow well rigs have

the requisite 160-225 square feet available to install a cuttings dryer. Therefore, EPA finds that operators

are not required to have a 1,600 square foot space for a cuttings dryer installation in order to meet the ROC

BAT limitation and NSPS. Proper spacing and placement of cuttings dryers in the solids control equipment

system should prevent installation problems.

Because of the large discrepancy between EPA’s record information and the space requirements

asserted by the commenter (1,600 square feet versus EPA’s 225 square feet + 11 feet in height for the
V - 9

vertical centrifuge or 150 square feet + 6 feet in height for the horizontal centrifuge - MUD-6), EPA does

not necessarily believe that there are as many wells that cannot install cuttings dryers. 

EPA also received information on a new cuttings containment, handling, and transfer equipment

system. The new system is designed to eliminate the need to use cuttings boxes to handle cuttings. EPA

received information from one operator that recently field tested the cuttings transfer system on one 121⁄4

inch well section in the North Sea. The operator contained 100% of the cuttings on a rig (Alba) with limited

deck space. Cuttings were handled in bulk below deck and pumped directly onto a waiting vessel for

eventual land disposal. The operator estimated that use of the new cuttings transfer system eliminated

hundreds of crane lifts and manual handling issues and thereby improved worker safety.

3.2 Current Drilling Fluid Costs

In response to the NODA, EPA received new information and revised unit costs of WBF, OBF,

and SBF. Based on industry data, EPA estimates WBF at a unit cost of $45 per barrel for the final rule.

The proposed rule and NODA used OBF and SBF unit costs of $75 and $200 per barrel of drilling fluid,

respectively. More recent industry data indicate a range of OBF unit costs from $70 - $90 per barrel; EPA

uses an OBF unit cost of $79 per barrel for the final rule.11 Based on industry data submissions, EPA

estimates that SBF unit costs will remain between $160 to $300 per barrel of drilling fluid over the next few

years, and uses an SBF unit cost of $221 per barrel of drilling fluid for the final rule based on the most

frequently used SBF in the offshore market (see Section 3.3.2 of Chapter VIII for further detail on unit cost

derivation).

3.3 Cost Savings of SBF Use as Compared with WBF Use

EPA revised its compliance costs/savings to include the following factors: (1) the cost savings

associated with decreased length of drilling programs when using SBF as compared to WBF; (2) the cost of

lost WBFs that are discharged while drilling; and (3) the costs associated with projected failures of a fraction

of WBF wells to meet sheen or toxicity limitations, including costs of meeting zero discharge from these

wells. EPA used these data to examine compliance costs impacts of operators converting to or from SBF

from or to WBF.

EPA requested data from industry on rate of penetration (ROP) for WBF operations as compared

to SBF operations. Industry stated that ROP values of 300 feet per hour for SBF (and OBF) operations

and 150 feet per hour for WBF are reasonable averages. However, using these values over an entire well
V - 10

was not recommended “due to the large number of variables.”2 Industry’s information further states that a

generally-accepted estimate is that “SBFs reduce overall drilling time by 50%”2

 and is due not only to

greater ROP but decreased incidence of stuck pipe and other operational difficulties (e.g., lost circulation,

bore hole integrity, etc.).

3.4 Construction Cost Index

EPA used the Construction Cost Index (CCI) from the Engineering News and Record12 to reflect

costs in 1999 dollars rather than 1998 dollars as was used for the NODA. EPA used a CCI factor of 1.108

to reflect 1999 dollars and a base year of 1995.

4. NON-WATER QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSES

EPA received additional data relating to the NWQEI analyses in response to the NODA. These

data include additional information on retention on cuttings and information regarding offshore injection and

onshore disposal practices for each of the three geographical areas: Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and

Cook Inlet, Alaska.

EPA revised the average SBF retention on cuttings for the two discharge options based on

additional ROC data. Revisions in ROC data affect the volume of SBF-cuttings generated. Consequently,

EPA revised the amount of SBF-cuttings that will need to be treated under the two SBF-cuttings controlled

discharge options (e.g., BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2). EPA also revised: (1) the amount of SBF-fines that

will need to be re-injected on-site or hauled to shore for disposal under one of the SBF-cuttings controlled

discharge option (e.g., BAT/NSPS Options 2); and (2) the amount of SBF-fines and SBF-cuttings injected

onsite or hauled to shore for disposal under the zero discharge option (BAT/NSPS Options 3).

EPA received additional SBF well interval data which was used to re-calculate the number of days

to drill the model SBF wells. For the NWQI analyses, the number of days to drill the model wells serves as

the basis for estimating the length of time equipment will be used to either treat the cuttings before discharge

or the hauling requirements under the zero discharge option. The EPA NWQI models estimate that air

emissions and fuel use rates increase when the time required to complete a model well also increases.

EPA obtained information regarding the current practice of zero discharge disposal for each of three

geographic areas, Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and Cook Inlet, Alaska. Current practice indicates

that most of the waste generated in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California and brought to shore is
V - 11

injected onshore, whereas all of the waste currently generated in Cook Inlet is injected offshore at the

drilling site or at a near-by Class II UIC disposal well. EPA also received from an onshore injection facility

specific equipment information, including the cuttings injection rate and cuttings grinding and injection

equipment power requirements and fuel rates.13

Industry provided EPA with information regarding SBF use. One operator (Unocal) stated that it is

starting to use SBF to drill the entire well and not just intervals in which WBFs present problems because

drilling time can be significantly reduced. EPA incorporated this information into the NWQI analyses by

estimating the reduction of impacts when using SBFs instead of WBFs. EPA also received during the

NODA comment period information related to the average increase in drilling time (1.5 days) in order to

comply with zero discharge.14

5. COMPLIANCE ANALYTICAL METHODS

EPA completed additional studies in response to the NODA to support the development of

analytical methods for determining sediment toxicity, biodegradation, and oil retention on cuttings. For

sediment toxicity and biodegradation, EPA focused specifically on optimizing test conditions (e.g., test

duration, sediment composition), discriminatory power, reproducibility, reliability, and practicality. EPA’s

sediment toxicity study provided toxicity data for both pure base fluids and standard mud formulations of

these base fluids. EPA’s biodegradation study evaluated the degradation of pure base fluids as determined

by the solid phase test. For oil retention on cuttings, EPA conducted studies to verify and document the

sensitivity of the retort test method.

During this same time period, industry sponsored Synthetic Based Muds Research Consortium

(SBMRC) conducted parallel studies on the same three parameters (i.e., sediment toxicity, biodegradation,

and base fluid retention on cuttings). For sediment toxicity, industry provided extensive data comparing a 4-

day versus a 10-day test duration, natural versus synthetic sediments, as well as toxicity data on both pure

base fluids and mud formulations of these base fluids. For biodegradation, industry submitted results from

the closed bottle and respirometry tests for biodegradation in addition to the solid phase test. For oil

retention on cuttings, Industry and EPA conducted rig-based method detection limit studies.

6. SEABED SURVEYS

EPA received public comments regarding the impact of SBF discharges on the benthic environment. 

EPA also received information on the on-going joint industry/MMS Gulf of Mexico seabed survey. The
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Industry/MMS workgroup completed the first two cruises of the four cruise study in time for EPA’s

consideration for this final rule. Cruise 1 was a physical survey of 10 Gulf of Mexico shelf locations, with

the objective of detection and delineation of cuttings piles using physical techniques. Cruise 2 was to scout

and screen the final 5 shelf and 3 deep water Gulf of Mexico wells chosen for the definitive study where

SBF were used. The SBF-cuttings discharges included either internal olefins or LAO/ester blends. Both

cruises did not detect any large mounds of cuttings under any of the rigs or platforms. Remotely operated

vehicles (ROV) using video cameras and side-scanning sonar were used to conduct the physical

investigations on the seabed. Video investigations only detected small cuttings clumps (<6") around the base

of some of the facilities and 1" thick cuttings accumulations on facility horizontal cross members. Outside

of a 50-100' radius from the facility, no visible cuttings accumulations (large or small) were detected at any

of the facility survey sites.

Finally, EPA received a report prepared for the MMS which provided a review of the scientific

literature and seabed surveys to determine the environmental impacts of SBFs.15 The literature report

confirms EPA’s position that benthic communities will recover as SBF concentrations in sediments decrease

and sediment oxygen concentrations increase. The report also confirms EPA’s position that within three to

five years of cessation of SBF cuttings discharges, concentrations of SBFs in sediments will have fallen to

low enough levels and oxygen concentrations will have increased enough throughout the previously affected

area that complete recovery will be possible. 

7. REFERENCES

1. Orentas, N. 2000. Email to B. Vanatta, ERG, Revised days to drill. 8/28/00. (Record No.

IV.B.a.7)

2. Henry, L., Chevron. Memorandum to C.A. Johnston, EPA. Response to EPA Request for

Additional Input Parameter for EPA Modeling. 9/11/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.9)

3. Farmer, J.M., BPAmoco. Email to C.A. Johnston, EPA. Response to EPA Request for Additional

Input Parameter for EPA Modeling. 9/9/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.10)

4. Ressler, J., Unocal. Email to C.A. Johnston, EPA. Response to EPA Request for Additional Input

Parameter for EPA Modeling. 9/11/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.11) 

5. Avanti. 2000. Memorandum to File, Assessment of Numbers of Wells Drilled per Structure in the

Gulf of Mexico. 9/18/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.14)

6. Moran, R., National Ocean Industries Association, Re: National Ocean Industries Association,

American Petroleum Institute, Offshore Operators Committee, and Petroleum Equipment Suppliers

Association Comments on “Effluent Limitations Guidelines for Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source

Category,” Proposed Rule 65 FR 21548 (April 21, 2000). 6/20/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.13)
V - 13

7. Angelle, R. and P. Scott. 2000. Rig Survey Related to Installation Cost and Operational Costs of

“Cuttings Dryers” to Reduce the Retention of Synthetic Based Mud on Cuttings Discharge. 

(Record No. IV.B.b.33)

8. Angelle, R. and P. Scott. 2000. Rig Survey Update Focusing on the Number of Rigs/Platforms

Where Cuttings Dryers Could Not be Installed. Prepared by the Technology Assessment

Workgroup of Synthetic Based Mud Research Consortium (API and NOIA) in Conjunction with

Cuttings Dryer Equipment Vendor Representatives. 11/9/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.34)

9. O’Donnell, K., Unocal. 2000. Letter to M. Rubin, EPA transmitting additional information. 

10/26/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.31)

10. Candler, J., M-I Drilling Fluids. Email to C. Johnston, EPA concerning ability of service companies

to place cuttings dryers on rigs. 11/10/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.32)

11. Candler, J., M-I Drilling Fluids. Email to C.A. Johnston RE: unit costs for various muds. 10/23/00. 

(Record No. IV.B.a.13)

12. http://www.enr.com/cost/costcci.asp (Record No. IV.B.a.12)

13. Johnston, C.A., EPA. Memorandum to File, On-shore Formation Injection Disposal Non-Water

Quality Environmental Impact Input Parameters. 6/20/00. (Record No. IV.D.2)

14. Van Slyke, Don, Unocal. Unocal Comments; Effluent Limitations Guidelines for the Oil and Gas

Extraction Point Source Category; Proposed Ruling (40 CFR 435). 6/9/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.3)

15. Neff, J.M., S. McKelvie and R.C. Ayers. 2000. A Literature Review of Environmental Impacts of

Synthetic Based Drilling Fluids, Draft. Report to USDOI, MMS. 4/27/00. (Record No. IV.F.1)
VI - 1

CHAPTER VI

SELECTION OF POLLUTANT PARAMETERS

1. INTRODUCTION

This section presents information concerning the selection of the pollutants to be limited for the

SBF Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards. The information consists of identifying the pollutants

for which limitations and standards have been promulgated. The discussion is presented in terms of the

pollutant parameters associated with either the stock base fluids that are used to formulate the SBFs, or the

drilling fluids and cuttings at the point of discharge.

2. STOCK LIMITATIONS OF BASE FLUIDS

2.1 General

EPA is establishing BAT and NSPS that require the synthetic materials and other oleaginous

materials which form the base fluid of the SBFs and other non-aqueous drilling fluids to meet limitations on

PAH content, sediment toxicity, and biodegradation. The technology basis for meeting these limits would

be product substitution, zero discharge based on land disposal or injection if these limits are not met, or use

of traditional drilling fluids under existing requirements. These parameters are being regulated to control the

discharge of certain toxic and nonconventional pollutants. A large range of synthetic, oleaginous, and water

miscible materials have been developed for use as base fluids. These stock limitations on the base fluid are

intended to encourage product substitution reflecting the best available technology of using those synthetic

materials and other base fluids which minimize potential loadings and toxicity.

EPA is promulgating BAT, and NSPS for SBFs and SBF-cuttings for Coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska as

zero discharge except when Coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, operators are unable to dispose of their SBFcuttings using any of the following disposal options: (1) on-site injection (annular disposal or Class II UIC);

(2) injection using a nearby Coastal or Offshore Class II UIC disposal well; (3) onshore disposal using a

nearby Class II UIC disposal well or land application. The regulated toxic, conventional, and

nonconventional pollutant parameters are identified below.
VI - 2

2.2 Base Fluid PAH Content

EPA is regulating the PAH content of base fluids because PAHs consist of toxic priority pollutants. 

SBF base fluids typically do not contain PAHs, whereas the traditional OBF base fluids of diesel and

mineral oil typically contain on the order of 5% to 10% PAH in diesel oil and 0.35% PAH in mineral oil. 1

The PAHs typically found in diesel and mineral oils include the toxic priority pollutants fluorene,

naphthalene, phenanthrene, and others, and nonconventional pollutants such as alkylated benzenes and

biphenyls.2 Therefore, the BAT limitation and NSPS for PAHs are components of the final regulation

which help discriminate between acceptable and non-acceptable base fluids.

2.3 Base Fluid Sediment Toxicity

EPA is also regulating the sediment toxicity in base fluids as a nonconventional pollutant parameter

and as an indicator for toxic pollutants of base fluids (e.g., enhanced mineral oils, internal olefins, linear

alpha olefins, poly alpha olefins, paraffinic oils, C12-C14 vegetable esters of 2-hexanol and palm kernel oil,

“low viscosity” C8 esters, and other oleaginous materials.)3 It has been shown, during EPA’s development

of the Offshore Guidelines, that establishing limits on toxicity encourages the use of less toxic drilling fluids

and additives. Many of the SBF base fluids have been shown to have lower sediment toxicity than OBF

base fluids, but among SBFs some are more toxic than others.4, 5, 6 The selected discharge option (i.e.,

BAT/NSPS Option 2) includes a base fluid sediment toxicity stock limitation, as measured by the 10-day

sediment toxicity test (ASTM E1367-92) using a natural sediment or formulated sediment and Leptocheirus

plumulosus as the test organism.

2.4 Base Fluid Biodegradation

EPA is also regulating biodegradation of base fluids as an indicator of the extent, in both level and

duration, of the adverse effects of toxic and nonconventional pollutants present that are in base fluids (e.g.,

enhanced mineral oils, internal olefins, linear alpha olefins, poly alpha olefins, paraffinic oils, C12-C14

vegetable esters of 2-hexanol and palm kernel oil, “low viscosity” C8 esters, and other oleaginous materials). 

Based on results from seabed surveys at sites where various base fluids have been discharged with drill

cuttings, EPA believes that the results from the three biodegradation tests used during the rulemaking (e.g.,

solid phase test, anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test, respirometry biodegradation test) are indicative

of the relative rates of biodegradation in the marine environment. In addition, EPA believes biodegradation

correlates strongly with the rate of recovery of the seabed where OBF- and SBF-cuttings have been

discharged. The various base fluids vary widely in biodegradation rates, as measured by the three
VI - 3

biodegradation methods.6 However, the relative ranking of the base fluids under consideration remain

similar across all three biodegradation tests investigated under this rulemaking.

As originally proposed in February 1999 (64 FR 5504) and re-stated in April 2000 (65 FR 21550),

EPA is today promulgating a BAT limitation and NSPS to control the minimum amount of biodegradation

of base fluids. Today’s final discharge option (i.e., BAT/NSPS Option 2) includes a base fluid

biodegradation stock limitation, as measured by the marine anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test (i.e.,

ISO 11734).

2.5 Base Fluid Bioaccumulation

EPA also considered establishing a BAT limitation and NSPS that would limit the base fluid

bioaccumulation potential. The regulated parameters would be the nonconventional and toxic priority

pollutants that bioaccumulate. EPA reviewed the current literature to identify the bioaccumulation potential

of various base fluids. After this review EPA determined that SBFs are not expected to significantly

bioaccumulate because of their extremely low water solubility and consequent low bioavailability. Their

propensity to biodegrade makes them further unlikely to significantly bioaccumulate in marine organisms.

EPA identified that hydrophobic chemicals (e.g., ester-SBF base fluids) that have a log Kow less

than approximately 3 to 3.5 may bioaccumulate rapidly but not to high concentrations in tissues of marine

organisms, particularly if they are readily biodegradable into non-toxic metabolites.3 [Note: the

octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) is used as a surrogate for estimating bioaccumulation in biological

lipid components. Moreover, hydrophobic chemicals (e.g., C16-C18 internal olefins, various poly alpha

olefins, and C18 n-paraffins) with a log Kow greater than about 6.5 to 7 do not bioaccumulate effectively

from the water phase primarily, because their solubility, hence mobility, in the water phase is very low.3

Finally, the degradation by-products of SBF base fluids (e.g., alcohols) are likely to be more polar (i.e.,

more miscible with water) than the parent substances. The higher water solubility will result in these

degradation by-products partitioning into the water column, but should quickly be diluted to toxicologically

insignificant concentrations.

Based on current information, EPA believes that the stock base fluid controls on PAH content,

sediment toxicity, and biodegradation rate being promulgated today are sufficient to only allow the discharge

of base fluids (e.g., esters, internal olefins) with lower bioaccumulation potentials (i.e., log Kow < 3 to 3.5

and log Kow > 6.5 to 7).
VI - 4

3. DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS

3.1 Free Oil

Under BPT and BCT limitations for SBF-cuttings, EPA retains the prohibition on the discharge of

free oil as determined by the static sheen test (see Appendix 1 of Subpart A of 40 CFR 435). Under this

prohibition, drill cuttings may not be discharged when the associated drilling fluid fails the static sheen test. 

The prohibition on the discharge of free oil is intended to minimize the formation of sheens on the surface

of the receiving water. The regulated parameter of the no free oil limitation is the conventional pollutant oil

and grease, which separates from the SBF and causes a sheen on the surface of the receiving water.

The free oil discharge prohibition does not control the discharge of oil and grease and crude oil

contamination in SBFs as it would in WBFs. With WBFs, oils that may be present (such as diesel oil,

mineral oil, formation oil, or other oleaginous materials) are present as the discontinuous phase. As such,

these oils are free to rise to the surface of the receiving water where they may appear as a film or sheen

upon or discoloration of the surface. By contrast, the oleaginous matrices of SBFs do not disperse in water. 

In addition they are weighted with barite, which causes them to sink as a mass without releasing either the

oleaginous materials that constitute the SBF or any contaminant formation oil. Thus, the test would not

identify these pollutants. However, a portion of the synthetic material that constitutes SBF may rise to the

surface to cause a sheen. These components that rise to the surface fall under the general category of oil

and grease and are considered conventional pollutants. Therefore, the purpose of the no free oil limitation is

to control the discharge of oil and grease that separates from the SBF and causes a sheen on the surface of

the receiving water. In addition, the no free oil limitation controls all pollutants (i.e., conventional,

nonconventional, and toxic pollutants) in SBFs by approximating the level of control that can be achieved by

existing shall shaker technology. The limitation, however, is not intended to control formation oil

contamination.

3.2 Formation Oil Contamination

Formation oil contamination of the SBF associated with the cuttings is limited under BAT and

NSPS. EPA also promulgated a screening method [Reverse Phase Extraction (RPE) method presented in

Appendix 6 to Subpart A of Part 435] and a compliance assurance method [Gas Chromatograph/Mass

Spectrometer (GC/MS) method presented in Appendix 5 to Subpart A of Part 435].
VI - 5

Formation oil is an “indicator” pollutant for the many toxic and priority pollutant components

present in formation (crude) oil, such as aromatic and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants

include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and phenol (see Chapter VII). The

RPE method is a fluorescence test and is appropriately “weighted” to better detect crude oils. These crude

oils contain more toxic aromatic and PAH pollutants and show brighter fluorescence (i.e., noncompliance) in

the RPE method at lower levels of crude oil contamination. Because the RPE method is a relative

brightness test, GC/MS is promulgated as the confirmatory compliance assurance method when the results

from the RPE compliance method are in doubt by either the operator or the NPDES controlling authority. 

Results from the GC/MS method will supersede those of the RPE method. EPA also requires that

operators verify and document that an SBF is free of formation oil contamination before initial use of the

SBF. The GC/MS method will be used to verify and document the absence of formation oil contamination

in SBFs.

3.3 Retention of SBF on Cuttings

 EPA is promulgating a BAT limitation and NSPS to control the retention of drilling fluid on drill

cuttings. The BAT limitation and NSPS are presented as the percentage of base fluid on wet cuttings [i.e.,

mass base fluid (g)/mass wet cuttings (g)], averaged over the entire well sections drilled with SBF. The

limitation and standard control the quantity of drilling fluid discharged with the drill cuttings. Both

nonconventional and priority toxic pollutants are controlled by this limitation. Nonconventionals include the

SBF base fluids, such as enhanced mineral oils, internal olefins, linear alpha olefins, poly alpha olefins,

paraffinic oils, C12-C14 vegetable esters of 2-hexanol and palm kernel oil, “low viscosity” C8 esters, and

other oleaginous materials. Several toxic and priority pollutant metals are present in the barite weighting

agent, including arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc, and nonconventional pollutants

such as aluminum and tin.2 This limitation also controls nonconventional pollutants found in some drilling

fluid components (e.g., emulsifiers, oil wetting agents, filtration control agents, and viscosifiers) that are

added to the base fluid in order to build a complete SBF package. These pollutants would not be controlled

by the sediment toxicity stock limitations. In response to the February 1999 Proposal (64 FR 5501), EPA

received comments that these nonconventional pollutants include fatty acids.4 EPA also received further

information that the non-conventional pollutants in these drilling fluid components include amine clays,

amine lignites, and dimer/trimer fatty acids.5

This limitation also controls the toxic effect of the drilling fluid and the persistence or biodegradation

of the base fluid. Specifically, as stated in the April 2000 NODA (65 FR 21553), lowering the percentage of

residual drilling fluid retained on cuttings increases the recovery rate of the seabed receiving the cuttings.6, 7, 8
VI - 6

Limiting the amount of SBF content in discharged cuttings controls: (1) the amount of toxic and nonconventional pollutants in SBF which are discharged to the ocean; (2) the biodegradation rate of discharged

SBF; and (3) the potential for SBF-cuttings to develop cuttings piles and mats which are deleterious to the

benthic environment.

As originally proposed in February 1999 (64 FR 5547) and re-stated in April 2000 (65 FR 21552),

EPA promulgated a retort and sampling compliance method for the cuttings retention BAT limitation and

NSPS (see Appendix 7 to Subpart A of 40 CFR 435; API Recommended Practice 13B-2).

3.4 Cuttings Discharge Sediment Toxicity

EPA also regulates the sediment toxicity in SBF discharged with cuttings as a nonconventional

pollutant parameter and as an indicator for toxic pollutants in SBFs and additives (e.g., emulsifiers, oil

wetting agents, filtration control agents, and viscosifiers) that comprise the drilling fluid package. EPA has

promulgated a BAT limitation and NSPS to control the maximum sediment toxicity of the SBF discharged

with cuttings at the point of discharge. The sediment toxicity of the SBF-cuttings at the point of discharge is

measured by the modified sediment toxicity test (ASTM E1367-92) using a natural sediment or formulated

sediment and Leptocheirus plumulosus as the test organism.

EPA finds that the sediment toxicity test at the point of discharge is practical as an indicator of the

sediment toxicity of the drilling fluid at the point of discharge. The sediment toxicity test applied at the point

of discharge will control non-conventional pollutants found in some drilling fluid components (e.g.,

emulsifiers, oil wetting agents, filtration control agents, and viscosifiers) which are added to the base fluid in

order to build a complete SBF package. Other possible toxic pollutants of drilling fluids may include

mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc, and formation oil contaminants. As

previously stated, establishing discharge limits on toxicity encourages the use of less toxic drilling fluids and

additives. The modifications to the 10-day sediment toxicity test include shortening the test to 96-hours. 

Shortening the test allows operators to continue drilling operations while the sediment toxicity test is being

conducted on the discharged drilling fluid. Finally, operators discharging WBFs are already complying with

a biological test at the point of discharge, the 96-hour SPP toxicity test, which tests whole WBF aquatic

toxicity using the test organism Mysidopsis bahia.
VI - 7

4. MAINTENANCE OF CURRENT REQUIREMENTS

EPA retains the existing BAT and NSPS limitations on the stock barite of 1 mg/kg mercury and 3

mg/kg cadmium. These limitations control the levels of toxic pollutant metals because cleaner barite that

meets the mercury and cadmium limits is also likely to have reduced concentrations of other metals. 

Evaluation of the relationship between cadmium and mercury and the trace metals in barite shows a

correlation between the concentration of mercury with the concentration of arsenic, chromium, copper,

lead, molybdenum, sodium, tin, titanium and zinc.2

EPA also retains the BAT and NSPS limitations prohibiting the discharge of drilling wastes

containing diesel oil in any amount. Diesel oil is considered an “indicator” for the control of specific toxic

pollutants. These pollutants include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and

phenol. Diesel oil may contain from 3% to 10% by volume PAHs, which constitute the more toxic

components of petroleum products.

EPA is not modifying the existing BAT limitation and NSPS for controlling the maximum aqueous

phase toxicity of SBF-cuttings at the point of discharge using the suspended particulate phase (SPP) test

(see Appendix 2 of Subpart A of Part 435). The BAT limitation and NSPS for controlling aqueous toxicity

of discharged SBF-cuttings is retained as the minimum 96-hour LC50 of the SPP shall be 3 percent by

volume. EPA is interested in controlling the toxicity of drilling fluids in the sediment and the water column

and is requiring both a sediment toxicity test and an aqueous phase toxicity test to assess overall toxicity of

the drilling fluid at the point of discharge. EPA finds that the SPP test at the point of discharge is practical

as a measurement of the aquatic toxicity of the drilling fluid at the point of discharge. The discharge SPP

test will control non-conventional pollutants found in drilling fluid components (e.g., emulsifiers, oil wetting

agents, filtration control agents, and viscosifiers) which are added to the base fluid in order to build a

complete SBF package. Moreover, operators discharging WBFs are already complying with the SPP

toxicity test on discharged WBFs.

5. REFERENCES

1. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “Meeting with Oil and Gas Industry Representatives

Regarding Synthetic Drilling Fluids,” July 2, 1996, with two attachments: 1) Information package

entitled “Enhanced Mineral Oils (EMO) for Drilling,” presented by Exxon Co., U.S.A Marketing,

D.F. Jacques, Ph. D., June 25, 1996, and 2) Letter from M.E. Parker, P.E., Exxon Company

U.S.A., to M. B. Rubin, EPA. 9/17/96. (Record No. I.B.a.2)
VI - 8

2. U.S. EPA, Development Document for Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source

Performance Standards for the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source

Category, Final, EPA 821-R-93-003, January 1993.

3. Neff, J.M., S. McKelvie and R.C. Ayers. 2000. A Literature Review of Environmental Impacts of

Synthetic Based Drilling Fluids, Draft. Report to USDOI, MMS. 4/27/00. (Record No. IV.F.1)

4. Rubin, M., API and R.J. Moran, NOIA. Letter to M. Rubin, EPA in response to proposed effluent

limitation guidelines, May 1999. (Record No. III.A.a.7)

5. Parker, M. Industry Operator Answers to EPA Solids Control Questions. Personal communication

between M. Parker, ExxonMobil Production Company and R. Kirby, EPA, November 1999. 

(Record No. III.B.b.1)

6. Vik, E.A., B.S. Dempsey, B. Nesgard. 1996. Evaluation of Available Test Results from

Environmental Studies of Synthetic Based Drilling Muds. OLF Project, Acceptance Criteria for

Drilling Fluids. Aquateam Report No. 96-010. (Record No. I.D.b.30)

7. Vik, E.A., B. Nesgard, J.D. Berg, S.M. Dempsey, D.R. Johnson, L. Gawel, and E. Dalland. 1996. 

Factors Affecting Methods for Biodegradation Testing of Drilling Fluids for Marine Discharge. SPE

35981, pp. 697-711. (Record No. I.D.b.31)

8. Getliff, J. A. Roach, J. Toya, and J. Carpenter. 1997. An Overview of the Environmental Benefits

of LAO Based Drilling Fluids for Offshore Drilling. Presented at the 5th International Conference

on Minimizing the Environmental Effects of Drilling Operations. 6/23/97. (Record No. III.B.a.15)
VII - 1

CHAPTER VII

DRILLING WASTES CHARACTERIZATION, CONTROL, AND

TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

1. INTRODUCTION

The first three parts of this chapter describe the sources, characteristics, and volumes of drilling

wastes generated from oil and gas drilling operations that use SBFs. The last part of this chapter describes

currently available pollution control and treatment technologies that recover SBF from drill cuttings,

reducing the volume of drilling wastes and the quantities of pollutants discharged to surface waters.

2. DRILLING WASTE SOURCES

Drilling fluids and drill cuttings are the most significant waste streams from exploratory and

development well drilling operations. EPA proposes limitations for the waste stream of synthetic-based

fluids and associated cuttings (“SBF-cuttings”) that are generated when SBF or other non-aqueous drilling

fluids are used. All other waste streams from well drilling operations and other drilling fluid types (i.e.,

water-based or oil-based fluids) have current applicable limitations and standards that are not included under

this rulemaking. The following subsections discuss the sources of SBF and SBF-cuttings in well drilling

operations.

2.1 Drilling Fluid Sources

SBFs are considered a valuable commodity and not a waste. It is industry practice to continuously

reuse SBFs while drilling a well interval. At the end of the well, remaining SBF is shipped back to shore for

refurbishment and reuse. SBF is discharged only as a contaminant of the drill cuttings waste stream. It is

not discharged as a neat drilling fluid waste stream (drilling fluid not associated with cuttings), unlike WBF

discharges. Compared to WBFs, SBFs are relatively easy to separate from drill cuttings because they do

not disperse in WBFs to the same extent. Due to the dispersion of fine cuttings in WBF, drilling fluid

components often need to be added to maintain required drilling fluid flow properties (rheology). These

additions are frequently in excess of the drilling fluid system capacity. The excess “dilution volume” of a
VII - 2

water-based drilling fluid is discharged as a resultant waste. The generation of this dilution volume waste

stream does not occur with SBFs. 

The top of the well is normally drilled with a WBF. As the well becomes deeper, the performance

requirements of the drilling fluid increase, and the operator may, at some point, decide that the drilling fluid

system should be changed to either a traditional OBF, based on diesel oil or mineral oil, or an SBF. The

system, including the drill string and the solids separation equipment, must be changed entirely from the

WBF to the SBF (or OBF) system, and the two do not function as a blended system. The entire system is

either a water dispersible drilling fluid such as a WBF, or a water non-dispersible drilling fluid such as an

OBF or SBF. The decision to change the system from a WBF water dispersible system to an OBF or SBF

water non-dispersible system depends on many factors including1:

C the operational considerations, i.e., rig type (risk of riser disconnects with floating drilling rigs), rig

equipment, distance from support facilities,

C the relative drilling performance of one type of fluid compared to another, e.g., rate of penetration,

well angle, hole size/casing program options, horizontal deviation,

C the presence of geologic conditions that favor a particular fluid type or performance characteristic,

e.g., formation stability/sensitivity, formation pore pressure vs. fracture gradient, potential for gas

hydrate formation,

C drilling fluid cost - base cost plus daily operating cost,

C drilling operation cost - rig cost plus logistics and operation support, and

C drilling waste disposal cost.

Industry has commented that while the right combination of factors that favor the use of SBF can occur in

any area, they most frequently occur with "deep water" operations.1 This is due to the fact that these are

higher cost operations and therefore can better justify the higher initial cost of SBF use.

The recovery of SBF from drill cuttings serves two purposes. The first is to return drilling fluid for

reintroduction to the active drilling fluid system, and the second is to minimize the discharge of SBF. As

more aggressive methods are used to recover drilling fluid from cuttings, the cuttings tend to break down

into smaller particles, called fines. Fines are not only more difficult to separate from drilling fluid, but also

cause a deterioration of certain properties (i.e., rheology) of the drilling fluid. Increased recovery of fluid

from cuttings is a larger problem for WBFs than SBFs because WBFs encourage cuttings to disperse and

degrade WBF rheology more than do SBFs. Compared to WBF, more aggressive methods of recovering

SBF from the cuttings waste stream are both practical and, because of the much higher cost of SBF,
VII - 3

desirable. These more aggressive fluid recovery methods also more effectively reduce the discharge of

SBF. This improved treatment reduces the potential for anoxia (lack of oxygen) in the receiving sediment as

well as the quantity of toxic and nonconventional components of discharged SBF. The level of reduction of

SBF on cuttings discharges required in this rule reflects appropriate use of the BAT technologies.

Environmental impacts can be caused by toxic, conventional, and non-conventional pollutants in the

SBF that adheres to the discharged drill cuttings. The adhered SBF drilling fluid is mainly composed, on a

volumetric basis, of the synthetic material, or more broadly speaking, oleaginous (oil-like) material. This

oleaginous material may cause hypoxia (reduction in oxygen) or anoxia in the immediate sediment,

depending on currents, temperature, and rate of biodegradation. Oleaginous materials that biodegrade

quickly will deplete oxygen more rapidly than more slowly degrading materials. EPA, however, thinks that

faster biodegradation (especially anaerobic) is environmentally preferable to slower biodegradation despite

the increased risk of short term anoxia that accompanies faster biodegradation. This is because cuttings

piles generally promote anaerobic activity, especially in deeper waters, and recolonization of the area

impacted by the discharge of SBF-cuttings or OBF-cuttings has been correlated with the disappearance of

the base fluid in piles or directly in sediment, and does not seem to be correlated with short term anoxic

effects that may result while the base fluid is disappearing. In studies conducted in the North Sea, base

fluids that biodegrade faster have been found to disappear more quickly, and recolonization at these sites

has been more rapid.2, 3, 4 The oleaginous material may also be toxic or bioaccumulate, and it may contain

priority pollutants such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, SBF base fluids typically

do not contain PAHs (see discussion of regulated drilling fluid pollutant parameters in section VI.2).

Barite, a weighting agent that is a component of SBF, is also discharged with SBF adhering to drill

cuttings. Barite is a mineral principally composed of barium sulfate, and it is known to generally have trace

contaminants of several toxic heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, copper, lead,

nickel, and zinc. See section VII.3.1 for the list of pollutants EPA identified as associated with synthetic

drilling fluid.

2.2 Drill Cuttings Sources

Drill cuttings are produced continuously at the bottom of the hole at a rate proportionate to the

advancement of the drill bit. These drill cuttings are carried to the surface by the drilling fluid, where the

cuttings are separated from the drilling fluid by the solids control system. The drilling fluid is then sent back

down hole, provided it still has the characteristics required to meet technical drilling requirements. Various

sizes of drill cuttings are separated by the solids separations equipment, and it is necessary to remove the
VII - 4

fines as well as the large cuttings from the drilling fluid to maintain the required flow properties (see section

VII.5.3.4 for discussion of solids control system design).

The drill cuttings range in size from large particles on the order of a centimeter in size to small

particles a fraction of a millimeter in size (i.e., fines). As the drilling fluid returns from down hole laden with

drill cuttings, it normally is first passed through primary shale shakers (often called “scalp” shakers) that

remove the largest cuttings, ranging in size of approximately 1 to 5 millimeters. The drilling fluid may then

be passed over secondary shale shakers to remove smaller drill cuttings. Finally, a portion or all of the

drilling fluid from the primary and secondary shakers may be passed through a centrifuge (often referred to

as a decanting centrifuge) or another shale shaker with a very fine mesh screen (often referred to as a mud

cleaner) that functions as a fines removal unit. It is important to remove fines from drilling fluid to maintain

the desired rheology of the active drilling fluid system. Thus, the cuttings waste stream typically consists of

larger cuttings from the primary shale shakers, fines from a fine mesh shaker or centrifuge, and may also

consist of smaller cuttings from a secondary shale shaker. Additionally, the cuttings that leave the primary

shaker may be further treated by another shaker, typically referred to as a drying shaker or cuttings dryer, to

indicate that its purpose is to treat cuttings, as opposed to a secondary shaker or mud cleaner that treats

drilling fluid.

Drill cuttings are typically discharged continuously during drilling as they are separated from the

drilling fluid in the solids separation equipment. The drill cuttings will also carry a residual amount of

adherent drilling fluid. Total suspended solids (TSS) makes up the bulk of the pollutant loadings, and is

comprised of two components: the drill cuttings themselves, and the solids in the adhered drilling fluid. The

drill cuttings are primarily small bits of stone, clay, shale, and sand. The source of the solids in the drilling

fluid is primarily the barite weighting agent, and clays that are added to modify the viscosity. Because the

quantity of TSS is so high and consists of mainly large particles that settle quickly, discharge of SBF drill

cuttings can cause benthic smothering and/or sediment grain size alteration resulting in potential damage to

invertebrate populations and potential alterations in spawning grounds and feeding habitats.

3. DRILLING WASTE CHARACTERISTICS

The waste stream discharged from drilling operations that use SBFs or other non-aqueous drilling

fluids consists of three components: adherent drilling fluid, drill cuttings, and formation oil. Table VII-1

lists the waste characteristic data for these components that EPA compiled as the basis for the compliance

costs, pollutant reductions, and non-water quality environmental impacts analyses. The following sections

discuss the sources and scope of these characteristics for each waste component.
VII - 5

3.1 Drilling Fluid Characteristics

Based on per-well data provided by API, EPA assumed a model SBF drilling fluid having a

formulation consisting of 47% by weight synthetic base fluid, 33% solids, and 20% water.5 This

formulation represents a 70%/30% ratio of synthetic base fluid to water, typical of commercially available

SBFs.6 Because there are no available data to the contrary, EPA further assumed that this formulation

remains unchanged in the waste stream, although it is likely that the relative proportions of the three

components would be altered in the drilling and solids control operations.

The synthetic base fluid is one of two sources of the conventional pollutant oil and grease, as shown

in Table VII-1. In lieu of oil and grease concentration data for SBFs, EPA substituted “total oil” for the oil

and grease measurement, assuming that the total amount of synthetic base fluid (plus formation oil) is

equivalent to the total oil content of the waste stream. A total oil concentration of 190.5 lbs of synthetic

base fluid per bbl of SBF (as shown in Table VII-1) was calculated based on the SBF formulation described

above, and a specific gravity of 0.8 (280 lbs/bbl).7, 8

EPA estimates that all solids in the drilling fluid are barite, based on standard formulation data.6,13

Barite is used to control the density of drilling fluids and is the primary source of toxic metal pollutants. The

characteristics of raw barite determine the concentrations of metals found in the adhering drilling fluid. To

control the concentration of heavy metals in drilling fluids, EPA promulgated regulations requiring that stock

barite that meet the maximum limitations 3 mg/l for cadmium and 1 mg/l for mercury (58 FR 12454, March

4, 1993). Table VII-1 includes the metals concentration profile for barite.
VII - 6

TABLE VII-1

SBF DRILLING WASTE CHARACTERISTICS

Waste Characteristics Value References

SBF formulation 47% synthetic base fluid, 33%

barite, 20% water (by weight)

Calculated from industry data (Ref.

5)

Synthetic base fluid density 280 pounds per barrel Ref. 7 and 8

Barite density 1,506 pounds per barrel Ref. 9

SBF drilling fluid density 9.65 pounds per gallon Calculated from industry data (Ref.

5)

Percent (vol.) formation oil 0.2% See section VII.3.3

Pollutant Concentrations in SBF

Conventionals lbs/bbl of SBF Reference

Total Oil as synthetic base fluid

Total Oil as formation oil

TSS as barite

190.5

0.588

133.7

Derived from SBF formulation and

densities listed above

Priority Pollutant Organics lbs/bbl of SBF Reference

Naphthalene

Fluorene

Phenanthrene

Phenol

0.0010024

0.0005468

0.0012968

0.000003528

Calculated from diesel oil

composition in Offshore

Development Document, Table VII-9

(Ref. 10 and 11)

Priority Pollutant Metals mg/kg Barite Reference

Cadmium

Mercury

Antimony

Arsenic

Beryllium

Chromium

Copper

Lead

Nickel

Selenium

Silver

Thallium

Zinc

1.1

0.1

5.7

7.1

0.7

240.0

18.7

35.1

13.5

1.1

0.7

1.2

200.5

Offshore Development Document,

Table XI-6 (Ref. 10)

Non-Conventional Metals mg/kg Barite Reference

Aluminum

Barium

Iron

Tin

Titanium

9,069.9

588,000

15,344.3

14.6

87.5

Offshore Development Document,

Table XI-6 (Ref. 10), except for

barium, which was estimated (Ref.

12)

Non-Conventional Organics lbs/bbl of SBF Reference

Alkylated benzenes

Alkylated naphthalenes

Alkylated fluorenes

Alkylated phenanthrenes

Alkylated phenols

Total biphenyls

Total Dibenzothiophenes

0.0056429

0.0530502

0.0063859

0.0080683

0.0000311

0.0104867

0.0004469

Calculated from diesel oil

composition in Offshore

Development Document, Table VII-9

(Ref. 10 and 11))
VII - 7

The barite in the SBF is also one of two sources of the conventional pollutant TSS. The other

source of TSS is drill cuttings, as mentioned above in section VII.2.2. The TSS, as barite concentration of

133.7 lbs/bbl of SBF listed in Table VII-1, was calculated from the SBF formulation described above, and a

barite density of 1,506 lbs/bbl. 9

Applying the densities of the synthetic base fluid, barite, and water to the drilling fluid formulation

described above, EPA calculated a drilling fluid weight of 9.65 lbs/gal (405 lbs/bbl).5 EPA recognizes that

this weight is lower than typical SBF weights, which can range from 10 to 17 pounds per gallon.6,14 This

lower weight is a result of limiting the model formulation to only three components. Additional solid

compounds are typically present in SBFs that add to the weight of the fluid, but vary too much in weight

fraction and type to be included in EPA estimates.

3.2 Drill Cuttings Characteristics

As described in section VII.2.2, drill cuttings contribute the greatest quantity to the pollutant

loadings in the form of TSS. For the purpose of estimating pollutant reductions, EPA assumed that the TSS

concentration attributable to drill cuttings in the waste stream is based on the density of the dry weight of

cuttings, quoted in the literature as 910 lbs/bbl. 9 As explained later in section VII.4.2.3, the actual

concentration of cuttings in the waste stream varies with the amount of drilling fluid estimated to adhere to

the cuttings following treatment. However, the total amount of cuttings generated per well is always equal

to the volume of the hole drilled.

3.3 Formation Oil Contamination

In addition to the SBF base fluid, formation oil is another source of oil and grease in SBF-cuttings

discharges. Formation oil contains organic priority pollutants. For the proposed rule, the majority of

formation oils would fail to meet the static sheen test or toxicity test limitations when present in SBFs at a

concentration of about 0.5%. Based on this estimate of the concentration of formation oil that would not

meet existing requirements and based on information from the industry concerning formation oil

contamination of drilling fluids,15 EPA estimates that, on average, the adhering drilling fluid in a model SBFcuttings waste stream will contain 0.2% by volume formation oil. Since the composition of formation

(crude) oil varies widely, diesel oil was used to model the organic pollutant concentrations associated with

0.2% formation oil contamination. The organic pollutant concentrations, both priority and nonconventional, were obtained from analytical data presented in the Offshore Oil and Gas Development

Document for Gulf of Mexico diesel. 10 The total oil concentration of 0.588 lbs of formation oil per bbl SBF
VII - 8

shown in Table VII-1 was calculated from the SBF formulation described above, and a specific gravity of

0.84 (294 lbs/bbl) quoted in the literature for diesel oil. 9

4. DRILLING WASTE VOLUMES

4.1 Factors Affecting Drilling Waste Volumes

The volume of drill cuttings generated depends primarily on the dimensions (depth and diameter) of

the well drilled and on the percent washout. Washout is the enlargement of a drilled hole due to the

sloughing of material from the walls of the hole. The greatest volumes of drill cuttings are generated during

the initial stages of drilling when the borehole diameter is large and washout tends to be higher. Data

gathered by EPA for the Coastal Oil and Gas Rulemaking effort indicate that while percent washout varies

depending on the type of formation being drilled, it generally decreases with hole depth.16 

The volume of drill cuttings generated also depends on the type of formation being drilled, the type

of bit, and the type of drilling fluid used. Soft formations, especially hydrating shales, are more susceptible

to borehole washout than hard formations. The type of drilling fluid used can affect the amount of borehole

washout and shale sloughing. Intervals drilled with water-based drilling fluids (WBFs) can experience

washout of 100 percent and greater; a generalization of washout for WBFs is 45 percent.62 Intervals drilled

with OBFs or SBFs are typically closer to gage size (i.e., washout is zero percent). A rule-of-thumb value

of 5 to 10% washout was recently cited by a Gulf of Mexico operator17 for intervals drilled with SBF,

consistent with a generalized estimate of 7.5 percent washout for SBF provided by another industry

source.62 The type of drill bit determines the characteristics of the cuttings (particle size). Depending on the

formation and the drilling characteristics, the total volume of drill solids generated will be at least equal to the

borehole volume, but is most often greater due to the breaking up of the compacted formation material.

The amount of drilling fluid that adheres to the cuttings depends on the type and efficiency of the

solids control equipment used, the drill particle size, and the type of drilling fluid used. The solids control

system, described in detail in section VII.5.3.4, is a step-wise operation designed to remove drill cuttings

from the drilling fluid by separating successively smaller particles. Continuous and/or intermittent discharges

are normal occurrences in the operation of solids control equipment. Such discharges occur for periods

from less than one hour to 24 hours per day, depending on the type of operation and well conditions. Each

separation unit in the system produces a cuttings waste stream of a particular particle size distribution, and

with an amount of adhering drilling fluid that, on average, is characteristic of that unit. The efficiency of a

particular separation unit, as measured by the amount of drilling fluid retained on the cuttings, is maximized
VII - 9

through vigilant operation and maintenance. Other operating factors, such as whether the drilling platform is

stationary or floating, can also affect drilling fluid retention on cuttings.

Small and fine cuttings have greater surface area and generally retain more drilling fluid than larger

cuttings. Therefore, higher retention values are associated with the solids control units that generate smaller

or fine particle cuttings. Data submitted to EPA for wells drilled with SBF indicate that retention values are

generally lower for the primary separation unit that produces the larger size cuttings, as compared with the

secondary separation unit that produces smaller cuttings.18,19 As stated in section VII.2.1, cuttings are

generally easier to separate from OBFs or SBFs than WBFs because drill solids disperse and break up into

finer particles to a greater extent in WBFs.

4.2 Estimates of Drilling Waste Volumes 

Based on the waste characteristics presented above in Table VII-1 and well volume data supplied

by industry operators, EPA calculated drilling waste volumes generated from four model wells. The

following sections present the data and methods EPA used to estimate per-well volumes of drill cuttings,

drilling fluid, and formation oil in the waste stream.

4.2.1 Waste SBF/OBF Drill Cuttings Volumes

EPA developed model well characteristics from information provided by the American Petroleum

Institute (API) for the purpose of estimating costs to comply with, and pollutant reductions resulting from,

the proposed discharge option and the zero-discharge option.1 API provided well size data for four types of

wells currently drilled in the Gulf of Mexico: development and exploratory wells in both deep water (i.e.,

greater than or equal to 1,000 feet) and shallow water (i.e., less than 1,000 feet). The following text, as well

as text throughout the Development Document, refers to these wells by the acronyms DWD (deep-water

development), DWE (deep-water exploratory), SWD (shallow-water development), and SWE (shallowwater exploratory).

The model well information provided by API included the length of hole drilled for successive hole

diameters, or intervals.1 API provided data for all intervals drilled per well, which included intervals drilled

with WBF and intervals drilled with SBF. From this, EPA calculated the gage hole volume for the well

intervals that API identified as being drilled with SBF. To calculate the waste cuttings volume, EPA further

estimated, based on information provided by industry sources17, 62 that the gage hole volume would increase

by an average 7.5 percent due to washout. EPA also estimated that the amount of washout incurred using
VII - 10

SBF is the same for intervals drilled with OBF, based on industry source information stating that there is

essentially no difference in the performance of the two drilling fluid types.20 For the four model wells, EPA

determined that the volumes of cuttings generated by these SBF or OBF well intervals are, in barrels, 565

for SWD, 1,184 for SWE, 855 for DWD, and 1,901 for DWE. These volumes represent only the rock,

sand, and other formation solids drilled from the hole, and do not include drilling fluid that adheres to the

dry cuttings. Table VII-2 presents the data provided by API, and the hole volumes and total waste cuttings

volumes that EPA calculated based on these data.

TABLE VII-2

MODEL WELL VOLUME DATAa

Model Well

Hole

Diameterb

(inches)

Depth

Intervalb

(feet)

Gage

Volume

(cu. feet)

Gage

Volume

(barrels)

Gage Volume plus

7.5% Washout

(barrels)

SWD 8.5 7,500 2,955 526 565

SWE 12.25

8.5

6

6,000

2,500

1,500

4,911

985

295

6,190

873

175

52

1,101 1,184

DWD 12.25

8.5

4,500

2,000

3,683

788

4,471

655

140

795 855

DWE 17.5

12.25

8.5

4,500

2,000

2,000

7,517

1,637

788

2,425

1,337

291

140

1,768 1,901

a Data represent only those intervals API identified as being drilled with SBF.1

 Numbers in bold typeface

are totals for the given model well.

b Source: API responses to EPA Technical Questions.1
VII - 11

4.2.2 SBF Drilling Fluid Retention-on-Cuttings (ROC) Values

4.2.2.1 Retort Analytical Method

The amount of drilling fluid that adheres to drill cuttings is measurable by retort analysis. The

published retort method currently used by drilling operators and drilling fluid manufacturing companies is

API’s Recommended Practice 13B-2: Field Testing Oil-Based Drilling Fluids, Appendix B: Oil and Water

Content From Cuttings For Percentage Greater Than 10% (API RP 13B-2). This method is designed to

measure the relative weights of liquid and solid components in a sample of wet drill cuttings. A summary

description of the method is presented by Annis as follows18:

In this “Retort Procedure,” a known weight of wet cuttings is heated in a retort chamber to

vaporize the liquids contained in the sample. The liquids (synthetic-based drilling material

and water vapors) are then condensed, collected, and measured in a precision graduated

receiver. The API recommended practice...recommends use of a retort sample cup volume

of 50-cm3 + 0.25-cm3

...

According to API RP 13B-2, the following measurements are made during the retort

procedure:

A Weight (API PR 13B-2 uses mass in grams) of the clean

and dry retort assembly (cup, lid, and retort body with

steel wool).

B Weight of the retort assembly and wet cuttings sample.

C Weight of the clean and dry liquid receiver.

D Weight of the receiver and its liquid contents (syntheticbased drilling material and water).

E Weight of the cooled retort assembly without the

condenser.

V Volume of water recovered from cooled liquid receiver.

To calculate the weight % of synthetic-based drilling material on the discharged cuttings

perform the following calculations:

1. Weight of the wet cuttings sample (Mw) equals the weight of the retort

assembly and wet cuttings sample (B) minus the weight of the clean and

dry retort assembly (A).

Mw = B - A

2. Weight of the dry retorted cuttings (Md) equals the weight of the cooled

retort assembly (E) minus the weight of the clean and dry retort assembly

(A).

Md = E - A
VII - 12

3. Weight of the synthetic-based drilling material (Mo) equals the weight of

the liquids receiver with its contents (D) minus the sum of the weight of

the dry receiver (C) and the weight of the water (V). Assume the density

of water is 1 g/cm3 the weight of the water is equivalent to the volume of

water.

Mo = D - (C + V)

The sum of Md, Mo, and V should be within 5 percent of the weight of the wet sample

(Mw). If it is not, the procedure should be repeated.

API reviewed the method in API RP 13B-2 with the intention of standardizing the sampling, testing,

and recording procedures for determining the retention of synthetic base fluid on cuttings.21 In addition to

the above retort measurements and calculations, the revised procedures that were instituted following the

proposal and published in the April 2000 NODA, included guidelines for sampling, and a worksheet for

calculating the amounts of total waste and waste components generated. API’s goal in writing these revised

procedures was to “develop a definitive data base on retention of synthetic material in cuttings discharge

streams.”21

Since the April 2000 NODA, EPA in conjuction with API conducted a study to establish the

method detection limit (MDL) of quantification for API Recommended Practice 13B-2. These studies

confirm that API Recommended Practice 13B-2 (50 mL retort with a 20 mL liquid receiver graduated in 0.1

mL increments) is sensitive enough to meet the ROC limitations.

In developing the study, EPA/API sought to simulate realistic field conditions by conducting the first

phase at three oil rig facilities. The first phase of the study required each rig-based laboratory to analyze a

set of replicate MDL samples (see Table VII-3). Based on the replicate analyses, EPA calculated an MDL

for each facility using the procedures specified at 40 CFR part 136, Appendix B. EPA then used the

facility-specific MDLs to calculate a pooled MDL and ML for the method. The pooled MDL and ML

include components of interlaboratory variability and represent levels which can be achieved by a single

laboratory using the method. In the second phase of the study, EPA contracted a single land-based

laboratory to verify that it could achieve the calculated pooled MDL and ML using two types of base fluids

(IO and ester; see Table VII-4).
VII - 13

TABLE VII-3

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 13B-2 MDL PHASE 1 STUDY RESULTS

Facility MDL ML

Marathon Oil 1.7% 5%

Exxon-Mobil 0.5% 2%

MI-Shell 1.1% 2%

Pooled 1.0% 2%

TABLE VII-4

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 13B-2 MDL PHASE 2 VERIFICATION RESULTS

Base Fluid MDL ML

Internal olefin (IO) 0.9% 2%

Ester 1.0% 2%

4.2.2.2 Solids Control Description and Performance

For proposal, EPA determined average drilling fluid retention values for solids control equipment

that was used in offshore drilling operations in the U.S. (hereafter referred to as baseline solids control) and

for solids control equipment that was used in North Sea drilling operations capable of achieving retention

values consistently lower than baseline solids control (hereafter referred to as add-on solids control

technology). API provided a database of well-specific retention data for baseline solids control equipment,

compiled from service companies that supplied offshore operators with synthetic-based drilling fluid.18 This

database contained the results of retort analyses of SBF-cuttings discarded from what the report calls

primary shale shakers, secondary shale shakers, and centrifuges. Other than these labels for the equipment,

the database provided no further information regarding the arrangement of the solids control systems

associated with the individual wells. While a primary shale shaker was assumed to be the first unit in the

solids control train, the location and purpose of a what the database called a “secondary” shale shaker was

ambiguous without additional information. (A “secondary” unit could receive either the drilling fluid or the

drill cuttings that exit the primary shakers.) Because the database retention values of cuttings from the

secondary shale shakers were, on average, higher than those from the primary shakers, EPA assumed that

the secondary shakers received and treated the drilling fluid rather than the cuttings from the primary

shakers. Centrifuge data were too limited to utilize in EPA’s analysis. Based on this initial API database,
VII - 14

EPA at proposal calculated a long-term average retention value, weighted by hole volume, of 10.6% by

weight of synthetic base fluid on wet cuttings for a primary shale shaker, and 15.0% for a secondary shale

shaker.19 Due to EPA’s assumption that SBF and OBF performance is equivalent, these retention values

applied equally to SBF-cuttings and OBF-cuttings in the baseline analysis for the proposal.

Retention data for the add-on solids control technology also were provided by the manufacturer of a

vibrating centrifuge currently used by operators located in the North Sea to recover SBF from the SBFcuttings that exit the primary shale shaker.22 Based on these data, EPA calculated, at proposal, a long-term

average retention value, weighted by hole volume, of 5.14% by weight of synthetic base fluid on cuttings for

the vibrating centrifuge. The data showed that the vibrating centrifuge was likely to perform at least as well

if not better, in the Gulf of Mexico than in the North Sea because untreated Gulf of Mexico cuttings have

lower retention values than those found in the North Sea. The observed performance for the primary shale

shakers used in series before the vibrating centrifuge was a volume-weighted average retention of 12.4%.19

This was 1.9 percentage points higher than the average volume-weighted retention of 10.5% observed for

the primary shale shakers in the Gulf of Mexico. In the North Sea, all cuttings came from primary shale

shakers, absent the use of secondary shale shakers, thereby eliminating the separate waste stream of cuttings

from the secondary shale shakers. 

Subsequent to the proposal, EPA received and reviewed additional retention on cuttings data. In

response to the February 1999 Proposal, industry submitted data for SBF retention from 36 wells. EPA

rejected six files due to incomplete reporting and determined that 16 files were complete and accurate and

these data were present in the April 2000 NODA. Additionally, EPA received 14 post-proposal files too late

for inclusion in the April 2000 NODA analyses. 

In response to the April 2000 NODA, EPA received and evaluated retention data from an additional

79 SBF wells: the 14 received after the February 1999 Proposal comment period; 27 additional data sets

received during the April 2000 NODA comment period; and 38 received after the April 2000 NODA

comment period. EPA determined that data from 49 of these 79 wells were complete and included in the

final rule analyses. Therefore, EPA used data from 65 wells to determine the final performance

effectiveness of the various solids control technologies. A summary of the data from the 65 wells used to

determine the final limitations is presented in the Statistical Analysis Document. The collection, engineering

review, and extraction of data from these files are described in a separate document entitled “Engineering

Review of SBF Retention-on-Cuttings Data.”63
VII - 15

4.2.3 Analysis of ROC Data and Determination of ROC Values

EPA developed effluent limitations guidelines and standards for the control of pollutant discharges

associated with the retention on cuttings (ROC) of SBFs and other drilling fluids that are non-dispersible in

water. EPA used data supplied by oil and operators and equipment vendors to support development of this

rule. EPA primarily used summary statistics based on these data for the following purposes: (a) estimating

current (baseline) pollutant discharges, (b) calculating potential effluent limits, and (c) evaluating regulatory

options. In this section, EPA presents the technology bases for final numeric limits, the data on which these

limits were based, and summary statistics from the Statistical Analysis Document.23

4.2.3.1 Effluent Guidelines Limitations and Standards

EPA selected two final numeric limits for the retention of SBF on cuttings. For drilling fluids with

the environmental properties of esters (toxicity and bio-degradation), the well-average ROC not to be

exceeded is 9.4%. Including foreign data but excluding measurement results without backup data, this is

based on the within-well averages of measurement results from Cuttings Dryer Technology 1. Cuttings

Dryer Technology 1 includes horizontal centrifuges, vertical centrifuges, squeeze presses, and high-G

dryers. For all other SBFs, the well-average ROC not to be exceeded is 6.9%. Including foreign data but

excluding measurement results without backup data, this is based on the within-well averages of

measurement results from Cuttings Dryer Technology 3. Cuttings Dryer Technology 3 includes horizontal 

and vertical centrifuges. In both cases, as was proposed and presented in the April 2000 NODA, the

numeric limit is estimated as the 95th percentile of a normal probability distribution for the well-averages.

4.2.3.2 Data

Industry and equipment vendor representatives provided EPA with percent retention measurements

on drill cuttings discharged from solids control systems. These data described the percent retention of SBF

on cuttings after treatment from each of three technology types. The technology types include shakers

(with subtypes primary shakers, secondary shakers, and other shakers); cuttings dryers (with subtypes

horizontal centrifuge [Mud 10], vertical centrifuge, squeeze press, and high-G dryer); and fines removal

units (with subtypes decanting centrifuge and mud cleaner). These data were recorded as percent SBF on

cuttings in a sample ([weight of SBF]/[weight of wet cuttings], expressed as a percentage). Associated data

generally included either the drilling depth or the length of a segment drilled, pipe diameter, drilling fluid

treatment technology, backup data for the calculation of percent retention, and location of the drilling site. 

EPA’s engineering review of the raw data is documented in a separate memorandum.63
VII - 16

4.2.3.3 Summary Statistics

For purposes of analysis and the development of potential limitations, the treatment technology

categories or subcategories used in EPA’s Statistical Support Document are: primary shakers, secondary

shakers, other shakers, horizontal centrifuge (Mud 10), vertical centrifuge, squeeze press, high-G dryer,

cuttings dryer 1 (a combination of the horizontal centrifuge, vertical centrifuge, squeeze press, and high-G

dryer subcategories), cuttings dryer 2 (a combination of the horizontal centrifuge, vertical centrifuge, and

squeeze press subcategories), cuttings dryer 3 (a combination of the horizontal and vertical centrifuge

subcategories), decanting centrifuge, mud cleaner, and fines removal (a combination of the decanting

centrifuge and mud cleaner subcategories). Summary statistics describing SBF ROC performance for

various treatment systems based on foreign and domestic data, but excluding measurement results for which

there are no backup data, are presented in Table VII-5.

EPA has also compared the observed performance of wells used to develop the 95th percentilebased limits to those final limits. For drilling fluids with the environmental properties of ester-based drilling

fluids, the numeric limit is based on combining data from the high-G dryer, squeeze press, horizontal

centrifuge, and vertical centrifuge. The high-G dryer is particularly important because it appears to take less

space than other technologies and it may fit on drilling rigs that may not otherwise be able to install a

cuttings dryer technology. For wells used in the development of final numeric limits, three out of six high-G

dryers, all five squeeze press units, all eight vertical centrifuges, and twenty-five out of twenty-six horizontal

centrifuges demonstrated their ability to comply with the numeric limit of 9.4% without further attention to

operations, maintenance, or design. For all other SBFs, the numeric limit is based on combining data from

the horizontal and vertical centrifuges. Both technologies are included to provide industry the ability to

choose between equipment vendors. For wells used in the development of the final numeric limits, all eight

vertical centrifuges and twenty-four out of twenty-six horizontal centrifuges demonstrated their ability to

comply with the numeric limit of 6.9% without further attention to operations, maintenance, or design.
VII - 17

TABLE VII-5

DRILLING FLUID TREATMENT SYSTEM RETENTION ON CUTTINGS PERFORMANCE a

Technology Category/Subcategory Number of

Wells

Mean of

Wells

Variance

of Wells

95th

Percentil

e

Primary Shale Shakers 32 9.32 9.28 14.3

Secondary Shale Shakers 22 13.8 12.1 19.5

Other Shale Shakers 22 8.96 3.16 11.9

Horizontal Centrifuge (Mud 10) 26 3.85 4.04 7.16

Vertical Centrifuge 8 3.72 2.38 6.26

Squeeze Press 5 6.71 1.92 8.99

High-G Dryer 6 9.40 4.69 13.0

Cuttings Dryer 1 (Combined Horizontal Centrifuge, Vertical

Centrifuge, Squeeze Press , and High-G Dryer )

[Basis for limit on drilling fluids with the environmental

properties of esters]

45 4.89 7.42 9.37

Cuttings Dryer 2 (Combined Horizontal Centrifuge, Vertical

Centrifuge, and Squeeze Press ) 39 4.19 4.25 7.59

Cuttings Dryer 3 (Combined Horizontal and Vertical Centrifuge )

[Basis for limit on all other SBF]

34 3.82 3.56 6.93

Decanting Centrifuge 22 9.97 5.13 13.7

Mud Cleaner 21 11.9 6.97 16.2

Fines Removal (Combined Decanting Centrifuge and Mud

Cleaner) 39 10.8 6.30 14.9

a

Includes foreign data, but excluding measurements for which there are no backup data.

For the purpose of estimating incremental compliance costs, pollutant reductions, and non-water

quality environmental impacts, EPA calculated weighted average retention values for the baseline and

compliance-level (based on add-on technology) solids control systems. Based on information provided by

API,21 EPA determined that the baseline treatment train includes primary shale shakers (PSS), secondary

shale shakers (SSS), and fines removal units (FRU). The estimated volume contribution of PSS, SSS, and

FRUs to the discharge waste stream are 78.5%, 18.5%, and 3.0%, respectively. Analysis of long-term

average (LTA) retention-on-cuttings data indicate that PSS demonstrate a retention value of 9.32%; SSS

demonstrate an SBF retention value of 13.8%; FRUs demonstrate an SBF retention value of 10.7%; a

retention value of 3.82% was determined for the solids control units that classify as cuttings dryers. The

following calculation was used to estimate system-wide retention for the baseline solids control system:
VII - 18

Weighted Average Baseline Solids Control Retention: 

(0.785 x 9.32%) + (0.185 x 13.8%) + (0.03 x 10.7%) = 10.2%.

The final cuttings waste stream retention value was determined for the BAT Options 1 and 2 compliancelevel solids control system, which consists of final discharge waste stream contribution from cuttings dryers

and FRUs. Cuttings dryers receive and treat all cuttings from the primary shale shaker and contributes 97%

of the volume to the discharge waste stream, while the FRU volume contribution is 3%. Under BAT

Option 1, the discharged effluent is a composite of the waste streams from these two solids control units. 

The weighted average retention for this system is as follows:

Weighted Average Compliance-Level Solids BAT 1 Control Retention: 

(0.97 x 3.82%) + (0.03 x 10.7%) = 4.03%.

Under BAT Option 2, the FRU discharge does not receive an allowable volume contribution to the final

discharge limitation. Thus, only the cuttings dryers contribute to the final discharge effluent limitation. The

SBF retention value, therefore, for BAT Option 2 is 3.82% (i.e., 1.0 x 3.82%).

4.2.4 Calculation of SBF/OBF Model Well Drilling Waste Volumes

For each of the four SBF/OBF model wells, EPA calculated drilling waste volumes for intervals

drilled with SBF or OBF. The calculations specified per-well volumes for the waste stream components,

including:

C dry cuttings (equivalent to gage hole volume plus 7.5% washout),

C synthetic base fluid (and oil base fluid in the baseline analysis),

C water,

C barite,

C whole SBF or OBF (the sum of the synthetic or oil base fluid, water, and barite),

C formation oil, and

C total waste generated (the sum of whole SBF, formation oil, and dry cuttings).

The general approach to this method is to calculate the total waste generated based on the relative

proportions of the above components in the waste stream as defined by the model drilling fluid formulation,

the average drilling fluid retention values, and the assumed 0.2% by volume of formation oil present in the

waste stream. Waste volumes are calculated for each model well for three discharge scenarios considered,
VII - 19

i.e., under baseline (current) technology conditions, under BAT 1 conditions (discharge of cuttings and

fines), and BAT 2 (discharge of cuttings; zero discharge of fines). The input data and generalized equations

used for these calculations are shown in Table VII-6. Appendix VII-1 presents the detailed calculations for

the four model wells, based on the equations in Table VII-6. The results are summarized for the baseline

and three regulatory options evaluated for all four well types in Table VII-7.
VII - 20

TABLE VII-6

INPUT DATA AND GENERAL EQUATIONS FOR

CALCULATING PER-WELL SBF/OBF WASTE VOLUMES

Input Data and Assumptions

C Drilling fluid formulation, wt./wt.: 47% synthetic or oil base fluid, 33% barite, 20% water (Ref. 5)

C Densities, converted to pounds per barrel for:

1. synthetic base fluid = 280 lbs/bbl (Ref. 7 and 8) 

2. barite = 1,506 lbs/bbl (Ref. 9)

3. water = 350 lbs/bbl

4. dry cuttings = 910 lbs/bbl (Ref. 9)

5. formation oil (as diesel) = 294 lbs/bbl (Ref. 9)

C Retort analysis results, wt./wt.: 10.2% for standard (baseline) solids control; 4.03% for BAT/NSPS

Option 1 level solids control see section VII.4.2.2); 3.82% for BAT/NSPS Option 2 level solids

control (see section VII.4.2.2)

Dry drill cuttings volume (equivalent to gage hole volume plus washout)

hole volume (ft3) = {length (ft) x B x [diameter (ft)/2]2} x (1 + washout fraction of 0.075) (1)

drill cuttings (bbls) = hole volume (ft3) x 0.1781 bbls/ft3(2)

drill cuttings (lbs) = drill cuttings (bbls) x 910 lbs/bbl (3)

Waste Components in lbs (algebraic calculation of lbs of waste components in the given drilled

TW = (RF x TW) + {[RF x (WF/SF)] x TW} + {[RF x (BF/SF)] x TW }+ (DF x TW) (4)

 (base fluid) + (water) + (barite) + (drill cuttings)

where:

TW = total waste (whole drilling fluid + dry cuttings), in lbs

RF = retort weight fraction of synthetic base fluid, decimal number (e.g., 0.11 or 0.07)

WF = water weight fraction from drilling fluid formulation, decimal number

SF = synthetic base fluid weight fraction from drilling fluid formulation, decimal number

BF = barite weight fraction from drilling fluid formulation, decimal number

DF = drill cuttings weight fraction, calculated as follows:

DF = 1 - {RF x [1 + (WF/SF) + (BF/SF)]} (5)

In order to calculate TW, equations (4) and (5) are first used to calculate DF. Then TW is calculated as follows:

TW = drill cuttings (lbs) / DF (6)

Waste Component Amounts Converted from lbs to bbls

synthetic base fluid (bbls) = [RF x TW (lbs)] / (280 lbs/bbl)

water (bbls) = {[RF x (WF/SF)] x TW (lbs)} / (350 lbs/bbl)

barite (bbls) = {[RF x (BF/SF)] x TW (lbs)} / (1,506 lbs/bbl)

Whole Drilling Fluid Volume

whole SBF volume (bbls) = synthetic base fluid (bbls) + water (bbls) + barite (bbls) (7)

0.2% (vol.) Formation Oil in Whole Mud Discharged

formation oil (bbls) = 0.002 x whole SBF volume (bbls) (8)
VII - 21

TABLE VII-7

SUMMARY SBF/OBF MODEL WELL WASTE VOLUME ESTIMATES

Waste Component

Shallow Water (1,000 ft) Deep Water (> 1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs

Waste Volumes Calculated for Baseline Solids Control System @ 10.2% (wt.) Retention

Synthetic base fluid (or oil base fluid) 239 66,979 501 140,360 362 101,358 805 225,358Water 81 28,502 170 59,728 123 43,131 274 95,897Barite 31 47,028 65 98,551 47 71,166 105 158,230Dry cuttings (includes 7.5% washout) 565 514,150 1,184 1,077,440 855 778,050 1,901 1,729,91Cuttings and adherent drilling fluidgenerated from SBF/OBF interval 917 656,659 1,921 1,376,078 1,387 993,705 3,085 2,209,396Whole SBF/OBF adhering to cuttings 352 142,509 737 298,638 532 215,655 1,184 479,486Formation oil (0.2% of adherent drillingfluid) 0.7 207 1.5 433 1.1 313 2.4 696

Waste Volumes Calculated for BAT 1 Add-on Solids Control System @ 4.03% (wt.) Retention

Synthetic base fluid 81 22,664 170 47,493 123 34,296 272 76,254Water 28 9,644 58 20,210 42 14,594 93 32,448Barite 11 15,913 22 33,346 16 24,080 36 53,540Dry cuttings (includes 7.5% washout) 565 514,150 1,184 1,077,440 855 778,050 1,901 1,729,91Cuttings and adherent drilling fluidgenerated from SBF/OBF interval 684 562,370 1,433 1,178,489 1,035 851,020 2,302 1,892,152Whole SBF/OBF adhering to cuttings 119 48,220 249 101,049 180 72,970 401 162,242Formation oil (0.2% of adherent drillingfluid) 0.2 70 0.5 147 0.4 106 0.8 235
VII - 22

TABLE VII-7 (Continued)

SUMMARY SBF/OBF MODEL WELL WASTE VOLUME ESTIMATES

Waste Component

Shallow Water (1,000 ft) Deep Water (> 1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs

Waste Volumes Calculated for BAT 2 Solids Control System @ 3.82% (wt.) Retention

Synthetic base fluid (or oil base fluid) 74 20,838 156 43,668 113 31,534 250 70,112Water 25 8,867 53 18,582 38 13,419 85 29,835Barite 10 14,631 20 30,660 15 22,141 33 49,227Dry cuttings (includes 7.5% washout) 551 501,163 1,154 1,050,224 833 758,397 1,853 1,686,21Cuttings and adherent drilling fluidgenerated from SBF/OBF interval 660 545,499 1,383 1,143,135 999 825,490 2,221 1,835,387Whole SBF/OBF adhering to cuttings 109 44,336 229 92,910 166 67,093 368 149,174Formation oil (0.2% of adherent drillingfluid) 635 64 0.5 135 0.3 97 0.7 217

Waste Volumes Calculated for BAT 3 Zero Discharged Wastes (Wastes NOT Discharged)

Synthetic base fluid 6.4 1,805 14 3,783 9.8 2,732 22 6,074Water 2.2 768 4.6 1,610 3.3 1,162 7.4 2,585Barite 0.8 1,267 1.8 2,656 1.3 1,918 2.8 4,265Dry cuttings (includes 7.5% washout) 14 13,030 30 27,306 22 19,718 48 43,842Cuttings and adherent drilling fluidgenerated from SBF/OBF interval 24 16,871 50 35,355 36 25,531 80 56,765Whole SBF/OBF adhering to cuttings 10 3,841 20 8,049 14 5,812 32 12,923Formation oil (0.2% of adherent drillingfluid) 0.0 6 0.0 12 0.0 8 0.1 19
VII - 23

4.2.5 WBF Waste Volumes and Characteristics

For the final rule, EPA has included an analysis of the projected use of WBF under the Baseline,

BAT/NSPS discharge options 1 and 2, and the (SBF) zero discharge option that were considered for this

rule. This WBF analysis included projected well counts, discharge loadings, and onsite/onshore zero

discharge requirements for WBF wells projected to fail the static sheen and/or SPP toxicity limitations. The

source of data for this analysis is the Development Document for the Effluent Limitations and Guidelines

for the Offshore Subcategory (EPA 821-R-93-003). The detailed calculations for this WBF analysis are

provided in Appendix VIII-2 of this document.

The general approach used in the WBF analysis for the final SBF rule is as follows: waste volume

and/or pollutant loading data on use of OBFs and WBFs presented in the Offshore Development Document

were expressed on a “per bbl,” “per well,” or a “per day” basis. Data from the Offshore rulemaking record

included: (1) WBF composition; (2) waste volumes for WBFs, OBFs, and associated cuttings; (3) the

frequency of mineral oil use in WBF operations; and (4) the expected permit limitation failure rates

(primarily for toxicity) on mineral oil fluids resulting in the requirement to haul or inject these wastes). 

These data then were applied to the current, revised well count projections and/or projected waste volumes

to estimate discharge option loadings and the amount of OBFs, WBFs, and associated cuttings that require

zero discharge under existing regulations (e.g., OBFs containing diesel oil, WBFs that fail the SPP toxicity

test). 

The first exercise in this analysis was to develop the allocation of offshore wells into various types

based on the assumptions used in the Offshore Development Document. These assumptions are provided

in Table XI-10 of the Offshore Development Document and specify, on a regional basis, the percentages of

shallow wells versus deep wells as well as wells with mineral oil added as a lubricant, as a spotting fluid, or

as both. (Cautionary note: the Offshore Development Document does not use the terms “shallow” and

“deep” with reference to the water depth in which these wells are drilled, i.e., as these terms are used in this

SBF rule, which classifies wells as “shallow water” wells or “deep water” wells. The Offshore

Development Document, in contrast, uses these terms with reference to the target depth of the well itself,

i.e., “shallow” wells ranging from 7,607 feet to 10,633 feet in depth and “deep” wells ranging from 10,082

feet to 13,037 feet in depth.)

In summary these assumptions were:

C Shallow wells respectively accounted for 51%, 58% and 41% of all wells drilled in Gulf of Mexico,

California, and Alaska.
VII - 24

C Deep wells respectively accounted for 49%, 42%, and 59% of all wells drilled in Gulf of Mexico,

California, and Alaska.

C 15% of all deep wells used OBF and were subject to a zero discharge limitation.

C 12% of all WBF wells used mineral oil as a lubricant (78% do not).

C 22% of WBF wells used mineral oil as a spotting fluid.

C The projected sheen and/or toxicity limitation failure rates for WBF wells were: no lube/no spot =

1%; lube or spot = 33%; lube plus spot = 56%.

Based on these assumptions, the percentages of WBF wells projected to pass or fail the sheen and toxicity

limitations were initially developed from the data in the Offshore Development Document for application to

the well counts developed for this SBF rule in order to project zero discharge requirements and loadings of

WBF wells under the various regulatory options considered for the final SBF rule. The Agency questioned

the applicability and reliability of these assumptions to current operations, and concluded this analysis yields

a conservative (maximum upper bound) failure rate estimate. 

The results of the maximum failure rate analysis are provided in Table VII-8. For the final rule,

EPA decided not to rely on this failure rate estimate in its cost analysis methodology. EPA instead used the

maximum lower bound estimate of 0% failure in its cost analysis. Because one cost element derived from

this failure rate estimate is the cost savings from WBF wells projected to fail their limits that convert to SBF

wells, using a 0% failure rate effectively eliminates this cost savings to industry and presents a more

conservative aspect to the cost methodology. For the final rule, a sensitivity analysis that includes the

maximum upper bound failure rate estimate was performed as an ancillary analysis (see Ref. 71).
VII - 25

TABLE VII-8

ESTIMATED OFFSHORE WBF STATIC SHEEN TEST/TOXICITY LIMITATION 

FAILURE RATES USED IN MAXIMUM FAILURE RATE ANALYSIS a

Well Location/Type

Projected Percent of Total Wells

Passing

Sheen/Toxicity

Limitation b

Failing

Sheen/Toxicity

Limitation c

With Lube, Spot,

or Lube+Spot 

That Discharge d

Gulf of Mexico

Shallow

Deep (including 15% OBF)

Deep (excluding 15% OBF)

45.1%

36.8%

5.94%

12.2%

4.85%

10.4%

8.50%

California

Shallow

Deep (including 15% OBF)

Deep (excluding 15% OBF)

51.3%

31.5%

6.75%

10.5%

4.16%

11.8%

7.28%

Alaska

Shallow

Deep (including 15% OBF)

Deep (excluding 15% OBF)

36.2%

44.3%

4.77%

14.7%

5.84%

8.37%

10.2%

a See Ref. 71.

b Used to project discharge loadings and costs (See Ref. 71).

c Used to project zero discharge quantities and costs (See Ref. 71).

d Used to project oil and grease loadings from added mineral oil (See Ref. 71).

Source: Offshore Development Document (Ref. 10)

The WBF and WBF-cuttings waste volumes and their composition were taken from the Offshore

Development Document (see Tables XI-3, XI-5, XI-6, XI-7, XI-9; ODD Section XI.3.4). The waste

volumes of the WBF and associated cuttings as determined in the ODD and used in the WBF analysis for

the SBF rule are as follows:

Drilling Fluids

(bbl)

Cuttings

(bbl)

Gulf of Mexico Shallow

Deep

6,938

9,752

1,475

2,458

California Shallow

Deep

5,939

6,777

1,242

1,437

Alaska Shallow

Deep

6,963

9,458

1,480

2,413
VII - 26

The analysis for WBF includes a projections of conventional pollutants from cuttings (TSS from

barite or cuttings, plus oil and grease from cuttings from wells in which mineral oil was used as a lubricant or

spotting fluid), conventional pollutants from discharged WBF (TSS from barite in the WBF plus oil and

grease from wells in which mineral oil as used as a lubricant or spotting fluid), and toxic plus

nonconventional pollutants from discharged WBF (from both WBF components as well as from mineral oil

added as a lubricant or spotting fluid).

For cuttings, a TSS value of 551 lbs/bbl was used in the WBF analysis for the final SBF rule. The

oil and grease contribution from mineral oil was calculated based on an assumed 5% (v/v) value of adherent

drilling fluid on WBF cuttings and a mineral oil content (as a lubricant or for spotting) of 9 lbs/bbl WBF

(applied to the projected number of WBF wells using mineral oil as a lubricant or spotting fluid).

For the discharged WBF, a TSS value of 131 lbs/bbl was used. The oil and grease contribution

from mineral oil was the same as that used for cuttings: 9 lbs/bbl WBF. To calculate contributions of toxic

and nonconventional pollutants, a value of 37.7 lbs toxics + nonconventionals/bbl was used. The

contribution of toxics and nonconventionals from mineral oil was based on a value of 0.324 lbs toxics +

nonconventionals/bbl mineral oil.

To assess the overall reliability of the WBF fluids and cuttings discharge volumes, and their

comparability to the current discharge volumes used in this SBF rule, a comparison was conducted of

calculated WBF-cuttings discharge volumes to current SBF-cuttings discharge volumes for each of the four

model well types specified in the rule. This analysis assumed that WBF was used over the same interval as

the SBF analysis. To estimate this volume of waste requiring disposal, a weighted average barrel-per-day

estimate of WBF drilling fluid and cuttings was applied to the number of days of the SBF interval assumed

for the four model well types used in this final rule. The total shallow and deep well volumes of drilling

fluid and cuttings in the Gulf of Mexico (6,938 bbl and 9,752 bbl, respectively of drilling fluids; 1,475 bbl

and 2,458 bbl for cuttings) were averaged over the 20-day drilling program assumed in the Offshore

Development Document. 

When the average daily discharges of shallow and deep wells (respectively 351 and 494 bbl

fluids/day; 74 and 123 bbl cuttings/day) were combined with the number of wells of each type projected for

this SBF rule (347 shallow; 488 deep), a weighted average discharge of 415 bbl WBF/day and 96 bbl WBFcuttings/day resulted. The estimated days to fill and haul SBF wastes (10.4, 23.3, 7.6, and 13.6 days,

respectively for DWD, DWE, SWD, and SWE well types) were converted to the number of days to “fill

and haul” WBF wastes (i.e., because of the 50% reduction in drilling time for SBFs compared to OBFs,
VII - 27

these day-estimates were doubled) to estimate the duration of WBF drilling activity. Combining these dayestimates with average daily WBF-cuttings estimates, projected waste volumes of 1,999 bbl; 4,468 bbl;

1,461 bbl; and 2,611 bbl resulted for DWD, DWE, SWD, and SWE well types.

These volumes were compared to SBF volume estimates, which for DWD, DWE, SWD, and SWE

well types respectively were 1,387 bbl; 3,085 bbl; 917 bbl; and 1,921 bbl. Assuming a 7.5% washout for

SBF wells and a 45% washout for WBF wells, these SBF waste volumes were converted to WBFequivalents (i.e., [SBF volumes/1.075] x 1.45) resulting in 1,871 bbl; 4,161 bbl; 1,237 bbl; and 2,591 bbl

for DWD, DWE, SWD, and SWE well types. These SBF volume-based estimates ranged from 85% to

99% of the WBF estimates that are based on data in the Offshore Development Document. The

comparability of these two waste volume estimates provides substantial confirmation of the validity and

appropriateness of analyses combining waste volume estimates based on two different sources of data.

5. CONTROL AND TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

EPA investigated the technological aspects and costs of four drilling waste management technologies

as potential means of complying with the proposed effluent limitations guidelines, including:

C product substitution,

C solids control equipment,

C land-based treatment and disposal, and

C onsite subsurface injection.

The following sections discuss EPA’s findings regarding the current status of these technologies as applied

to drilling wastes associated with SBFs and OBFs.

5.1 BPT/BCT Technology

The current BPT and BCT limitation of no free oil for drilling fluid wastes was first published on

April 13, 1979 (44 FR 22069), and at that time, was based on drilling product substitution or the use of

more environmentally benign products, combined with onshore disposal as the best practicable control

method available. An example of product substitution is the use of WBF in place of OBF such that the

discharged cuttings would pass the no-free-oil limit. Since SBF-cuttings are currently discharged in the Gulf

of Mexico in compliance with the static sheen test, industry has shown the ability of SBFs to pass the static

sheen test using the current shale shaker technology by varying the SBF formulation and treatment.
VII - 28

5.2 Product Substitution: SBF Base Fluid Selection

EPA proposed BAT and NSPS effluent limitations guidelines for three characteristics of the stock

base fluid used in synthetic and other non-aqueous drilling fluids, namely: polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)

content, sediment toxicity, and biodegradation rate. EPA anticipated that these limitations would be

achieved by product substitution of the base fluid. For the final rule EPA is establishing BAT limitations

and NSPS requiring synthetic materials that form the base fluid of SBFs to meet limitations and standards

on PAH content, sediment toxicity, and biodegradation. 

The technology basis for meeting these limitations and standards is product substitution, or zero

discharge, based on land disposal or cuttings re-injection, if these base fluid limitations are not met. The

regulated toxic, conventional, and non-conventional pollutant parameters are identified below. A large range

of synthetic, oleaginous, and water miscible materials are available for use as base fluids. These stock

limitations on the base fluid are intended to encourage product substitution reflecting best available

technology and best available demonstrated technology wherein only those synthetic materials and other

base fluids which minimize potential toxic pollutant (PAH) loadings and toxicity and which maximize

biodegradation may be discharged. The following sections discuss the technical basis for the limitations on

stock base fluids.

5.2.1 Currently Available Synthetic and Non-Aqueous Base Fluids

As SBFs have developed over the past several years, the industry has come to use mainly a few

primary base fluids that represent virtually all the SBFs currently used in oil and gas extraction industry.

These include the internal olefins, linear alpha olefins, poly alpha olefins, paraffinic oils, C12-C14 vegetable

esters of 2-hexanol and palm kernel oil, and “low viscosity” C8 esters. EPA has collected data and costs on

these SBFs to develop the effluent limitations for the final rule. Internal olefins (IO) are a series of isomeric

forms of C16 and C18 alkenes; linear alpha olefins (LAO) are a series of isomeric forms of C14 and C16

monoenes; poly alpha olefins (PAO) refers to a mixture primarily of a hydrogenated decene dimer C20H62

(95%) with lesser amounts of C30H62 (4.8%) and C10H22 (0.2%); vegetable esters are monoesters of 2-

ethylhexanol and saturated fatty acids with chain lengths in the range C8 - C16; and “low viscosity” esters are

esters of natural or synthetic C8 fatty acids and alcohols. EPA also has data on other SBF base fluids, such

as enhanced mineral oil, paraffinic oils (i.e., saturated hydrocarbons or “alkanes”), and the traditional OBF

base fluids, mineral oil, and diesel oil.
VII - 29

The stock base fluid limitations and standards and discharge limitations and standards presented

below are based on currently available base fluids that can be, and are, used in a wide variety of drilling

situations. The promulgated limitations would be achievable through product substitution. Also, the very

small number of wells that do not meet the limitations could comply with the rule through zero discharge. 

EPA anticipates that base fluids meeting all requirements would include vegetable esters, low viscosity

esters, and internal olefins.

As stated in the April 2000 NODA, EPA considered basing the sediment toxicity and biodegradation

stock limitations and standards on vegetable esters instead of the proposed C16-C18 IO. EPA has also

considered a sub-categorization of the final rule, for situations when vegetable esters are not practical and

C16-C18 IOs could be used instead. EPA considered these options due to the potential for better

environmental performance of vegetable ester-based drilling fluids. However, EPA rejected the discharge

option of basing stock limitations and standards on vegetable esters only because of several technical

limitations that preclude the use of demonstrated esters in all areas covered by this rule. These technical

limitations include: (1) high viscosity compared with typical IOs at all temperature, with an increasing

difference as temperature decreases, leading to lower rates of penetration in wells and greater probability of

losses due to higher equivalent circulating densities; (2) high gel strength in risers that develops when a

vegetable ester-SBF is not circulated; (3) a high temperature stability limit ranging from about 225 /F to

perhaps 320 /F – the exact value depends on the detailed chemistry of the vegetable ester (i.e., the acid, the

alcohol) and the drilling fluid chemistry; (4) reduction of the thermal stability limit by contact with highly

basic materials (e.g., lime, green cement) at elevated temperatures (i.e., a hydrolysis reaction that is

impossible with other NAF); and (5) less tolerance of the muds to contamination by seawater, cement, and

drill solids than is observed for IO-SBFs.64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 EPA also rejected the option of sub-categorizing the

use of esters. EPA could not establish a “bright line” rationale to define situations where only esters should

be the benchmark fluid. EPA considered many of the engineering factors used for selection of a drilling

fluid (e.g., rig size and equipment; formation characteristics; water depth and environment; lubricity,

rheological, and thixotropic requirements) and determined that no sub-categorization was possible because

the Agency could not specify the combination of factors where esters would meet all technical requirements.

EPA also considered basing sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock limitations and standards on

low viscosity esters. However, these esters have not been well demonstrated by full scale use in drilling

operations. EPA has received information on only one well section drilled with low viscosity esters. The

performance of this low viscosity ester well section was compared to that of another well section in the

same location where C16-C18 IOs were used and showed that the low viscosity ester had: (1) comparable or

better equivalent circulating densities (i.e., acceptable fluid properties); and (2) faster ROP through better
VII - 30

hole cleaning and higher lubricity (i.e., required fewer days to drill to total depth, leading to less NWQI and

overall drilling costs). Low viscosity esters are relatively new base fluids and have only recently been

available to the market. 

Comments to the April 2000 NODA state that laboratory-scale evaluations, which were designed to

simulate Gulf of Mexico conditions to which a fluid may be exposed, indicated that low viscosity esters have

several beneficial technical properties:

C They demonstrate similar or better viscosity than C16-C18 IOs.

C They can be used to formulate stable low viscosity ester-SBFs up to 300 oF.

C They can be used to formulate low viscosity ester-SBFs to 16.0+ lbs/gal mud weight.

C They reduce the volume of base fluid discharged because the oil/water ratios can be reduced to

70/30.

C They have a high tolerance to drilled solids.

C They make it easier to break circulation flat gels, minimizing initial circulation pressures and

subsequent risk of fracture.

C They have a high tolerance to seawater contamination.

C Their rheological properties can be adjusted by use of additives to suit specific conditions.70

Despite the results from the laboratory evaluation and the one well drilling section, EPA does not

believe it has enough information to conclude that low viscosity esters can be used in all (or nearly all)

drilling conditions on the OCS (e.g., differing formations, water depths, and temperatures). Therefore, EPA

rejected the option of basing sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock limitations and standards on low

viscosity esters only. However, EPA is sufficiently satisfied that esters provide better environmental

performance (e.g., sediment toxicity, biodegradation) and are available for use in a number of drilling

operations. Consequently, EPA is promulgating higher retention on cuttings discharge limitations to

encourage operators to use esters whenever possible.

5.2.2 PAH Content of Base Fluids

EPA proposed to establish a PAH content limitation of 0.001 percent, or 10 parts per million (ppm),

weight percent PAH expressed as phenanthrene, as measured by EPA Method 1654A.26 EPA is concerned

about the PAH content of base fluids because PAHs are comprised of toxic priority pollutants. Producers of

several SBF base fluids have reported to EPA that their base fluids are free of PAHs,27 including: linear

alpha olefins, vegetable esters, certain enhanced mineral oils, synthetic paraffins, certain non-synthetic
VII - 31

paraffins, and others. In contrast, diesel oil typically contains 5% to 10% PAH; mineral oil typically

contains about 0.35% PAH.27 PAHs typically found in diesel and mineral oils include toxic priority

pollutants (e.g., fluorene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and others) and nonconventional pollutants (e.g.,

alkylated benzenes and biphenyls). 

For the final rule, EPA has determined that a PAH BAT limitation and NSPS are important

components of the final regulation because they control the discharge of priority and nonconventional

pollutants such as naphthalene, phenanthrene, alkylated naphthalenes, and biphenyls. For the final rule, the

limitation of PAH content for the Gulf of Mexico and Offshore California is a weight-to-weight ratio of PAH

(as phenanthrene) to the stock base fluid. The PAH weight ratio limit is 0.001 percent, or 10 parts per

million (ppm). This limitation is based on the availability of base fluids that are free of PAHs and the

detection of the PAHs by EPA Method 1654A, which refers to a method for measuring the “PAH Content

of Oil by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with a UV Detector” published in “Methods for the

Determination of Diesel, Mineral and Crude Oils in Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Discharges” [EPA-821-

R-92-008], available from National Technical Information Service at: (703) 605-6000. As originally

proposed in February 1999 (64 FR 5503), EPA is promulgating the use of the EPA Method 1654A for

compliance with this PAH content BAT limitations and NSPS.

5.2.3 Sediment Toxicity of Base Fluids

EPA proposed a sediment toxicity stock base fluid limitation that would allow only the discharge of

SBF-cuttings using base fluids as toxic or less toxic, but not more toxic, than C16-C18 internal olefins. Based

on information available to EPA at that time, the only base fluids that would attain this limitation were IOs

and vegetable esters.

Various researchers have performed toxicity testing of the synthetic base fluids with the 10-day

sediment toxicity test (ASTM E1367-92) using a natural sediment and Leptocheirus plumulosus as the test

organism.25, 28, 29 The synthetic base fluids have been shown to have lower toxicity than diesel and mineral

oil. Among the synthetic and other oleaginous base fluids some are more toxic than others (see 65 FR

21550).71 Still et al. reported the following 10-day LC50 results, expressed as mg base fluid/Kg dry sediment

for diesel oil, mineral oil, an IO, and a PAO: diesel LC50 = 850 mg/kg, enhanced mineral oil LC50 = 251

mg/kg, internal olefin LC50 = 2,944 mg/kg, and poly alpha olefin LC50 = 9,636 mg/kg. Similar results have

been reported by Hood et al. 28 Candler et al. performed the 10-day sediment toxicity test with the

amphipod Ampelisca abdita and again obtained very similar results as follows: diesel LC50 = 879 mg/kg,
VII - 32

enhanced mineral oil LC50 = 557 mg/kg, internal olefin LC50 = 3,121 mg/kg, and PAO LC50 = 10,680

mg/kg.29

None of these researchers reported sediment toxicity values for vegetable esters. Recently, industry

has evaluated a number of base fluids including vegetable esters.30,31 While the absolute values are not

comparable because the tests were performed on the drilling fluid and not just the base fluid, the results

showed the vegetable ester to be less toxic that the internal olefin.

Researchers in the United Kingdom and Norway investigating effects in the North Sea have

conducted sediment toxicity tests on other organisms, namely Corophium volutator and Abra alba.

32

 

Similar trends were seen in the measured toxicity, with vegetable ester having less sediment toxicity than

PAO and IO.

While the PAOs were found to have the lowest toxicity of the measured base fluids (excluding

vegetable esters), at proposal EPA did not base the toxicity limitation on PAOs because they biodegrade

much more slowly and so are unlikely to pass the biodegradation limitation (see below, Section 5.2.4). EPA

proposed to generate and gather additional data comparing the toxicity of the various base fluids. If

vegetable esters were found to have significantly reduced toxicity compared to the other base fluids, EPA

reserved the option to base the toxicity limitation on vegetable esters. EPA noted its concerns, however,

over the technical performance and possible non-water quality implications of using vegetable esters as the

only available technology that would meet the stock base fluid limitations, as discussed below under

biodegradation.

For this final rule, EPA is regulating the sediment toxicity for base fluids as a non-conventional

pollutant parameter and as an indicator for toxic pollutants of base fluids. It has been shown, during EPA’s

development of the Offshore Guidelines, that establishing limits on toxicity encourages the use of less toxic

drilling fluids and additives. The selected discharge option (BAT/NSPS Option 2) includes a base fluid

sediment toxicity stock limitation, as measured by the 10-day sediment toxicity test (ASTM E1367-92) using

either natural sediment or formulated sediment and Leptocheirus plumulosus as the test organism. The

SBF rulemaking record indicates that drilling fluids that meet the stock base fluid sediment toxicity limitation

and standard (e.g., internal olefins, esters) will meet all drilling requirements in the waters to which this rule

applies.

For this final rule, EPA is promulgating a sediment toxicity stock base fluid limitation that only

allows the discharge of SBF-cuttings using SBF base fluids that have toxicity less than or equal to C16-C18
VII - 33

IOs. Alternatively, this limitation can be expressed as a “sediment toxicity ratio,” defined as the 10-day

LC50 of C16 - C18 IOs divided by the 10-day LC50 of stock base fluid being tested. EPA is promulgating a

sediment toxicity ratio of less than or equal to 1.0 for the final rule. Compliance with this limitation is

determined by the 10-day Leptocheirus plumulosus sediment toxicity test [i.e., ASTM E1367-92: “Standard

Guide for Conducting 10-day Static Sediment Toxicity Tests With Marine and Estuarine Amphipods”

(incorporated by reference and available from ASTM, 100 Bar Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA

19428), supplemented with the preparation procedure specified in Appendix 3 of Subpart A of 40 CFR

435]. As originally proposed in February 1999 (64 FR 5503) and re-stated in April 2000 (65 FR 21549),

EPA is promulgating the use of the ASTM E1367-92 method for compliance with this sediment toxicity

BAT limitation and NSPS.

EPA finds this limit to be technically available because information in the rulemaking record

supports that vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, and internal olefins. together have performance

characteristics enabling them to be used in a wide variety of drilling situations offshore. Marketing data given

to the EPA shows that, at least for certain of the major drilling fluid suppliers, internal olefin SBFs are

currently the most popular SBFs used in the Gulf of Mexico. Since the February 1999 Proposal, EPA and

other researchers conducted numerous 10-day and 96-hour L. plumulosus sediment toxicity tests on various

SBF base fluids with natural and formulated sediments. EPA anticipates that the base fluids meeting this

limitation include vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, internal olefins, and some PAOs (see 65 FR

21550).71

EPA’s L. plumulosus sediment toxicity tests confirm that although numeric toxicity results can vary

substantially from test to test, the relative toxicities of the base fluids remain consistent. These tests have

found that the order of sediment toxicity, from least toxic to most toxic, is consistently as follows: esters >

IOs > LAOs > paraffin > mineral oil > diesel. Therefore, variability in numeric LC50 values would not

affect an assessment of a test base fluid’s sediment toxicity against the sediment toxicity ratio limitation

because the ratio is dependent on relative toxicities.

Initially, EPA conducted sediment toxicity tests on whole base fluids. In these initial tests EPA used

two test durations (i.e., 10-day and 96-hour) and natural sediment collected from Galveston Bay, Texas. 

The results are presented in the Table VII-9.
VII - 34

TABLE VII-9

EPA DETERMINATION OF SEDIMENT TOXICITY FOR BASE FLUIDS

Drilling Base Fluid LC50 (mg/Kg) 95% Confidence Interval 96-Hour Test

IO >8000 a NA

LAO 2921 2260 - 3775

Ester 7686 7158 - 8253

Mineral Oil 436 391 - 485

Paraffin 2263 1936 - 2644

10-Day Test

IO 2530 2225 - 2876

LAO 1208 1089 - 1339

Ester 4275 3921 - 4662

Mineral Oil 176 163 - 190

Paraffin 1151 1038 - 1276

a Test result fell outside of the test concentration range.

In subsequent tests, EPA evaluated the sediment toxicity of whole mud formulations of base fluids. 

Again, EPA conducted both 10-day and 96-hour test using natural sediment collected from Galveston Bay,

Texas. The results (see Table VII-10) show that whole mud formulations of base fluids, when using the 96-

hour test duration, exhibit the same relative sediment toxicities as pure base fluids. EPA is specifying the

use of the 96-hour test duration for point-of-discharge monitoring in order to allow operators to continue

drilling operations while the sediment toxicity test is being conducted on the discharge drilling fluid.
VII - 35

TABLE VII-10

EPA DETERMINATION OF SEDIMENT TOXICITY FOR WHOLE MUD FORMULATIONS

WITH SYNTHETIC BASE FLUID

Drilling Base Fluid LC50 (mg/Kg) 95% Confidence Interval 96-Hour Test

IO >24 a NA

LAO 7.58 4.54 - 12.7

Ester 39.4 33.6 - 47.6

Diesel 1.15 1.09 - 1.21

10-Day Test

IO 3.28 2.78 - 4.97

LAO 3.09 1.82 - 5.26

Ester 3.19 2.96 - 3.44

Diesel 0.46 0.39 - 0.55

a Test result fell outside of the test concentration range.

Parallel studies conducted by Industry analytical workgroups also show that the relative sediment

toxicities of base fluids are consistent. Table VII-11 presents a summary of industry results submitted to

EPA.
VII - 36

TABLE VII-11

INDUSTRY SEDIMENT TOXICITY RESULTS

Drilling Base Fluid LC50 (mg/Kg) 95% Confidence Interval

Baroid-Generated Data: 96-Hour Test

Diesel 453 416 - 493

IO 876 442 - 1663

LAO 490 291 - 924

Ester >20000 NA

Ester (Low viscosity) >20000 NA

10-Day Test

Diesel 230 209 - 251

IO 564 447 - 639

LAO 338 294 - 378

Ester >10000 NA

Ester (Low viscosity) 2447 2197 - 2701

M-I Driling Fluid-Generated Data: 96-Hour Test

Diesel 566 510 - 629

IO 3686 2890 - 4893

EPA has selected the C16-C18 IO as the basis for the sediment toxicity ratio limitation and standard

instead of the vegetable ester or low viscosity ester for two reasons: (1) EPA does not believe that vegetable

esters can be used in all drilling situations; (2) EPA has insufficient field testing information demonstrating

that low viscosity esters can be used in all drilling situations. Consequently, operators may not be

encouraged to switch from OBFs or WBFs to SBF if only vegetable ester- or low viscosity ester-SBFs could

be discharged. As previously stated, EPA is promoting the appropriate conversion from OBF- and WBFdrilling to SBF-drilling to encourage the reduction of pollutant loadings and NWQIs. Due to demonstrated

and potential technical limitations of vegetable ester or low viscosity esters, EPA estimates that the pollutant

loadings and NWQIs associate with establishing vegetable esters or low viscosity esters as the basis for stock

limitation would be comparable to the pollutant loadings and NWQIs associated with a zero discharge option

for all SBF-cuttings. EPA finds these increases in pollutant loadings and NWQIs unacceptable.
VII - 37

5.2.4 Biodegradation Rate of Base Fluids

EPA proposed a limitation of biodegradation rate for the base fluid (as determined by the solid

phase test),33 equal to or faster than the rate of a C16-C18 IO. The proposed method was provided in

Appendix 4 to Subpart A of the proposed amendments to 40 CFR Part 435. With this proposed limitation,

the base fluids currently available for use include vegetable ester, LAOs, IOs, and possibly certain linear

paraffins, EPA further concluded that applying the biodegradation rate, PAH content, and sediment toxicity

limitations on stock base fluid, available data indicated that IOs and vegetable esters would attain all three

limitations.

EPA also investigated an alternative numerical limitation of a minimum biodegradation rate of 68

percent base fluid dissipation at 120 days for the standardized solid phase test. If EPA chose to pursue this

approach, it expected that it may need to revise this numerical limitation as additional test results were

generated and evaluated.

Similar to SBF sediment toxicity, in order to minimize the effect of test variability, the final

limitations and standards are based on comparative testing rather than numerical limitations. Therefore, if

SBFs based on fluids other than IOs and vegetable esters were to be discharged with drill cuttings, data

showing the biodegradation of both the base fluid and the IO standard, generated in the same series of tests,

would be required. EPA preferred this approach rather than a numerical limitation at proposal because of

the limited data available to EPA upon which to base a numerical limitation. EPA considered this approach

to be an interim solution to this data sufficiency problem at the time of proposal because it still provided a

limitation based on the performance of available technologies.

 Rates of biodegradation for synthetic and mineral oil base fluids had been determined by both a

solid phase and a simulated seabed test; relative rates of biodegradation between these two tests are in

agreement.34 These tests have found that the order of degradation, from fastest to slowest, is as follows: 

vegetable esters and low viscosity esters > LAOs > IOs > linear paraffin > mineral oil > PAOs.

At proposal, EPA had selected IOs as the basis for the biodegradation rate limitation instead of

vegetable esters for two reasons -- technical performance and non-water quality environmental impacts. 

SBFs formulated with vegetable esters have higher viscosity. This property makes vegetable ester SBFs

more difficult to pump, and may render them impractical for deep water drilling. The cooler temperatures

in deep water drilling further increase viscosity, and the long drill string at this higher viscosity requires

higher pump pressures to circulate the SBF. Cost also was recognized as a factor in encouraging the use of
VII - 38

SBFs in place of OBFs. Industry representatives had told EPA that vegetable ester SBF costs about twice

as much as an IO SBF.24 EPA believed that if the lower cost IO SBFs could be discharged, more wells

currently drilled with OBF would be encouraged to convert to SBF than if only the more expensive

vegetable ester SBFs could be discharged. This OBF-to-SBF conversion is preferable to improve non-water

quality environmental impacts. If continued research showed that vegetable esters had significantly reduced

toxicity in addition to their faster rate of biodegradation, EPA reserved the option to consider more stringent

stock base fluid limitations to favor the use of vegetable ester SBFs for the final rule.

For the final rule, EPA is regulating the biodegradation in base fluids as an indicator of the extent, in

level and duration, of the toxic effect of toxic pollutants and nonconventional pollutants present in base

fluids (e.g., enhanced mineral oils, IOs, LAOs, PAOs, paraffinic oils, C12-C14 vegetable esters of 2-hexanol

and palm kernel oil, “low viscosity” C8 esters, and other oleaginous materials). Based on results from

seabed surveys at sites where various base fluids have been discharged with drill cuttings, EPA believes that

the results from the three biodegradation tests used during the rulemaking (e.g., solid phase test, anaerobic

closed bottle biodegradation test, respirometry biodegradation test) are indicative of the relative rates of

biodegradation in the marine environment. EPA puts strong emphasis on the use of the anaerobic

biodegradation (closed bottle) test based on the deep water and cuttings piles characteristics which promote

anaerobic rather than aerobic degradation. In addition, EPA thinks the biodegradation parameter correlates

strongly with the rate of recovery of the seabed where OBF- and SBF-cuttings have been discharged. The

various base fluids vary widely in biodegradation rates, as measured by the three biodegradation methods. 

However, the relative ranking of the base fluids under consideration remain relatively similar across all three

biodegradation tests investigated under this rulemaking.

Since proposal, EPA has evaluated four sets of biodegradation data. EPA generated one data set

using the solid phase test, and industry generated one data set for each of the three tests that were noticed in

the proposal and NODA (i.e., solid phase test, anaerobic closed bottle test, and respirometry test for

biodegradation). 

EPA conducted its solid phase test over 112 days on 6 base fluids (ester, IO, LAO, mineral oil,

PAO, and paraffin) at 3 initial spike concentrations (1000 mg/Kg, 2000 mg/Kg, and 5000 mg/Kg). The

results (see Tables VII-12 through 14 and Figures VII-1 through VII-3) of this test support the historically

observed rankings of the biodegradation rates for these test fluids (i.e., ester > LAO > IO > paraffin >

mineral oil > PAO).
VII - 39

TABLE VII-12

EPA SOLID PHASE TEST (1000 mg/Kg)

Elapsed Time

of Test

Concentration (mg/Kg)

Ester LAO IO Paraffin Mineral Oil PAO

Day 0 751 946 1005 1045 1161 890

Day 14 424 904 879 828 907 917

Day 28 265 799 820 846 892 903

Day 56 152 833 739 981 997 1065

Day 84 144 487 529 726 835 928

Day 112 11 314 451 624 785 948

FIGURE VII-1

Low-Range Spike Concentrations

(1000mg/Kg)

0

500

1000

1500

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 9 0 100 110

Days

Recovered Conc. (mg/Kg)

PAO

MO

Paraffin

IO

LAO

Olive Oil Ester
VII - 40

TABLE VII-13

EPA SOLID PHASE TEST (2000 mg/Kg)

Elapsed Time

of Test

Concentration (mg/Kg)

Ester LAO IO Paraffin Mineral Oil PAO

Day 0 1352 1949 2027 2060 2165 1964

Day 14 887 1512 1831 1670 1855 1796

Day 28 691 1646 1732 1754 1799 1786

Day 56 565 1676 1578 2044 1943 2039

Day 84 231 1199 1388 1551 1864 1899

Day 112 152 949 1040 1487 1733 1865

FIGURE VII-2

Mid-Range Spike Concentration

(2000mg/Kg)

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110

Days

Recovered Conc. (mg/Kg)

PAO

MO

Paraffin

IO

LAO

Ester

Olive Oil
VII - 41

TABLE VII-14

EPA SOLID PHASE TEST (5000 mg/Kg)

Elapsed Time

of Test

Concentration (mg/Kg)

Ester LAO IO Paraffin Mineral Oil PAO

Day 0 3742 4717 4620 4864 5291 5211

Day 14 2331 4277 4421 4199 4255 4916

Day 28 2139 4050 4075 4190 4396 4761

Day 56 1619 4474 3649 4959 4898 5318

Day 84 1241 3302 3450 4132 4673 4970

Day 112 712 3209 3486 3933 4457 4840

FIGURE VII-3

High-Range Spike Concentrations

(5000mg/Kg)

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 6 0 7 0 8 0 9 0 100 110

Days

Recovered Conc. (mg/Kg)

PAO

MO

Paraffin

IO

LAO

Ester

Olive Oil
VII - 42

The industry data, however, did not reproduce the historical results associated with the solid phase

test. Instead, the industry data indicated a rapid disappearance of all fluids. Based on an analysis of their

data and followup investigation, EPA and the industry workgroup determined that industry’s results (see

Figure VII-4) were affected by physical loss of the base fluids rather than loss through biodegradation. The

solid phase test’s susceptibility to physical loss of fluid into the test environment is one reason EPA chose to

specify the use of the anaerobic closed bottle test in this rule.

FIGURE VII-4

INDUSTRY SOLID PHASE TEST RESULTS

Kinetics of Fluid Loss 2000 ppm

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

0 20 40 60

Days

Concentration (ppm)

Rapeseed

Hexadecene

Petrofree

Squalane

Diesel

Biobase 100

C1618IO

Amodrill 1000

Biobase 250

The industry also submitted data (see Table VII-15 and Figure VII-5) to show that the relative

rankings of biodegradation rates as determined by the anaerobic closed bottle test follows the historical

trend. In addition, the closed bottle test offers a clear advantage over the other two biodegradation tests in

terms of cost per analysis and ease of use.
VII - 43

TABLE VII-15

INDUSTRY MARINE ANAEROBIC CLOSED BOTTLE BIODEGRADATION TEST RESULTS

Elapsed Time

of Test

Cumulative Gas Production Over Time (ml)

Olive Oil C16-C18 IO C14-C16

LAO

Synthetic

Paraffin C30

Blank

Control

Day 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Day 5 9.29 2.77 3.67 3.32 3.32 3.88

Day 25 50.00 8.59 10.00 7.05 6.62 5.99

Day 33 103.50 12.50 15.00 10.00 8.00 8.30

Day 67 150.41 18.38 22.15 13.67 10.45 11.12

Day 77 152.50 22.21 26.46 15.83 12.42 12.28

Day 95 160.61 24.60 32.74 18.16 12.18 12.98

Day 113 162.88 29.71 42.91 21.14 12.80 13.30

Day 132 164.78 39.74 55.50 23.17 13.38 14.01

Day 155 169.18 59.00 88.16 27.19 15.42 16.07

Day 194 167.74 92.36 114.50 25.82 13.97 14.57

Day 231 171.57 104.50 138.22 29.49 17.47 17.63

Day 271 175.58 119.88 151.20 33.33 21.63 22.11
VII - 44

FIGURE VII-5

INDUSTRY ANAEROBIC CLOSED BOTTLE TEST RESULTS

Normal Sediment Total Gas

Recovery

Time

day (d)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150

% Predicted Total

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Olive Oil

Squalane

Hexadecene

Ethyl Oleate

Petrofree

Biobase 250

C1618

Diesel

Finally, industry-submitted data on the respirometry test for biodegradation also show that the

respirometry test ranks the relative biodegradation rates of base fluids according to the historical data (see

Table VII-16 and Figure VII-6). While the respirometry test shows promise, it is only in the early stages of

development, and its procedures have not been finalized. Therefore, EPA is not specifying the use of this

test for monitoring compliance with the biodegradation limit.
VII - 45

TABLE VII-16

INDUSTRY RESPIROMETRY TEST RESULTS

CO2 % Deg O2 % Deg

Blank 0% 0%

Squalane 3% -0.8%

Rapeseed Oil 75% 84.8%

Diesel 14.6% 4.4%

LAO 45.2% 37.1%

IO 41.5% 44%

Ester 72.7% 77.4%

FIGURE VII-6

INDUSTRY RESPIROMETRY TEST RESULTS

% Biodegradation based on O2

-10

10

30

50

70

90

34 293 630 965 1205 1656 1992 2328 2664 3000

time (hrs)

% biodegradation

C16/C18 IO 1000

C16/C18 IO 5000

ester 999.83

ester 5000

C14/C16/C18 (LAO) 1000.17

#2 diesel oil * 1001.239

#2 diesel oil 5000

Rapeseed oil 999.83

Squalene * 999.83

As originally proposed in February 1999 (64 FR 5504) and re-stated in April 2000 (65 FR 21550),

for the final rule EPA is promulgating a BAT limitation and NSPS to control the minimum amount of

biodegradation of base fluid. The selected discharge option (BAT/NSPS Option 2) includes a base fluid
VII - 46

biodegradation stock limitation, as measured by the marine anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test (i.e.,

ISO 11734).

The biodegradation stock base fluid limitation only allows the discharge of SBF-cuttings using SBF

base fluids that degrade as fast or greater than C16-C18 IOs. Alternatively, this limitation could be expressed

in terms of a “biodegradation rate ratio” that is defined as the percent degradation at 275 days of C16-C18

IOs divided by the percent degradation of stock base fluid being tested. EPA is promulgating a

biodegradation rate ratio of less than 1.0. As discussed in April 2000, EPA is promulgating the use of the

marine anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test (i.e., ISO 11734:1995) with modifications for compliance

with this biodegradation BAT limitation. With this limitation the base fluids currently available for use

include vegetable ester, low viscosity esters, LAOs, and IOs.

The marine anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test (i.e., ISO 11734:1995) is incorporated by

reference into the effluent limitation guidelines and is available from the American National Standards

Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Additionally, EPA modified the marine

anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test to make the test more applicable to a marine environment. 

These modifications are listed in Appendix 4 of Subpart A of 40 CFR 435 and included: (1) the laboratory

shall use sea water in place of freshwater; (2) the laboratory shall use marine sediment in place of digested

sludge as an innoculum; and (3) the laboratory shall run the test for 275 days.

EPA selected the closed bottle test because it models the ability of a drilling fluid to degrade

anaerobically. Industry comments to the April 2000 NODA report the results of seabed surveys.66 These

seabed surveys and the scientific literature indicate that the environments under cuttings piles are anaerobic

and that the recovery of seabeds did not occur in acceptable periods of time when drilling fluids cannot

anaerobically degrade (e.g., diesel oils, mineral oils). The scientific literature also indicates that there is no

known mechanism for initiation of anaerobic alkane biodegradation.72 The general anaerobic microbiology

literature indicates that metabolic pathways are just beginning to be determined for anaerobic biodegradation

of linear alkanes. The anaerobic biodegradability of the SBF base fluid represents an essential prerequisite

for the prevention of long-term persistence of SBFs and deleterious impacts on marine sediments.73

Therefore, EPA considers the control of anaerobic degradation as crucial in ensuring the biodegradation of

SBF under cuttings piles and other anaerobic environments for the recovery of benthic environments in an

acceptable period.

EPA finds this limit to be technically available because information in the rulemaking record

supports that vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, and IOs have performance characteristics enabling them
VII - 47

to be used in a wide variety of drilling situations offshore. Marketing data given to the EPA shows that, at

least for certain of the major drilling fluid suppliers, internal olefin SBFs are currently the most popular

SBFs used in the Gulf of Mexico.

5.2.5 Bioaccumulation

EPA also considered establishing a BAT limitation and NSPS that would limit the base fluid

bioaccumulation potential. The regulated parameters would be the non-conventional and toxic priority

pollutants that bioaccumulate. EPA reviewed the current literature to identify the bioaccumulation potential

of various base fluids. After this review EPA determined that SBFs are not expected to significantly

bioaccumulate because of their extremely low water solubility and consequent low bioavailability. Their

propensity to biodegrade makes them further unlikely to significantly bioaccumulate in marine organisms.

EPA identified that hydrophobic chemicals (e.g., ester-SBF base fluids) that have a log Kow less

than about 3 to 3.5 may bioaccumulate rapidly but not to high concentrations in tissues of marine organisms,

particularly if they are readily biodegradable into non-toxic metabolites.74 Hydrophobic chemicals (e.g., C16-

C18 IOs, various PAOs, and C18 n-paraffins) with a log Kow greater than about 6.5 to 7 do not bioaccumulate

effectively from the water, because their solubility in both the water and lipid phases is very low.74 Finally,

the degradation by-products of SBF base fluids (e.g., alcohols) are likely to be more miscible with water

than the parent substances, resulting in degradation by-products partitioning into the water column and being

diluted to toxicologically insignificant concentrations.

Based on current information, EPA believes that the stock base fluid controls on PAH content,

sediment toxicity, and biodegradation rate being promulgated today are sufficient to only allow the discharge

of base fluids (e.g., esters, internal olefins) with lower bioaccumulation potentials (i.e., log Kow < 3 to 3.5

and log Kow > 6.5 to 7).

5.2.6 Product Substitution Costs

EPA finds that the promulgated stock base fluid controls are economically achievable. Industry has

commented to EPA that while the synthetic base fluids are more expensive than diesel and mineral oil base

fluids, the savings in being able to discharge the SBF-cuttings versus land disposal or injection of OBFcuttings (in order to meet current regulations) more than offsets the increased cost of SBFs. Moreover, the

reduced time to complete a well with SBF as compared with OBF- and WBF-drilling can be significant (i.e.,

days to weeks). This reduction in time translates into lower rig rental costs for operators. In addition, the
VII - 48

use of more efficient solids removal technology (used as a basis for the BAT and NSPS retention

limitations) increases the recovery of SBF fluid which adds to the overall savings. Thus, it reportedly costs

less for operators to invest in the more expensive SBF provided it can be discharged. The stock base fluid

limitations promulgated above allow use of the currently widely used SBFs based on internal olefins

($160/bbl), vegetable esters ($250/bbl), and low viscosity esters ($300/bbl).75 For comparison, diesel oilbased drilling fluid costs about $70/bbl, and mineral oil-based drilling fluid costs about $90/bbl. According

to industry sources, currently in the Gulf of Mexico the most widely used and discharged SBFs are, in order

of use, based on internal olefins, linear alpha olefins, and vegetable esters. Since the stock limitations allow

the continued use of the IO- and ester-SBFs or other fluids with equivalent toxicity and biodegradation

properties and meeting the PAH limitation, EPA attributes no additional cost due to the stock base fluid

requirements other than monitoring (testing and certification) costs. EPA anticipates that discharges could

satisfy the PAH requirements by having suppliers monitor each batch of stock SBF and that they could

satisfy stock sediment toxicity and biodegradation limitations and standards by having suppliers monitor

once annually.

5.3 Solids Control: Waste Minimization/Pollution Prevention

The function of a solids control system, regardless of the type of drilling fluid in use, is to separate

drill cuttings from the drilling fluid so as to maintain the required rheology of the drilling fluid. Drilling fluid

properties degrade as the amount of fine particles in the drilling fluid increases. Solids control equipment

can cause an increase in the amount of fine particle solids in the drilling fluid due to the breakdown of larger

drill cuttings as they pass over and through vibrating screens, centrifuges, and other separation devices. 

Therefore, the solids control system is designed and operated to limit the mechanical destruction of the

cuttings while maximizing the removal of undesirable solids from the drilling fluid.

The type of drilling fluid in use affects the ease with which drill solids can be separated. Cuttings

are generally more difficult to remove from WBFs than SBFs because of the tendency for solids to disperse

in the water phase of the WBFs. The approach to solids control can therefore be markedly different for

WBF systems compared to OBF or SBF systems. Additional equipment such as hydrocyclones and

chemical flocculation units are sometimes employed for WBFs.16 Such separation steps are generally not

necessary when SBFs or OBFs are used for drilling, and are often avoided because they result in additional

losses of drilling fluid with the discarded solids waste streams. EPA has also learned that there is no

distinguishable difference in the separability of cuttings from OBF as compared to SBF.20,36
VII - 49

A typical solids control system for SBF/OBF drilling consists of some combination of the following

equipment, depending on the nature of the drilling program: primary and secondary shale shakers that

separate drill cuttings from drilling fluid; a “drying” shale shaker or centrifuge to further recover drilling fluid

from the cuttings waste stream; a “high-G” shale shaker or centrifuge to remove fine solids from the drilling

fluid stream; and sand traps. 

Drilling fluid returning from the well is laden with drill cuttings. The drill cuttings range in size from

large particles that are on the order of a centimeter or more in size to small particles (i.e., fines or “low

gravity solids”) that are fractions of a millimeter in size. Standard or current practice solids control systems

employ primary and secondary shale shakers in series with a “fines removal unit” (e.g., decanting centrifuge

or mud cleaner). The drilling fluid and drill cuttings from the well are first passed through primary shale

shakers. These shakers remove the largest cuttings which are approximately 1 to 5 millimeters in size. The

drilling fluid recovered from the primary shakers is then passed over secondary shale shakers to remove

smaller drill cuttings. Finally, a portion or all of the drilling fluid recovered from the primary and secondary

shakers may be passed through the fines removal unit to remove fines from the drilling fluid. It is important

to remove fines from the drilling fluid in order to maintain the desired rheological properties of the active

drilling fluid system (e.g., viscosity, density). Thus, the cuttings waste stream normally consists of

discharged cuttings from the primary and secondary shale shakers and fines from the fines removal unit.

Operators using improved solids control technology insert an additional treatment unit in the abovedescribed treatment train. An improved solids control system processes the cuttings discarded from the

primary and secondary shale shakers through a “cuttings dryer” (e.g., vertical or horizontal centrifuge,

squeeze press mud recovery unit, High-G linear shaker). The cuttings from the cuttings dryer are

discharged and the recovered SBF is sent to the fines removal unit. The advantage of the cuttings dryer is

that more SBF is recovered for re-use and less SBF is discharged into the ocean. This, consequently, will

reduce the pollutant loadings and the potential of the waste to cause anoxia (lack of oxygen) in the receiving

sediment. Figure VII-7 illustrates the arrangement of primary, secondary, and drying shale shakers in a

generalized solids control system. The following sections describe these unit processes as they are currently

utilized in SBF/OBF drilling. Performance results related to retention on cuttings of SBFs are summarized

in Section 4.2.3 of this chapter. Individual well data used in the evaluation of the performance of the

technologies are contained in Table 2 of the Statistical Support Document.23

Table VII-17 presents a comparative overview of the various baseline and improved solids control

drilling fluid recovery devices currently available. EPA reviewed current literature from eight equipment
VII - 50

 FIGURE VII-7

GENERALIZED SOLIDS CONTROL SYSTEM

manufacturers or distributors. Table VII-17 lists selected design and operating characteristics of shale

shakers and centrifuges commercially available to U.S. drilling operators. 

5.3.1 Shale Shakers

Shale shakers, also called vibrating screens, usually occupy the primary and secondary positions in

the solids control equipment train. The function of the primary shale shaker (often referred to as the 

“scalp” shaker) is to remove the largest drill cuttings from the active drilling fluid system and to protect

downstream equipment from unnecessary wear and damage from abrasion. The primary shale shaker

receives cuttings and drilling fluid returned from the well and separates them into a coarse cuttings waste
VII - 51

stream and a drilling fluid stream. The secondary shale shaker, sometimes referred to as a “mud cleaner,”

receives the drilling fluid stream from the primary shaker and removes smaller cuttings and fine particles. 

The drill cuttings that leave the primary shale shaker may be additionally treated by a third type of shale

shaker, referred to as a “drying” shaker or “cuttings dryer” to indicate that it treats cuttings as opposed to

the secondary shale shaker that treats drilling fluid. The drying shaker or cuttings dryer is used to remove
VII - 52

TABLE VII-17

DRILLING FLUID RECOVERY DEVICES a

Manufacturer/

Distributor

Device

Name

Device

Type(s)

Device

Category

Performance

(Wt % SBF Retention

Reported by Co.)

[EPA Technology Avg.]

Capacity

Size

(LxWxH, inches)

Weight (lbs)

Max. 

G-Force

Applied to

Cuttings

Power

Cost Information

(1998$ unless

otherwise noted)

Brandt ATL-Dryer

SDW-25

Linear motion

shale shakers

Mud cleaner

Decanting

centrifuge

SS

FRU

FRU

(Stationary Rigs: 8-10%)

(Floating Rigs: 12%)

[11.9%]

[9.97%]

ATL: 8

SDW: 7

ton/hr

2-8 ton/hr

4-8 ton/hr

ATL: 100x71x57

SDW: 134x78x109

~118x70x83

~115x58x48

ATL: 4.2

SDW: 7

NA Day Rate: $200-

$250/day

Capital Cost: $30K-

$40K

O&M: $50/day

Derrick

Equipment

HI-G Dryer Linear motion

shale shaker

Mud cleaner

Dryer

FRU

(<10%)

[11.9%]

Up to 1,200

gal/min

2-8 ton/hr

142x71x74

~118x70x83

8.0 NA Day Rate: $225/day

Capital Cost: $47.5K

O&M: $600/week

Swaco ATL-II Linear motion

shale shaker

Mud cleaner

SS

FRU

(6-8%)

[11.9%]

500 gal/min

2-8 ton/hr

129x63x61

~118x70x83

6.25 NA Day Rate: $190/day

Broadbent NAb Decanting

centrifuges

NA (<10%)

[9.97%]

5.5-27.5

tons/hr

NA NA NA £2MM in 1989

(~$3.8MM)

Mud Recovery

Systems, Ltd.

(MRS); JB

Equipment, Inc.

MUD 6

MUD 10

Vibrating

centrifuge

Dryer

Dryer

(<7%)

[3.85]

11 tons/hr

88 tons/hr

59x54x52

89x74x67

130 45 amp; 440 v; 60

Hz

85 amp; 440 v; 60

Hz

Day Rate for Amoco

Demo of

Mud-10: $1200 (incl.

one FTEc)

Centrifugal

Services, Inc.

(CSI) 

Verti-G30

Verti-G60

Vertical axis

centrifuge

Dryer (2.5-3%)

[3.72]

30 tons/hr

60 tons/hr

87x87x120

87x87x128

800 480v/3 phase, 60

Hz (150 amp

breaker)

75+1/4 hp motors

NA

Apollo Services,

Inc.

Squeeze

Press

Press Dryer [6.71] 9": NA

12": NA

64x9x16

64x12x16

NA NA NA

a

 Information presented in this table was either quoted or derived from information provided in company literature or telephone communications with company representatives.

b

 Not available. c Full-time equivalent.
VII - 53

additional drilling fluid from the waste cuttings before they are discharged, injected, or transported offsite for

disposal.

Variables involved in shale shaker design include screen cloth characteristics, type of motion,

position of screen, and arrangement of multiple screens. The Development Document for the coastal oil

and gas rulemaking provides a general discussion of how these variables are reflected in shale shaker

design.16 The application of these variables distinguishes the three types of shale shakers used with

SBF/OBF drilling fluid systems. In general, the factor that distinguishes primary and secondary solids

separation equipment design is the size of the solids removed by each unit. The primary shale shaker has

screens with the lowest mesh (i.e., the least number of openings per linear inch, giving the largest screen

hole size) to separate the largest cuttings. Secondary and drying shale shakers have finer mesh screens to

remove smaller cuttings and fine particles.

In addition to mesh size, screen shape and orientation vary according to the level of separation

required. Both the shape and orientation of the screen affect the retention time, or the time the process

stream is exposed to the separation unit. A longer retention time on a shale shaker allows for potentially

greater separation of solids from drilling fluid, but also increases the mechanical degradation of the solids. 

Flat screens provide the least surface area and retention time, compared to other designs. Flat screens were

the first design used in drilling operations and continue to be used on primary shale shakers to minimize the

amount of time the largest cuttings are exposed to mechanical degradation. More recent designs feature

corrugated screens that, compared to flat screens, have greater surface area, longer retention times, and

greater capacity.9 Corrugated screens are sometimes used on secondary and drying shale shakers. Screen

orientation also varies as needed, with a “downward” slope for faster conveyance and less retention time,

and an “upward” slope for slower conveyance and more retention time.

EPA observed the operation of primary and secondary shale shakers, with both flat and corrugated

screen designs, at an offshore Gulf of Mexico drilling operation that was using SBF at the time of the site

visit.17 The first, or primary units in the solids control train at this site were four two-tier shale shakers

aligned in parallel. The two tiers of each unit worked in series, with gravity feed of the drilling fluid from

the top tier to the bottom tier. The top tier of these shakers was equipped with screens consisting of four

flat panels. As shown in Figure VII-8, the four top screen panels were tilted at increasing angles toward the

discharge end. The cuttings discarded by the top screens were gravel-like bits and clumps of solid material

on the order of a few millimeters in size, many of which retained the shape imparted by the drill bit. This

shape was cited by the operator as indicative of cuttings generated from an interval of shale drilled with

synthetic or diesel based drilling fluid.17 The downward sloping flat screens also minimized the mechanical
VII - 54

 FIGURE VII-8 

SCHEMATIC SIDE AND FRONT VIEWS OF TWO-TIERED SHALE SHAKERS

degradation of the cuttings on the top tier. The bottom tier of these shakers was equipped with a corrugated

screen that was slightly (less than 3 degrees) sloped upward toward the discharge end. The cuttings

discarded by the lower screens consisted of smaller cuttings and finer mud-like solids.

Three shale shaker manufacturers claim their shale shakers can reduce the amount of SBF or OBF

retained on the cuttings to less than 10% base fluid by weight. EPA’s evaluation of data submitted for this

rulemaking shows the long-term average of SBF retained on cuttings following processing by primary and

secondary shale shakers is 9.32% and 13.8%, respectively (see Section 4.2.3 of this chapter and the

Statistical Analysis Document 23). As was expected because of the smaller particle sizes in the cuttings
VII - 55

waste stream, the retention value for the secondary shale shaker is considerably higher than the primary

shaker. Cost information provided by these companies indicates that the day rate for shale shakers ranges

from $190 to $250, for an average $213 per day, not including installation or labor.

5.3.2 High-G Shale Shaker

The impetus to maximize the amount of valuable OBF and SBF returned to the active drilling

system encouraged the development of “high-G” shale shakers, so named for the higher-than-standard gforce they apply to the shaker screen. The applied g-force in this type of shaker can range from 6 to 8 Gs,

as compared with approximately 2 to 4 Gs for standard shakers.9, 37 High-g shakers are sometimes used to

remove the finest particles from the drilling fluid in order to control viscosity. High-G shakers can also be

used as drying shakers to retrieve drilling fluid from the cuttings waste stream. The greater impact force of

high-G shakers has both positive and negative effects: it promotes greater separation of liquid from the

solids, but also increases the mechanical degradation of the solids. The effects of mechanical degradation

can be counteracted with finer mesh screens. Shale shaker manufacturers differ on the best approach to the

operation of high-G shale shakers. One manufacturer notes its field tests have shown that 4 to 5 Gs is the

optimum force for a drying shale shaker because greater g-forces move the cuttings too quickly over the

screen and increase the drilling fluid retained on the cuttings.9 Another manufacturer claims that high-g

dryers (with g-forces of 8 Gs and greater) may be used as primary shale shakers, secondary shale shakers,

or “high performance” mud cleaners.37

EPA observed a high-G shale shaker at an offshore Gulf of Mexico drilling operation that was using

SBF at the time of the site visit.17 (This was the same site discussed above that also was operating primary

and secondary shale shakers.) The high-G shale shaker was equipped with an upward sloping corrugated

screen, that received approximately one third of the drilling fluid stream from the primary shakers.17 The

function of this shale shaker was to remove fine particles from the synthetic drilling fluid to reduce its

viscosity. The manufacturer’s literature indicates that the maximum g-force attainable by this equipment is

8 G.37 The solids that were discharged from the high-G shaker had a mud-like appearance similar to the

solids discharged from the lower screens of the four parallel shakers, but with even finer particles. 

Information provided by the manufacturer indicated that the unit should process cuttings to an SBF

retention of <10%. EPA’s evaluation of the data supplied by industry demonstrates a retention value of

9.4%, which is consistent with the design and specified performance of the unit.
VII - 56

5.3.3 Centrifuges

Centrifuges are used in solids control systems either in place of or in addition to shale shakers. 

When used as part of a standard solids control system, centrifuges can increase the solids removal efficiency

by 30 to 40 percent.43 Two centrifuge designs currently in use are decanting centrifuges and perforated

rotor centrifuges. The Coastal Oil and Gas Development Document presents a detailed description of these

centrifuge designs.16

In weighted SBF or OBF applications, centrifuges are used to remove fine solids from drilling fluid

discharged by upstream separation equipment, such as a primary or secondary shale shaker. Some

operators avoid this application, however, citing excessive loss of valuable SBF or OBF with the fine

solids.17 A more recent application for large capacity centrifuges is to recover SBF from the larger drill

cuttings. These units are installed in place of the drying shale shaker. Such centrifuges must be large

enough to process all the coarse and smaller cuttings discharged by the primary and secondary shale

shakers. 

Table VII-17 lists centrifuges manufactured by three companies for use as drilling fluid recovery

devices. The first two (decanting) centrifuges listed are manufactured and marketed as a component in a

typical (i.e., baseline) cuttings management treatment train. Such solids control system components were

used to process all the cuttings returning from the well, using primary and secondary centrifuges as

necessary in parallel. The remaining centrifuges listed in Table VII-17 represent a new generation of drilling

fluid recovery devices. 

The “Mud 10” combines design features from both centrifuge and shale shaker, with an internal

rotating cone that also vibrates, thereby achieving the second lowest reported retention of drilling fluid on

cuttings among the devices EPA reviewed. The Mud 10 was developed by a manufacturer serving North

Sea operators, and has a record of demonstrated performance with wells drilled using SBF.22 EPA

observed a demonstration of the Mud 10 drilling fluid recovery device during the site visit to the offshore

SBF drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico.17 Figure VII-9 illustrates the arrangement of the solids control

equipment at this site. The cuttings discharged from the four two-tiered shale shakers dropped off the

screens into a trough located on the floor at the foot of the shakers, in which an auger conveyor rotated. 

The cuttings were conveyed laterally to an opening in the center of the bottom of the trough, and fell from

the opening through a 10-inch pipe to the inlet of the Mud 10 unit located on the deck immediately below

the shale shakers and trough. On the drilling rig, the Mud 10 unit was mounted on a platform, adding two

to three feet to its height.
VII - 57

 FIGURE VII-9

CONFIGURATION OF AMIRANTE SOLIDS CONTROL EQUIPMENT

EPA’s evaluation of data submitted for the rulemaking shows the amount of SBF retained on cuttings

following Mud 10 centrifuge technology is 3.85%. The cost of renting the Mud 10, including one man

dedicated to its operation, was $1,200 per day. 
VII - 58

Unlike the Mud 10 whose internal cone rotates around a horizontal axis, the “Centrifugal Dryer”

features a vertically-oriented screen centrifuge that achieves highest reported g-forces, and the lowest

reported retention values.36 EPA’s evaluation of data submitted by industry for this technology shows that

the amount of retained SBF on cuttings following vertical centrifuge treatment was 3.72% (the best value

reported by EPA).

5.3.4 Squeeze Presses

In addition to shale shakers and centrifuges, squeeze presses have been used to separate adhering

drilling fluid from the bulk cuttings waste stream prior to discharge. Squeeze presses generally operate by

squeezing the cuttings as they are extruded through the unit, producing a drilling fluid stream and a

compressed mass of cuttings. The squeeze press creates brick-like solid chunks of cuttings waste with

entrapped drilling fluid. Squeeze presses are not widely utilized by U.S. drilling operators for recovering

drilling fluid from cuttings. EPA’s evaluation of retention on cuttings data submitted by industry for squeeze

press technology revealed a performance level of 6.71% retained SBF on cuttings, intermediate between

horizontal and vertical centrifuges (3.71% - 3.85%) and primary shale shaker (9.32%)/decanting centrifuge

(9.97%) technologies and, as expected, considerably better than secondary shale shaker (13.8%)/mud

cleaner (11.9%) technology performance.

5.3.5 Fines Control

As discussed in the April 2000 NODA (65 FR 21569), solids control equipment generally breaks

larger particles into smaller particles. An undesirable increase in drilling fluid weight and viscosity can occur

when drill solids degrade into fines that cannot be removed by solids control equipment [i.e., generally

classified as < 5 microns (10-6 meters) in length]. An unacceptable high fines content (i.e., generally > 5%

of total drilling fluid weight) may consequently lead to drilling problems (e.g., undesirable rheological

properties, stuck pipe). Therefore, it is possible that the increased recovery of SBF from cuttings for re-use

in the active mud system, often achieved through use of the cuttings dryer in solids control systems, may

lead to a build-up in fines for certain formation characteristics (e.g., high reactivity of formation cuttings,

limited loss of drilling fluid into the formation). In order to meet EPA’s promulgated numeric cuttings

retention value where there are unfavorable formation characteristics, operators may be limited to: (1)

diluting the fines in the active mud system through the addition of “fresh” SBF; and/or (2) capturing a

portion of the fines in a container and sending the fines to shore for disposal.
VII - 59

EPA requested comments on the issue of fines management in the April 2000 NODA. Comments

from API/NOIA identified only one instance in which the use of a cuttings dryer in combination with a fines

removal unit in the United States may have lead to an increase in “fines build-up” and a loss of circulation

event.71 Further communication with industry identified that this well (Shell, Green Canyon 69, OCS-G13159#3) was the first application of the cuttings dryer type (Mud-10 cuttings dryer) in the Gulf of Mexico

and that fines were not an issue for the well in question.76 Moreover, further industry comments revealed

that the properties of formations are often the main culprit of loss circulation and that the same rig

(Marianas) had a loss of circulation at another nearby well in the same formation (without a cuttings dryer)76

Therefore, based on the record, which includes over three dozen successful cuttings dryer deployments,

EPA concluded that extensive fines build up is not an issue related to the control technology when operators

properly operate and maintain cuttings dryers and fines removal equipment.

5.3.6 Rig Compatibility

EPA requested comments on the issue of rig compatibility with cuttings dryer installation. EPA

received information on the ability of operators to install cuttings dryers (e.g., vertical or horizontal

centrifuges, squeeze press mud recovery units, High-G linear shakers) on existing Gulf of Mexico rigs.77

There are 223 drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and 173 are in operation. Of the 173 Gulf of Mexico in

operation, 28% are not capable of having a cuttings dryer system installed due to either rig space and/or rig

design without prohibitive costs or rig modifications. 

EPA requested comments in the April 2000 NODA on the issue of rig compatibility with the

installation of cuttings dryers (e.g., vertical or horizontal centrifuges, squeeze press mud recovery units,

High-G linear shakers). EPA received general information on the problems and issues related to cuttings

dryer installations from API/NOIA stating that not all rigs are capable of installing cuttings dryers.71, 77 In

late comments, some industry commentors asserted that 48 of the 223 Gulf of Mexico drilling rigs are not

capable of having a cuttings dryer system installed due to either rig space and/or rig design without

prohibitive costs or rig modifications.35 Upon a further, more extensive review of Gulf of Mexico rigs, these

same commentors asserted that 30 of 234 Gulf of Mexico drilling rigs are not capable of having a cuttings

dryer system installed due to either rig space and/or rig design without prohibitive costs or rig

modifications.77 EPA also received late comments from one operator, Unocal, stating that 36 of 122 Unocal

wells drilled between late 1997 and mid-2000 were drilled with rigs that do not have 40 foot x 40 foot space

available which they assert is necessary for a cuttings dryer installation.38 The API/NOIA rig survey and the

Unocal rig survey identified most of the same rigs as unable to install cuttings dryers. However, two rigs

(i.e., Parker 22, Nabors 802) identified in the Unocal rig survey as having no space for a cuttings dryer
VII - 60

installation were identified in the API/NOIA rig survey as having a previous cuttings dryer installation. 

Unocal requested in late comments that EPA subcategorize certain rigs from being subject to the retention

limit or that these rigs be able to discharge SBFs using performance that reflects current shale shaker

technology.39

Based on the record, EPA finds that current space limitations for cuttings dryers do not require a 40

foot x 40 foot space. Specifically, EPA has in the record information gathered during EPA*s October 1999

site visit and information supplied by API/NOIA and equipment vendors. Also, EPA received information

from a drilling fluid manufacturer and cuttings dryer equipment vendor, M-I Drilling Fluids, stating that they

are not aware of any Gulf of Mexico rig not capable of installing a cuttings dryer.86 API/NOIA estimated

that 150 square feet are required for a cuttings dryer installation in order to meet the ROC BAT limitation

and NSPS.57 EPA also estimates that the minimum height clearance for a typical cuttings dryer installation

is 6 feet. The API/NOIA estimate is based on the installation of a horizontal centrifuge cuttings dryer (i.e.,

MUD-6). The Unocal estimate is based on the vertical centrifuge cuttings dryer and is also characterized by

other industry representatives as too high.77 EPA*s estimate of a typical vertical centrifuge installation is 15

feet x 15 feet with a minimum height clearance of 11 feet. EPA based the ROC BAT limitation and NSPS

(e.g., 6.9%) on the use of both these cuttings dryers for SBFs with the stock limitations of C16-C18 IOs. 

Based on comments from operators and equipment vendors, EPA believes that most of these shallow well

rigs have the requisite 160-225 square feet available to install a cuttings dryer (see Table VII-17 for

dimensions). Therefore, EPA finds that operators are not required to have a 1,600 square foot space for a

cuttings dryer installation in order to meet the ROC BAT limitation and NSPS. Proper spacing and

placement of cuttings dryers in the solids control equipment system should prevent installation problems.

Because of the large discrepancy between EPA’s record information and the space requirements

asserted by an industry commenter (1,600 square feet versus EPA’s 225 square feet + 11 feet in height for

the vertical centrifuge or 150 square feet + 6 feet in height for the horizontal centrifuge - MUD-6), EPA

does not necessarily believe that there are as many wells that cannot install cuttings dryers as the commentor

claims. Further, based on scant detail supporting these assertions, and their lateness in the process, EPA has

no basis upon which to assess them or verify them. 

Moreover, EPA does not believe that it has enough information to reasonably subcategorize these

facilities, nor did it have time to provide public notice of how it would define such a subcategory, given the

court-ordered deadline for this rule. EPA does not believe that basing a subcategory by specifying a space

requirement alone (e.g. operators that do not have a certain amount of deck space available on, below or

adjacent to the deck would not be subject to this requirement) would be sufficient to prevent operators from
VII - 61

configuring their other equipment in a manner that would enable them to fit into the subcategory. Such an

exception might also lead to operators to make other assertions justifying that they should be included (e.g.,

that while they have a certain amount of space available, safety reasons prevent placement of the

technology on the rig). Without a solution to these issues, EPA is concerned that such a subcategorization

would potentially be too broad and be unworkable.

For these reasons, EPA believes that the appropriate way to handle these concerns is through the

fundamentally different factors (FDF) variance process. This process, provided for under CWA section

301(n), would allow operators to submit supporting data and information to EPA and would give the public

the opportunity to comment on that data to determine whether an FDF is truly warranted for that drilling

facility. EPA has authority over owners and operators, who are both dischargers, but the NPDES

regulations require the operator to apply for the NPDES permit: “When a facility or activity is owned by one

person but is operated by another person, it is the operator’s duty to obtain a permit,” [see 40 CFR

122.21(b)]. Thus, mobile drill rig “operators” as dischargers can apply for FDFs [see 40 CFR 125.32;

122.21(b)] even when not currently drilling (or discharging).

5.3.7 Small Volume Wastes

EPA has also decided that solids accumulated at the end of the well (“accumulated solids”) and

wash water used to clean out accumulated solids or on the drill floor are associated with drill cuttings and

are therefore not controlled by the zero discharge requirement for SBFs not associated with drill cuttings.

EPA is controlling accumulated solids and wash water under the discharge requirements for cuttings

associated with SBFs. The amount of SBF base fluid discharged with discharged accumulated solids will be

estimated using procedures in Appendix 7 to Subpart A of 40 CFR 435 and incorporated into the base fluid

retained on cuttings numeric limitation or standard. The source of the pollutants in the accumulated solids

and associated wash water are drill cuttings and drilling fluid solids (e.g., barite). The drill cuttings and

drilling fluid solids can be prevented from discharge with SBF-cuttings due to equipment design (e.g., sand

traps, sumps) or improper maintenance of the equipment (e.g., failing to ensure the proper agitation of mud

pits). Discharge of SBF associated with accumulated solids in the SBF active mud system and the

associated wash water is normally a one-time operation performed at the completion of the SBF well (e.g.,

cleaning out mud pits and solids control equipment). 

The quantity of SBF typically discharged with accumulated solids and wash water is relatively

small. The SBF fraction in the 75 barrels of accumulated solids is approximately 25% and generally only

very small quantities of SBF are contained in the 200 to 400 barrels of associated equipment wash water. 
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Current practice is to retain accumulated solids for zero discharge or recover free oil from accumulated

solids prior to discharge. Since current practice is to recover free oil and discharge accumulated solids, the

controlled discharge option for SBF-cuttings represents current practice and is economically achievable. 

Moreover, recovering free oil from accumulated solids prior to discharge has no unacceptable NWQIs. EPA

defines accumulated solids and wash water as associated with drill cuttings. Therefore, operators will

control these SBF-cuttings wastes using the SBF stock limitations and cuttings discharge limitations. As

compliance with EPA’s SBF stock limitations and cuttings discharge limitations does not require the

processing of all SBF-cuttings wastes through the solids control technologies (e.g., shale shakers, cuttings

dryers, fines removal units), operators may or may not elect to process accumulated solids or wash water

through the solids control technologies.

5.4 Land-based Treatment and Disposal

Since the time of the 1993 Offshore Oil and Gas rulemaking, offshore drilling operators continue to

utilize commercial land-based disposal facilities as the predominant means of meeting zero discharge

requirements for OBF drilling waste. In Cook Inlet, operators primarily use injection for waste disposal. An

informal survey of offshore operators showed that 11 of the14 Gulf of Mexico operators in the survey

transport 50% to 100% of their OBF-cuttings to onshore disposal facilities.44 The remainder of the OBFcuttings are injected on site. For SBF-cuttings, the survey indicated that all of the 14 Gulf of Mexico

operators use SBF, with one reporting onshore disposal of all its SBF-cuttings.

For the purpose of estimating costs and environmental impacts associated with transporting and

land-disposing OBF- and SBF-cuttings, EPA reviewed the pertinent information and data compiled in the

Offshore and Coastal Oil and Gas rulemaking efforts, and updated cost and operating information where

available. The following sections present EPA’s most recent findings regarding the transportation, land

treatment and disposal, and land-based subsurface injection of OBF- and SBF-cuttings.

EPA received additional information regarding waste disposal practices in each of the three

geographic areas (e.g., Gulf of Mexico, Offshore California, Cook Inlet, Alaska). As a result of this

information, EPA revised the assumptions for the fraction of waste either injected at the drill site, injected

on-shore or land disposed. Though the percentage of waste injected onsite versus hauled to shore

(20%/80%) in the Gulf of Mexico remains unchanged, the method of onshore disposal has been revised for

the final rule. In the Gulf of Mexico, 80% of the waste hauled to shore is injected onshore and only 20% is

landfarmed.
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EPA estimates that all SBF wastes from Californian deep water exploratory wells are sent onshore

(i.e., 100% onshore disposal/0% onsite injection). For all other wells (i.e., shallow water development and

exploratory and deep water development), EPA estimates that most of the offshore waste is disposed

through offshore onsite cuttings injection (i.e., 20% onshore disposal/80% onsite injection) based on the fact

that most of these wells are being drilled from fixed platforms. EPA estimates that most California offshore

wastes sent onshore are disposed via onshore formation injection (i.e., 20% of offshore wastes sent onshore

disposed via landfarming/80% of offshore wastes sent onshore disposed via onshore injection) based on the

number of California land disposal operations identified in the most recent review of the Industry.

Based on the record for the 1996 Coastal rulemaking, EPA determined that onsite injection was not

feasible throughout Cook Inlet, Alaska (see Coastal Development Document, EPA-821-R-96-023, Section

5.10.3). More recently, however, EPA identified in the April 2000 NODA that the SBF rulemaking record

now demonstrates that many Cook Inlet operators in Coastal waters are using cuttings injection.78, 79, 42

EPA contacted Cook Inlet operators (e.g., Phillips, Unocal, Marathon Oil) and the State regulatory agency,

Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC), for more information on the most recent injection

practices of Cook Inlet operators. AOGCC regulations provide Cook Inlet operators the opportunity to

permit and operate Class II disposal wells and annular disposal activities. Information provided to EPA

indicate that Cook Inlet operators in Coastal waters are availing themselves of onsite cuttings injection and

are receiving AOGCC permits for this activity. Generally, Cook Inlet operators in Coastal waters agree that

onsite injection is available for most operations.

AOGCC also agreed that there should be enough formation injection disposal capacity for the small

number of wells (< 5-10 well per year) being drilled in Cook Inlet Coastal waters. AOGCC stated,

however, that case specific limitations should be considered when evaluating disposal options. For instance,

Unocal has experienced difficulty establishing formation injection in several wells that were initially

considered for annular disposal. In addition, Cook Inlet operators have the burden of proving to AOGCC’s

satisfaction that the waste will be confined to the formation disposal interval. Approval of annular disposal

includes a review of cementing and leak-off test records. In some instances the operator may also have to

run a cement bond log. When an older well is converted for use as a disposal well, some of this information

may not exist. In cases where there is insufficient information, disposal is not allowed. Annular disposal is

also limited to the platform on which the waste is generated. Although Class II disposal regulations don’t

restrict waste transport, it has generally been the practice of the various fields’ owners not to accept any

waste generated by other operators. In addition, AOGCC stated that a zero discharge requirement poses

serious technical hurdles with respect to the handling of drilling waste for exploration drilling with mobile

rigs. Normally, there is neither capacity for storage or room for processing equipment on exploratory drilling
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rigs. Therefore, for the NWQI analysis, EPA estimates that all of the cuttings from the Coastal Cook Inlet

operations (i.e., shallow water wells) are injected (i.e., 0% onshore disposal/100% on-site injection) based

on the ability of industry to dispose of oil-based cuttings via onsite formation injection or annular disposal

after gaining State regulatory approval.

In order to assess the SBF NWQIs relative to the total impacts from drilling operations, EPA

included estimates of the daily drilling rig impacts to the NWQIs from SBF-related activities. The additional

impacts consist of fuel use and air emissions resulting from the various drilling rig pumps and motors as well

as impacts of a daily helicopter trip for transporting personnel and/or supplies. Impacts were assessed for

the number of days that an SBF interval is drilled versus the number of days well intervals are drilled using

WBFs and OBFs and for the number of wells drilled using each of the drilling fluids (see Chapter IV of this

document).

5.4.1 Transportation to Land-Based Facilities

Drill cuttings earmarked for land disposal are first placed in cuttings boxes and transported from

offshore platforms to coastal ports or transfer locations by ocean-going supply boat. Cuttings boxes in the

Gulf of Mexico and California are reusable containers available in 15- and 25-barrel sizes, with footprints

ranging from 20 to 40 square feet.45, 46, 47 EPA used the 25-barrel box for its estimates in the Offshore Oil

and Gas rulemaking, and updated the current per-box rental rate to $25 per day44, 46 for the proposed SBF

rulemaking. Cuttings boxes that may be used by operators in Cook Inlet, Alaska are single-use lined

wooden crates measuring 4 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet, with an average eight-barrel capacity and a 1995 purchase

price of $125 per box.16

Standard sizes for supply boats that service offshore platforms were reported to be 180 and 220

feet in length, with an estimated deck capacity of 80 or more 25-barrel cuttings boxes.47, 48 Supply boat

rental rates were recently quoted to range from $7,800 to $9,000 per day, with an industry-wide average of

$8,500 per day.47, 48

Information supporting the Offshore Oil and Gas rulemaking stated that a regularly scheduled

supply boat visits a drilling rig approximately every four days.45 This source further estimated that regularly

scheduled supply boats would pick up twelve 25-barrel cuttings boxes per trip because that number equals

the average drilling rig capacity for storing cuttings boxes. The same source document provided additional

supply boat information, including average speed (11.5 miles per hour), and the average distance between

the port and drilling rig for Gulf of Mexico and offshore California (100 miles in both areas), with additional
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distance estimates between the rig, coastal transfer stations, and port in the Gulf of Mexico (117 miles and

60 miles, respectively). One disposal company owns a number of coastal transfer stations in the Gulf of

Mexico where cuttings are moved from operator supply boats to disposal company barges that take the

cuttings to port.44, 49, 50 Chapters VIII and IX present the source data and detailed methodology EPA used

to apply these estimates in compliance cost and other pertinent analyses.

Gulf of Mexico and California drill cuttings are transferred to trucks at the port and hauled to the

land disposal site. Truck capacities were obtained from both dated and new sources. Trucks serving the

Gulf of Mexico have a capacity of 5,000 gallons (119 barrels), according to the same source document that

provided supply boat information for the Offshore Oil and Gas rulemaking.45 Truck information for

offshore California was updated to a capacity of two 25-barrel cuttings boxes.51 Estimated trucking

distances also vary between geographic areas, as follows: 20 miles round trip between port and disposal

facility in the Gulf of Mexico and 300 miles round trip between port and disposal facility in California

(estimated mileage between Ventura and Bakersfield). Trucking costs were estimated for California, but not

for the Gulf of Mexico where trucking is included in the cost imposed by the disposal facility (see section

VII.5.4.2 below). The trucking rate for California was estimated to be $65 per hour.53 Chapters VIII and

IX present the application of these data in the compliance cost and other pertinent analyses.

5.4.2 Land Treatment and Disposal

Centralized commercial land treatment and disposal facilities are generally owned by independent

companies. These facilities receive drilling wastes in vacuum trucks, dump trucks, cuttings boxes, or

barges, from both onshore and offshore drilling operations. Most of these facilities employ a landfarming

technique whereby the wastes are spread over small areas and are allowed to biodegrade until they become

clay-like substances that can be stockpiled outside of the landfarming area. Another common practice at

centralized commercial facilities is the processing of drilling waste into a reusable construction material. 

This process consists of dewatering the drilling waste and mixing the solids with binding and solidification

agents. The oil and metals are stabilized within the solids matrix and cannot leach from the solids. The

resulting solids are then used as daily cover at a Class I municipal landfill. Other potential uses for the

stabilized material include use as a base for road construction and levee maintenance.54 The Development

Document for the Coastal Oil and Gas rulemaking presents a stepwise description of the treatment and

disposal processes employed by a commercial facility located in southeast Louisiana.16

EPA determined that existing land disposal facilities in the areas accessible to the Gulf of Mexico

offshore and coastal oil and gas subcategories have 5.5 million barrels annual capacity available for oil and
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gas field wastes.10 This is more than sufficient capacity to manage the nearly 225 thousand barrels per year

of drilling waste that EPA estimates would go to land-based disposal facilities in the Gulf of Mexico region

under the zero discharge option discussed in Chapters VIII and IX. Land disposal facilities accessible to

California oil and gas operations in the offshore and coastal subcategories are estimated to have 19.4 million

barrels annual capacity.10 The zero discharge option presented in later chapters includes no additional

drilling wastes, above that currently accounted for, going to land-based disposal facilities in California and

Alaska.

EPA updated current disposal facility costs for the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California. In the

Gulf of Mexico, current disposal prices range from $9.50 per barrel55 to $10.75 per barrel56 to dispose of

OBF-cuttings. If the drilling operator offloads the waste at a coastal transfer station, the facility charges an

additional $4.75 per barrel for the offloading and transportation of the waste to the facility.55 For California,

EPA calculated a baseline unit disposal cost of $12.53 per barrel plus a handling cost of $5.89 per barrel. 

Handling costs were not included in the disposal cost provided for California. As an estimate, EPA used

Gulf of Mexico data and pro rata calculated California handling costs based on the percentage of Gulf of

Mexico-per-barrel costs relative to per barrel disposal costs (47%). EPA’s per barrel disposal cost for

California was cost based on a price of $35 per ton for a disposal facility located near Bakersfield51, and the

calculated density of 716 lbs/bbl for cuttings with 10.2% by weight adhering SBF/OBF (see Table VII-4). A

BAT/NSPS Option 2 per barrel disposal cost of $12.41, and a handling cost of $5.83 per barrel were

derived using the same assumptions as for the baseline case except a density of 709 lb/bbl cuttings with a

10.7% SBF/OBF retention. Disposal costs for WBF in the Gulf of Mexico, because they are based on a per

barrel basis, are the same as for SBF/OBF. In California, WBF disposal costs were estimated at $8.41 per

barrel based on a wet cuttings density of 566 lbs/bbl (543 lbs/bbl cuttings plus 5%, or 2.1 gal/bbl, adherent

WBF at 11 lbs/gal); the handling charge was estimated to be $3.95 per barrel.

5.4.3 Land-Based Subsurface Injection

In addition to land treatment and disposal, land-based disposal facilities use subsurface injection as a

means of disposing drilling wastes, including both drilling fluids and drill cuttings. One of the two major

commercial oilfield waste disposal companies serving the Gulf of Mexico industry currently operates three

injection disposal sites in Texas: Port Arthur, Big Hill (30 miles from Port Arthur), and one in West Texas.50

These three facilities collectively operate 15 injection wells with an estimated one billion barrel total

capacity. This company specializes in the use of depleted salt domes, or limestones associated with other

domes, which allow easy pumping into the dome for disposal. These sites were located by reviewing drilling

records to see where extensive lost circulation problems occurred, indicating a void. The company states
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that its use of existing underground domes is primarily responsible for the large quantities of oilfield wastes it

has disposed. For example, 15 million barrels of petroleum wastes have been disposed in the Big Hill site

since 1993. This company is working toward expanding its injection disposal sites into Louisiana and

Mississippi.

The unit cost for commercial injection of OBF drilling waste at these Gulf of Mexico locations is

comparable to that of land treatment: $9.50 per barrel for waste containing greater than 10% oil and

grease.50 An additional $3.50 per barrel covers ancillary waste handling and transport conducted by the

disposal company.

5.5 Onsite Subsurface Injection

The interest in and use of onsite injection to dispose of drilling wastes at offshore platforms has

increased since the Offshore Oil and Gas rulemaking in 1993, and has become more available since the

1996 coastal oil and gas rulemaking. At that time, subsurface injection was generally limited to disposal of

produced water, with drilling waste injection still in the early stages of development.10 Since then, interest

in injection as an alternative to hauling drilling wastes to landfills has created a market supported by a

growing number of commercial injection service companies. However, the extent to which offshore drilling

operations currently use onsite injection is difficult to estimate from available information. An informal

survey of fourteen Gulf of Mexico drilling operators and four commercial onsite injection companies

provided varied responses regarding this issue.44 Of the fourteen Gulf of Mexico operators, four reported

using onsite injection to dispose of a portion of their OBF-cuttings. The proportion of OBF-cuttings

disposed by injection as reported by the four operators ranged from 5% to 50%, the remainder of which

was hauled to land-based disposal facilities. In addition, four commercial onsite injection companies

reported a total of 66 injection jobs occurring at offshore Gulf of Mexico sites in the past year. When the

survey author compared an estimated 100 offshore Gulf of Mexico wells drilled with OBF annually with the

reported numbers of onsite injection jobs, the comparison suggested that nearly two-thirds of OBF wells are

disposing of drill cuttings by onsite injection.44 However, as noted by the survey author, the commercial

injection companies also provided estimates of industry-wide use of injection for OBF-cuttings disposal

ranging from 10% to 20%. Given these contrasting estimates, EPA estimates that 20% of the waste is

injected offshore and 80% of the waste is land disposed in the Gulf of Mexico.

The survey of drilling operators also provided information about injection of OBF-cuttings in areas

other than the Gulf of Mexico.44 In California, two out of the five surveyed operators use OBF, and both

haul OBF-cuttings to shore. One of these operators attempted injection unsuccessfully, indicating that there
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is an interest in this technology among offshore California operators. In Cook Inlet, Alaska, all of the three

operators contacted in the survey stated they inject 100% of their OBF-cuttings. Information concerning

one commercial injection operation in Cook Inlet concerned the amount of cuttings injected through one

well. Approximately 50,000 barrels of cuttings from four newly drilled wells were successfully injected

through the annulus of a single well. 58 The North Slope area of Alaska was the first active drilling area to

engage in large-scale grinding and injection programs,10, 16 and continues to lead the industry in this regard. 

The survey contacted the only operator actively drilling in the offshore waters of northern Alaska, who

reported a volume of 105,000 barrels of drilling waste injected annually.44 This operator injects all of its

waste WBF, WBF-cuttings and OBF-cuttings into a dedicated injection well.

Onsite injection differs from commercial land-based injection because its success depends on the

availability of viable receiving formations and confining zones located at the drill site, whereas commercial

facilities are located at large-capacity receiving formations. In onsite disposal projects, drilling wastes may

be injected into either the annulus of the well being drilled or a dedicated disposal well. One source

estimates that approximately half of the offshore injection jobs utilize annular injection down the well being

drilled while the other half uses other wells on the same platform for disposal. 58 The critical parameters that

affect the performance of any grinding and injection system are: drilled solids particle size, the injectable

fluid density and viscosity, percent solids in the injectable fluid, injection pressure, and the characteristics of

the receiving formation. These parameters and their effect on the design of the grinding and injection

system are discussed in detail in the Development Document for the Coastal Oil and Gas rulemaking.16

EPA contacted two of the commercial injection companies that serve the offshore Gulf of Mexico

drilling industry for current information regarding the equipment, processes, and prices for onsite injection of

drilling wastes. Both companies use a licensed process originally developed by ARCO, that includes

grinding, slurrification, and pumping the cuttings slurry downhole.58, 59 As an example, one of the

companies uses two basic equipment sets to grind and inject cuttings: the viscosifier system and the

slurrification skid.58 The viscosifier system picks up cuttings coming off the rig shale shaker using an auger

or vacuum system, and puts them in a tank where the viscosity is adjusted to put the cuttings into

suspension for pumping. For OBF, the cuttings are suspended in a polymer. Water, mineral oil, and other

material can be used to adjust the viscosity. A grinding or “shredding” pump is used to reduce particle size

to 100 microns. From the viscosifier, a centrifugal pump sends the slurry to the slurrification skid. There, a

tank maintains the slurry and provides suction to a high pressure injection pump. This company reports that

it usually achieves a disposal rate at Gulf of Mexico sites of 2 to 3 barrels per minute.58
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Costs associated with onsite injection have been provided in two forms: as daily rental rates and as

unit costs per barrel of cuttings disposed. The daily rates, generally representing the equipment and labor

associated with the injection system, are similar between the three reporting companies, including quotes of

$2,000 per day,44 $2,500 per day,58 and $2,500-$3,000 per day.60 One of these companies provided costs

for additional equipment, specifically $250 per day for an auger or $1,200-$1,300 per day for a vacuum

system to transport the cuttings from the rig shale shaker to the injection system, plus additional labor at

$28-$30 per hour to operate the vacuum system.60 Quotes of unit costs per barrel of cuttings disposed vary

widely between sources, from a low of $3 per barrel to a high of $20 per barrel. 44 The costs of onsite

injection are dependent on many variables, including hole size (wherein a larger hole might require additional

labor at the start),58 the type of cuttings transfer equipment selected, and whether any downhole problems

are encountered that might cause delays or changes to the disposal program. It is the issue of unforeseeable

downhole problems that concerns drilling operators, who have noted that any savings realized through onsite

injection are sensitive to the ability to inject.61

5.6 SBF Discharges Not Associated with Cuttings

In the February 1999 proposal, EPA proposed BPT, BCT, BAT, and NSPS as zero discharge for

SBFs not associated with drill cuttings. In the April 2000 NODA, EPA published two options for the final

rule for the BAT limitation and NSPS for controlling SBFs not associated with SBF drill cuttings: (1) zero

discharge; or (2) allowing operators to choose either zero discharge or an alternative set of BMPs with an

accompanying compliance method. Industry supported the second option stating that the first option (zero

discharge) would result in the costly and potentially dangerous collection, shipping, and disposal of large

quantities of rig site wash water containing only a small quantity of SBF.57 Industry also stated that BMPs

would be extremely effective at reducing the quantity of non-cuttings related SBF and would focus

operators’ attention on reducing these discharges.

EPA is promulgating BPT, BCT, BAT, and NSPS of zero discharge for SBFs not associated with

drill cuttings. This waste stream consists of neat SBFs that are intended for use in the downhole drilling

operations (e.g., drill bit lubrication and cooling, hole stability). This waste stream is transferred from

supply boats to the drilling rig and can be released during these transfer operations. This waste stream is

often spilled on the drill deck but contained through grated troughs, vacuums, or squeegee systems. This

waste stream is also held in numerous tanks during all phases of the drilling operation (e.g., trip tanks,

storage tanks). EPA received information that rare occurrences of improper SBF transfer procedures (e.g.,

no bunkering procedures in place for rig loading manifolds) and improper operation of active mud system

equipment (e.g., no lock-out, tag-out procedures in place for mud pit dump valves) has the potential for the
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discharge of tens to hundreds of barrels of neat SBF, or SBF not associated with cuttings, if containment is

not practiced.41

Current practice for control of SBF not associated with drill cuttings is zero discharge (e.g., drill

deck containment, bunkering procedures), primarily due to the value of SBFs recovered and reused. 

Therefore, zero discharge for SBF not associated with drill cuttings is technologically available and

economically achievable. Moreover, these controls generally allow the re-use of SBF in the drilling

operation and has no unacceptable NWQIs.

EPA has also decided that solids accumulated at the end of the well (“accumulated solids”) and

wash water used to clean out accumulated solids or on the drill floor are associated with drill cuttings and

are therefore not controlled by the zero discharge requirement for SBFs not associated with drill cuttings

(see Section 5.3.7 of this Chapter).

5.7 Additional Control Methodologies Considered

As part of the Offshore Oil and Gas rulemaking, EPA investigated four different thermal distillation

and oxidation processes for the removal of oil from drilling wastes (53 FR 41375, October 21, 1998). The

details of EPA’s findings are presented in the Development Document for the Offshore Oil and Gas

rulemaking.10 Although these technologies appeared to be capable of reducing the oil content in oil-based

drilling wastes, EPA rejected them from further consideration because of difficulties associated with the

placement of such equipment at offshore drilling sites, operation of the equipment, intermediate handling of

raw wastes to be processed, and handling of processed wastes and by-products streams.

EPA notes that interest in thermal distillation technologies persists among onshore commercial

disposal companies as a means of treating drilling waste and recovering valuable SBF and OBF for

reconditioning and reuse.36, 40 EPA did not base BAT limitations or NSPS on this technology because its

application is at land-based rather than offshore facilities and therefore would result in far greater non-water

quality environmental impacts than the technologies EPA selected as a basis for BAT/NSPS.

6. REFERENCES

1. American Petroleum Institute, responses to EPA’s “Technical Questions for Oil and Gas

Exploration and Production Industry Representatives,” attached to E-mail from M. Parker, Exxon

Company, U.S.A., to J. Daly, EPA. 8/7/98.
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2. Candler, J.E., S. Hoskin, M. Churan, C.W. Lai and M. Freeman. “Sea-floor Monitoring for

Synthetic-Based Mud Discharged in the Western Gulf of Mexico,” SPE 29694 Society of

Petroleum Engineers Inc., March 1977.

3. Daan, R., K. Booij, M. Mulder, and E. Van Weerlee, “Environmental Effects of a Discharge of

Cuttings Contaminated with Ester-Based Drilling Muds in the North Sea,” Environmental

Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 15, No. 10, pp. 1709-1722. 4/9/96.

4. Smith, J. and S.J. May, “Ula Wellsite 7/12-9 Environmental Survey 1991,” a report to SINTEF SI

from the Field Studies Council Research Centre, November 1991.

5. The Pechan-Avanti Group, Worksheet regarding “Calculation of Model SBF Drilling Fluid

Formulation.” 10/26/98.

6. Baker-Hughes Inteq, Product information sheet featuring “Typical Formulation, 14.0 lb/gal / 70/30

SWR,” 1995.

7. Friedheim, J. E., and H.L. Conn, “Second Generation Synthetic Fluids in the North Sea: Are They

Better?” IADC/SPE 35061, 1996.

8. Baker-Hughes Inteq, Product Bulletin for “ISO-TEQTM,” 1994.

9. Brandt/EPI, “The Handbook on Solids Control and Waste Management,” 4th edition, 1996.

10. EPA. 1993. Development Document for Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source

Performance Standards for the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source

Category, Final, EPA 821-R-93-003, January 1993. (Record I.A.a.1)

11. The Pechan-Avanti Group, Worksheet regarding “Calculation of Organics in Waste Cuttings Due to

Crude Contamination.” 1/20/99.

12. SAIC, Worksheet regarding “Calculations for Average Density of Dry Solids in Cook Inlet Drilling

Mud.” 6/6/94.

13. Baker-Hughes Inteq, Material Safety Data Sheet for “MIL-BAR” (Barite). 3/21/94.

14. Baker-Hughes Inteq, Case history information featuring synthetic-based drilling fluid properties,

1995.

15. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “Contamination of Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluid (SBF)

with Crude Oil.” 1/14/99.

16. EPA. 1996. Development Document for Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for

the Coastal Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category, EPA 821-R-96-023,

October 1996. (Record No. I.A.a.2)

17. The Pechan-Avanti Group, “Demonstration of the ‘Mud 10’ Drilling Fluid Recovery Device at the

Amoco Marlin Deepwater Drill Site.” 8/7/98.

18. Annis, M.R., “Retention of Synthetic-Based Drilling Material on Cuttings Discharged to the Gulf Of

Mexico,” prepared for the American Petroleum Institute (API) ad hoc Retention on Cuttings Work

Group under the API Production Effluent Guidelines Task Force. 8/29/97.
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19. White, C.E., and H.D. Kahn, EPA, Statistics Analysis Section, Memorandum to J. Daly, EPA,

Energy Branch, regarding “Current Performance, when using Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids, for

Primary Shakers, Secondary Shakers, and Vibrating Centrifuge and Model Limits for Percent

Retention of Base Fluids on Cuttings for Secondary Shakers and Vibrating Centrifuge,” 1/29/99.

20. McIntyre, J., Avanti Corporation, Memorandum to Joseph Daly, EPA, regarding “Summary of

December 2 Meeting with D. Wood, Mud Recovery Systems.” 12/15/97.

21. Annis, M.R., “Procedures for Sampling and Testing Cuttings Discharged While Drilling with

Synthetic-Based Muds,” prepared for the American Petroleum Institute (API) ad hoc Retention on

Cuttings Work Group under the API Production Effluent Guidelines Task Force. 8/19/98.

22. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “Data Showing the Performance of the Mud 10 with North

Sea Oil Wells,” 1/14/99.

23. EPA. 2000. Statistical Analyses Supporting Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards

for Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids and other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and Gas

Extraction Point Source Category. EPA-821-B-00-015. (Record No. IV.C.a.3) 

24. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “Cost of Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids (SBF),” 1/15/99.

25. Still, I. and J. Candler, “Benthic Toxicity Testing of Oil-Based and Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids,”

Eighth International Symposium on Toxicity Assessment, Perth, Western Australia, May 25-30,

1997.

26. EPA, “EPA Method 1654A: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon Content of Oil by High

Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector” in Methods for the

Determination of Diesel, Mineral, and Crude Oils in Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Discharges,

EPA-821-R-92-008, December 1992.

27. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “Meeting with Oil and Gas Industry Representatives

Regarding Synthetic Drilling Fluids,” July 2, 1996, with two attachments: 1) Information package

entitled “Enhanced Mineral Oils (EMO) for Drilling,” presented by Exxon Co., U.S.A Marketing,

D.F. Jacques, Ph. D., 6/25/96, and 2) Letter from M.E. Parker, P.E., Exxon Company U.S.A., to

M.B. Rubin, EPA, 9/17/96.

28. Hood, C.A., Baker-Hughes Inteq, Letter to J. Daly, EPA, with unpublished sediment toxicity data

from Baker-Hughes Inteq, 7/9/97.

29. Candler, J., R. Herbert and A.J.J. Leuterman, “Effectiveness of a 10-day ASTM Amphipod

Sediment Test to Screen Drilling Mud Base Fluids for Benthic Toxicity,” SPE 37890, Society of

Petroleum Engineers Inc., March 1997.

30. American Petroleum Institute, Information package regarding “Data Tables for the Conference Call

for Review of 2nd Round of Range-Finders,” API Drilling Mud Issue Work Group ad hoc SBM

Sediment Toxicity Protocol Development Work Group. 9/11/98.

31. American Petroleum Institute, Information package regarding “Conference Call for Review of 3rd

Round of Range-Finders,” API Drilling Mud Issue Work Group ad hoc SBM Sediment Toxicity

Protocol Development Work Group. 12/11/98.
VII - 73

32. Vik, E.A., S. Dempsey and B. Nesgard, “Evaluation of Available Test Results from Environmental

Studies of Synthetic Based Drilling Muds,” OLF Project Acceptance Criteria for Drilling Fluids,

Aquateam Report No. 96-010. 7/29/96.

33. Munro, P.D., C.F. Moffet, L. Couper, N.A. Brown, B. Croce, and R.M. Stagg, “Degradation of

Synthetic Mud Base Fluids in a Solid-Phase Test System,” the Scottish Office of Agriculture and

Fisheries Department, Fisheries Research Services Report No. 1/97, January 1997.

34. EPA. 1999. Environmental Assessment of Proposed Effluent Limitations Guidelines and

Standards for Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids and Other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and

Gas Extraction Point Source Category, EPA-821-B-98-019, February 1999.

35. Angelle, R. and P. Scott. 2000. Rig Survey Related to Installation Cost and Operational Costs of

“Cuttings Dryers” to Reduce the Retention of Synthetic Based Mud on Cuttings Discharge. (Record

No. IV.B.b.33)

36. McIntyre, J., Avanti Corporation, Telephone Communication Report on conversation with P.

Matthews, Newpark Drilling Fluids, regarding “‘Centrifugal Dryer’ for Drill Cuttings,” May 29,

1998.

37. Derrick Equipment Company, Product brochure entitled “Derrick HI-GTM Dryer with Optional

Hydrocyclone Packages,” October 1997.

38. O’Donnell, K., Unocal. 2000. Letter to M. Rubin, EPA transmitting additional information. 

10/26/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.31)

39. Ressler, J., Unocal, Email to M. Rubin, EPA. 10/27/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.36)

40. McIntyre, J., Avanti Corporation, Telephone Communication Report on conversations with P.

Hanson (on April 20, 1998), and George Murphy (on April 24, 1998) of SWACO, regarding

“Questions regarding SWACO solids control equipment,” with attached product brochures.

41. McIntyre, J., Avanti Corporation, Telephone Communication Report on conversation with Bryan

Murry, Broadbent, Inc., regarding “Questions regarding Broadbent solids control equipment,” with

attached product brochure. 4/15/98.

42. Mud Recovery Systems, Ltd., Product brochure entitled “M.U.D. 10 and M.U.D. 6 Mud Recovery

and Cuttings Cleaning System,” undated.

43. Walters, H., “Dewatering of Drilling Fluids,” in Petroleum Engineer International, February 1991.

44. Veil, J.A., Argonne National Laboratory, Washington, D.C., “Data Summary of Offshore Drilling

Waste Disposal Practices,” prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Engineering

and Analysis Division, and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, November

1998.

45. Carriere, J. and E. Lee, Walk, Haydel and Associates, Inc., “Water-Based Drilling Fluids and

Cuttings Disposal Study Update,” Offshore Effluent Guidelines Comments Research Fund

Administered by Liskow and Lewis, January 1989.
VII - 74

46. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with

personnel at Frances Torque Service, regarding “Cuttings box rental costs (Gulf of Mexico area).” 

6/4/98.

47. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with J.

Belsome, Seabulk Offshore Ltd., regarding “Offshore supply boat costs and specifications.” 6/3/98.

48. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with George

Bano, Sea Mar Management, regarding “Offshore supply boat costs and specifications.” 6/3/98.

49. EPA, “Trip Report to Campbell Wells Land Treatment, Bourg, Louisiana, March 12, 1992.”

5/29/92.

50. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with Frank

Lyon, Newpark Environmental, regarding “Drilling Waste Zero Discharge Disposal Costs.”

5//19/98.

51. McIntyre, J., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with Darron

Stankey, McKittrick Solid Waste Disposal Facility, regarding “California Prices for Land Disposal

of Drilling Wastes.” 10/16/98.

52. Candler, J., M-I. Email to C. Johnston, EPA concerning ability of service companies to place

cuttings dryers on rigs. 11/10/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.32)

53. Montgomery, R., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunication Report on conversation with

Shane Morgan, Ecology Control Incorporated, regarding “costs associated with land and water

transport of drill cuttings and drilling fluids for offshore oil platforms operating off the California

coast.” 5/9/98.

54. Weideman, A., EPA, “Trip Report to Alaska Cook Inlet and North Slope Oil and Gas Facilities,

August 25-29, 1993.” 8/31/94.

55. Newpark Environmental Services, Facsimile of Price List, Effective May 1, 1998, from L.L.

Denman to K. Kennedy. 5/26/98.

56. U.S. Liquids of Louisiana, Facsimile of Price List, from “Betty” to J. McIntyre. 5/26/98.

57. Moran, R., National Ocean Industries Association, Re: National Ocean Industries Association,

American Petroleum Institute, Offshore Operators Committee, and Petroleum Equipment Suppliers

Association Comments on “Effluent Limitations Guidelines for Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source

Category,” Proposed Rule 65 FR 21548 (April 21, 2000). 6/20/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.13)

58. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with T.

Franklin, Apollo Services, regarding “Apollo Services drilling waste zero discharge practices and

cost.” 5/19/98.

59. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with Nubon

Guidry, National Injection Services, regarding “Zero discharge practices for OBM and SBM.” 

4/29/98.
VII - 75

60. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with Gene

Kraemer, National Injection Services, regarding “Zero discharge costs and space requirements:

Onsite injection.” 5/19/98.

61. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “October 13, 1998 Teleconference Regarding SBF Use,”

10/20/98

62. Henry, L., Chevron. Memorandum to C.A. Johnston, EPA. Response to EPA Request for

Additional Input Parameter for EPA Modeling. 9/11/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.9)

63. Avanti Corporation. 2000. Memorandum to B. Vanatta, ERG, Engineering Review of SBF

Retention-on-Cuttings Data. 12/12/00. (Record No. IV.C.a.2)

64. Van Slyke, Don, Unocal. Unocal Comments; Effluent Limitations Guidelines for the Oil and Gas

Extraction Point Source Category; Proposed Ruling (40 CFR 435). 6/9/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.3)

65. Xiao, L. and C. Piatti, Biodegradable Invert Oil Emulsion Drilling Fluids for Offshore Operations: A

Comprehensive Laboratory Evaluation and Comparison, SPE 29941, 1995. (Record No.

IV.A.a.13)

66. Young, S, Anchor Drilling Fluids, Life After Oil Based Muds? - The Technical and Environmental

Benefits of “Pseudo-Oil Based Muds,” 1994. (Record No. IV.A.a.13)

67. Patel, A.D., J.M. Wilson, B.W. Loughridge, Impact of Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids on Oilwell

Cementing Operations, SPE 50726, 1999. (Record No. IV.A.a.13)

68. Friedheim, J.E. and R.M. Pantermuehl, M-I Drilling Fluids, Superior Performance with Minimal

Environmental Impact: A Novel Nonaqueous Drilling Fluid, SPE/IADC 25753, 1993. (Record No.

IV.A.a.13)

69. Friedheim, J.E. and H.L. Conn, M-I Drilling Fluids, Second Generation Synthetic Fluids in the

North Sea: Are They Better? SPE 35061, 1995. (Record No. IV.A.a.13)

70. Hall, John, Baroid Drilling Fluids, Re: Effluent Limitations Guidelines for the Oil and Gas Extraction

Point Source Category; Proposed Rule 40 CFR Part 435 April 21, 2000. 6/19/00. (Record No.

IV.A.a.7)

71. Avanti Corporation. 2000. WBF Failure Rate Ancillary Cost Analysis. 12/27/00. (Record No.

IV.C.b.3)

72. Candler, J.E., S.P. Rabke, A.J.J. Leuterman, Predicting the Potential Impact of Synthetic-Based

Muds with the Use of Biodegradation Studies, SPE 52742, 1999. (Record No. IV.A.a.13)

73. Steber, J., C.-P. Ilerold and J.M. Limia. 1995. Comparative Evaluation of Anaerobic

Biodegradability of Hydrocarbons and Fatty Derivatives Currently Used as Drilling Fluids. 

Chemosphere, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 3105-3118. (Record No.I.D.b.26)

74. Neff, J.M., S. McKelvie and R.C. Ayers. 2000. A Literature Review of Environmental Impacts of

Synthetic Based Drilling Fluids, Draft. Report to USDOI, MMS. 4/27/00. (Record No. IV.F.1)

75. Candler, J., M-I Drilling Fluids. Email to C.A. Johnston RE: unit costs for various muds. 10/23/00. 

(Record IV.B.a.13)
VII - 76

76. Meeting Summary Notes from July 20, 2000 SBF Stakeholders Meeting, Washington, DC. July

20,2000 meeting notes - (Record No. IV.A.b.1).

77. Angelle, R. and P. Scott. 2000. Rig Survey Update Focusing on the Number of Rigs/Platforms

Where Cuttings Dryers Could Not be Installed. Prepared by the Technology Assessment

Workgroup of Synthetic Based Mud Research Consortium (API and NOIA) in Conjunction with

Cuttings Dryer Equipment Vendor Representatives. 11/9/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.34).

78. Carter, M.W., Phillips Petroleum. 2000. Responses to questions concerning SBF usage in Cook

Inlet. (Record No. III.B.a.11)

79. Johnston, C.A., EPA. 2000. Memorandum to File regarding January 19, 2000 Telephone

Conversation with Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC), with attached AOGCC

regulations. 1/20/00. (Record No. III.B.a.23)

80. Sullivan, F., Unocal. Email to C. Johnston, EPA, SBF Usage in CI - Reply. 1/28/00. (Record No.

III.B.a.53)

81. (Docket No. W-98-26, Record No. IV.A.a.26, QTECH LTD Reports for Ocean America and

Discoverer 534).
VIII - 1

CHAPTER VIII

COMPLIANCE COST AND POLLUTANT REDUCTION

DETERMINATION OF DRILLING FLUIDS AND DRILL CUTTINGS

1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the cost, pollutant loadings, and effluent reductions (removals) analyses for

the final rule. These analyses include the incremental costs or cost savings and incremental pollutant

removals or increases that accrue from the technology-based options considered for the control of SBF drill

cuttings. Incremental compliance costs or savings, beyond current industry practices and NPDES permit

requirements, were developed for three control options for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and

coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska. Although there currently is no drilling activity in other parts of the United States

(e.g., offshore Alaska, offshore East Coast), EPA believes that the costs/savings and effluent

loadings/removals for any such projects would be comparable to those presented here.

2. OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND SUMMARY COSTS

Three main technology-based options were considered for control and treatment of SBF drill

cuttings for this rule. These options are:

C BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Controlled Discharge Option): (1) Limitations on stock synthetic

base fluid (PAH content, biodegradation rate, and sediment toxicity); (2) limitations on

discharged SBF-cuttings (no free oil, formation oil contamination, sediment toxicity,

aqueous toxicity, and retention of SBF on cuttings) based on discharges from cuttings dryer

units and fines removal units; (3) limitations on Hg and Cd in stock barite; and (4)

prohibition of diesel oil discharge.
VIII - 2

C BAT/NSPS Option 2 (Controlled Discharge Option): Same as BAT/NSPS Option 1 except

the retention of SBF on cuttings is based solely on the discharge from the cuttings dryer

units, and does not include an allowance for the discharge of the fines removal units.

C BAT/NSPS Option 3 (Zero Discharge Option): Zero discharge of SBF-cuttings for all

areas.

Table VIII-1 presents annual technology costs and pollutant loadings calculated for each option, for

both existing and new sources. These technology (and monitoring) costs and pollutant loadings are

estimated based on the installation, operation, and maintenance of control technology and monitoring along

with the number of wells drilled annually. To determine the incremental compliance cost for each, both

costs and savings and pollutant increases and removals are estimated by considering: (1) projected annual

drilling activity in the three geographic regions; (2) model well volumes and waste characteristics; (3)

technology and monitoring costs; and (4) reductions in drilling days and recovery of SBFs. The derivation

of the costs/savings and pollutant increases/removals is described in the remainder of this chapter.

3. COMPLIANCE COST METHODOLOGY

The costs considered as part of the compliance cost analysis are those that will be affected by this

rule. This includes costs associated with the technologies used to control and manage drill cuttings

contaminated with SBF and OBF (hereafter referred to as SBF-cuttings and OBF-cuttings) under the two

BAT controlled discharge options (BAT/NSPS Option 1 and 2) and the zero discharge option (BAT/NSPS

Option 3), and various subsets of these options related to incentives for esters use. WBF wells that do not

convert to SBF wells or from SBF wells do not incur compliance costs because they are subject to

technology requirements EPA promulgated in 1993 (the Offshore Guidelines). As an ancillary analysis,

however, EPA also evaluated the costs associated with WBF wells that convert to or from SBF wells and

are projected to fail their toxicity or sheen limitation and be subject to a zero discharge restriction. The

reason for this analysis was to provide an assessment of zero discharge costs that would be avoided (or

more accurately, converted to SBF compliance costs) for WBF wells that would be projected to fail either

of their sheen or toxicity limitations but that instead converted to SBF. The only readily available data for

this analysis is the failure rate projections provided in the offshore development document (a weighted
VIII - 3

TABLE VIII-1

ANNUAL TECHNOLOGY COSTS AND POLLUTANT LOADINGS

FOR DRILL CUTTINGS BAT AND NSPS OPTIONS

Option Technology Cost

(1999$/yr)

Total Effluent

Loadings

(lbs/yr)

BAT Options for Existing Sources

BAT Option 1: Discharge with 4.03% retention of base

drilling fluid on cuttings $42,592,088 2,241,707,804

BAT Option 2: Discharge with 3.82% retention of base

drilling fluid on cuttings $42,772,221 2,234,130,139

BAT Option 3: Zero Discharge $69,134,303 2,162,146,796

NSPS Options for New Sources

NSPS Option 1: Discharge with 4.03% retention of base

drilling fluid on cuttings $2,013,387 107,704,029

NSPS Option 2: Discharge with 3.82% retention of base

drilling fluid on cuttings $2,017,491 107,185,411

NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $2,749,981 100,387,607

Total Costs and Pollutant Removals (BAT + NSPS)

BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with 4.03% retention of

base drilling fluid on cuttings $44,605,476 2,349,411,833

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with 3.82% retention of

base drilling fluid on cuttings $44,789,712 2,341,315,550

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $71,884,284 2,262,534,403

average that calculated to 10.7%). EPA does not consider this information sufficiently reliable to include in

its formal cost analysis. In as much as this consideration represents a potential cost savings to industry,

EPA used a conservative approach to this issue and instead simply projected a 0% WBF failure rate (i.e., no

net savings to industry from this factor) in its cost analysis.

The following sections describe the general assumptions and input data on which the cost analysis is

based, followed by a detailed discussion of the methodology used to calculate the annual incremental

compliance costs for both BAT and NSPS levels of regulatory control.
VIII - 4

Chapter IV of this document has presented an accounting of wells drilled annually in each of the

three geographic areas, distinguishing between wells drilled using WBF, OBF, and SBF (see Section IV.3.1

of this document). For the purposes of calculating compliance costs, pollutant removals, and non-water

quality environmental impacts, a sub-population of wells considered to be affected by this rule was derived

from the total numbers of wells drilled annually that are listed in Table IV-2. For proposal, only SBF wells

or OBF wells (all of which EPA anticipated would convert to SBF) were included in the analysis. For

proposal, wells using OBF and not converting to SBF were considered not to incur costs or realize savings

in the analysis. EPA further assumed, at proposal, only those wells that were using SBF or OBF would

potentially use SBF in the future, so all WBF wells were considered not to incur costs or realize savings in

the analysis. Based on information in the record demonstrating that drilling with SBFs was far more

efficient than drilling with WBFs, EPA examined whether certain options would create incentives for

operators to switch from WBFs to SBFs or from SBFs to WBFs.

3.1 Drilling Activity Projections and Allocations for the Final Rule

For the final rule, all SBF, OBF and WBF wells are included in the well count. EPA was able to

conduct a more detailed analysis because of increased detail in the well count data supplied by industry,

specifically, including detail on projected conversions of WBF and OBF to and from SBF under various

regulatory options. Another reason for including all wells in this well count is to maintain an overall accurate

“balance sheet” of all wells estimated to convert into or out of various model well types.

The allocation of wells among the three well types is more complicated for the final rule than for the

proposal because under BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2, the conversion of WBF to SBF

wells is not a 1:1 relationship due to an increased directional drilling ability and a more rapid drilling rate for

SBF compared to WBF. Although 54 WBF wells are projected to convert to SBF, only 36 SBF wells are

projected to result from this conversion (a reduction of 18 wells, or one-third of the WBF wells converting

to SBF). Another complicating factor is that BAT/NSPS Option 3 is not simply a zero discharge analysis of

baseline well counts because 207 of the 221 new and existing source SBF wells currently in existence will

convert into 183 OBF and 24 WBF well categories. Thus, the analysis of costs and loadings for the final

rule includes all three well types to accurately present comparative data for all of the options considered.

A detailed discussion of the methodology used to apportion the different well types and estimate the

well counts for each type for this final rule is contained in Chapter IV of this document.
VIII - 5

3.2 Model Well Characteristics

Sections 3 and 4 of Chapter VII of this Development Document present the pollutant characteristics

and drilling waste volumes that EPA calculates on a per-well basis for four model wells. Table VII-1

presents SBF and OBF drilling waste characteristics. Table VII-2 presents the development of SBF and

OBF discharge volumes for each of the four model wells. Table VII-3 presents the input data and equations

used to generate per well volumes and loadings for SBF and OBF wastes. Table VII-4 lists the SBF and

OBF drilling fluid and drill cuttings waste volumes, based on the data and methodology in Table VII-3, that

are the basis for the compliance cost, pollutant loading, and non-water quality environmental impact

analyses. Section 4 of Chapter VII of this Development Document also presents the data and methodology

used to develop volume and loadings projections for WBF wells. 

In addition to per-well waste volumes, for proposal EPA estimated the number of drilling days for

each model well over the SBF interval, using the per-well retort data provided by API.2, 3 These estimated

durations represented the number of days of “active drilling” (i.e., the amount of time actually drilling) using

SBF or OBF. The estimated number of active drilling days for the well sections drilled with SBF or OBF,

at proposal, were: 3.6 days for the shallow water development (SWD) model well, 7.5 days for the shallow

water exploratory (SWE) model well, 5.4 days for the deep water development (DWD) model well, and

12.0 days for the deep water exploratory (DWE) model well. Active drilling days, however, do not

represent the entire time that the drilling rig and associated equipment are onsite. Active drilling days

comprise approximately 40% of the total time to drill, during which equipment is onsite.4 The total days to

drill (i.e., 2.5 times the number of active drilling days) are the rental periods used in equipment rental cost

estimates.

Active drilling days also were the basis for estimating waste hauling equipment requirements. Waste

hauling requirements (i.e., container rental and supply boat costs) referred to as the number of days required

to “fill and haul.” This period is estimated at a duration between the active drilling days and the total time to

drill because, although this period is required for a longer time than the number of active drilling days, this

period is not required for the entire time of the drilling program. The number of days to “fill and haul” takes

into consideration, for example, the transit time for container or supply boat rental going to or from shore. 

For the final rule, these estimates are revised, based on data received from industry following the

proposal. The revised number of SBF or OBF active drilling days for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE well

types are, respectively, 5.2 days, 10.9 days, 7.9 days, and 17.5 days. (These estimates result in an
VIII - 6

estimated number of SBF/OBF total days to drill, respectively, of 13.0 days, 27.3 days, 19.8 days, and 43.8

days.) The number of SBF/OBF days to fill and haul for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE wells, respectively,

are 7.3 days, 14.2 days, 9.9 days, and 22.8 days. WBF drilling proceeds at a rate approximately half that

observed for SBF/OBF wells, therefore, these estimated drilling-related durations are doubled for cost

estimates related to WBF wells.

3.3 Onsite Solids Control Technology Costs

Costs associated with the onsite treatment of drill cuttings are estimated for the baseline and all

BAT/NSPS compliance levels of control. The types of solids control equipment currently used in the

offshore oil and gas industry are described in detail in Chapter VII. The following sections present the unit

costs that constitute the line-items in the solids control technology costs.

3.3.1 Baseline Solids Control Technology Costs

For the purpose of calculating incremental compliance costs, EPA has identified a baseline level of

solids control consisting of a primary shale shaker (or multiple primary shakers aligned in parallel), from

which drill cuttings are either discharged without further treatment or collected for transport to shore,

followed by a secondary shale shaker that receives drilling fluid from the primary shale shaker and

discharges smaller particle sized drill solids than the primary shaker. The purpose of the primary shaker is

to receive the drilling fluid and drill cuttings that return from down hole and to make the first separation of

cuttings from the drilling fluid. The purpose of the secondary shaker is to remove the smaller solid particles

from the drilling fluid that pass through the primary shaker, thereby controlling the buildup of fine solids in

the drilling fluid. In some cases, a centrifuge is used in place of the secondary shale shaker, or as a tertiary

treatment unit to return more SBF to the active drilling system. Data supplied by API support the

determination that standard solids control systems for wells drilled with SBF most often consist of primary

and secondary shale shakers.3 As discussed in Chapter VII, EPA estimates that the OBF- or SBF-cuttings

discharged by a standard solids control system have a long-term average of 10.2% base fluid retained on

wet cuttings on a mass basis.

The line item in the baseline cost analysis for Gulf of Mexico wells for this final rule consists of the

cost of SBF/OBF/WBF lost with the discharged cuttings. [Note: The cost of WBF lost on cuttings

represents only this cost for WBF wells projected to fail their toxicity or sheen limitations.] The baseline

unit cost of SBF lost, based on the discharge of cuttings following baseline treatment (shale shakers), is
VIII - 7

estimated to be $221 per barrel (see below for derivation), based on current prices for IO and ester SBFs30

(compared to the estimated cost of $200 per barrel, using internal olefin as the base fluid, that was used at

proposal6, 7). The volume of SBF adhering to the discharged cuttings, included in Table VII-4 for each

model well, is based on the weighted average 10.2% (g/g) retention value calculated for the baseline solids

control system, and varies with the model well size. No other baseline costs (e.g., maintenance or labor

costs) are attributed to the operation of solids control equipment that EPA considers to be standard in all

drilling operations, since these costs are occurring regardless of the mud type used.

3.3.2 BAT/NSPS Compliance Solids Control Technology Costs

Both BAT/NSPS Option 1 and Option 2 levels of control are based on a solids control technology

capable of reducing the retention of drilling fluid on cuttings consistently below that of standard primary and

secondary shale shakers. The difference between Option 1 and Option 2 is not based on the use of differing

treatment technologies, which are identical for both options. The distinction between these options is based

on the inclusion (Option 1) or exclusion (Option 2) of the final fines removal units (FRUs) in developing the

Agency’s long-term average SBF retention limitation. The set of technologies that are together considered

under the category of “cuttings dryers” includes vibrating centrifuges (horizontal or vertical) and for the

esters limitations also include the squeeze press units and High-G linear shakers. The technologies receive

drill cuttings from the primary shale shakers and remove additional drilling fluid from the cuttings before

they are discharged.8 These units are an add-on rather than a replacement technology.37 As discussed in

Chapter VII, retention on cuttings (ROC) data submitted to EPA for various solids control equipment yield

the long-term averages: (1) primary shale shakers have a ROC long-term average of 9.32% (g/g); (2)

secondary shale shakers have a ROC long-term average of 13.8% (g/g); (3) FRUs have a ROC long-term

average of 10.7% (g/g); (4) combined data from horizontal centrifuge and vertical centrifuge cuttings dryers

has a ROC long-term average of 3.82% (g/g); and (5) combined data from horizontal centrifuge, vertical

centrifuge, squeeze press, and High-G linear shaker cuttings dryers has a ROC long-term average of 4.8%

(g/g). The ROC limitation for SBFs with the environmental performance of internal olefins is based on

combined data from horizontal centrifuge and vertical centrifuge cuttings dryers (long-term average of

3.82%) and the ROC limitation for SBFs with the environmental performance of esters is based on

combined data from horizontal centrifuge, vertical centrifuge, squeeze press, and High-G linear shaker

cuttings dryers (long-term average of 4.8%). When added to a baseline solids control system, cuttings

dryers reduce the system-wide (i.e., cuttings dryer and FRU waste streams) long-term average retention of

base fluid on discharged cuttings to 4.03% (g/g; based on combined data from horizontal centrifuge and

vertical centrifuge cuttings dryers; see Section VII.4.2.2). Although cuttings dryers were not in wide-spread
1

 At proposal, the unit retrofit costs were based on an updated unit retrofit cost of $340/ft2,

 11 a unit

footprint of 45.7 ft2, a drilling fluid holding tank footprint of 20 ft2, and a one-foot perimeter of free space around

both footprints of 8 ft2 (a total of 75 ft2 of retrofit space required).7, 8

VIII - 8

use in the domestic U.S. offshore industry at the time of proposal, they were proven technologies with

widespread use in the North Sea. The effectiveness of this technology in pollutant removals has been

clearly demonstrated and their increased use in the Gulf of Mexico further demonstrates their effectiveness. 

This equipment has been directly observed by EPA in a demonstration of this technology at an offshore

drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico.7 EPA is also aware of recent efforts on the part of several solids

control companies that serve the Gulf of Mexico region to develop and market a cuttings dryer capable of

treating cuttings to low retention values, comparable to the one used in the North Sea.9

Line-item BAT/NSPS costs in the controlled discharge option analysis consist of the following:

C Costs associated with the use of an add-on solids control device: The cost of the add-on

technology is based on the daily rental cost for the cuttings dryer devices, and for the final rule is

estimated to be $2,400 per day,1 revised upwards from the $1,200 per day estimate used in the

proposal. 7 The rental cost includes all equipment, labor and materials. The number of rental days

is calculated based on the assumption that active drilling days are approximately 40% of the time the

drilling equipment is onsite.4

C Platform retrofit costs/installation and downtime costs: Retrofit costs were assigned to all existing

sources but not to new sources. For the final rule, EPA revised these costs from proposal in light of

more recent information as the industry has gained more experience with these technologies as wells

as a broader understanding of BAT technology installation costs, especially for deep water

operators1.

1

 For the final rule, an installation cost of $32,500 (the midpoint of the range of

installation costs) and a downtime cost of $24,000 (based on a downtime of 4 hours and rig time

cost of $6,000 per hour). The revised installation cost estimate is a reasonable approach as this

estimate relies on the midpoint of a range of actual cuttings dryer installation costs that cover a

variety of different cuttings dryer installations from easy to difficult and more expensive. These

costs are modified using geographic multipliers for California and Cook Inlet operations (respectfully

1.6x and 2.0x multipliers).12 Geographic area cost multipliers, developed for the Offshore Oil and

Gas Rulemaking effort to estimate regional compliance costs, are the ratio of equipment installation

costs in a particular area compared to the costs for the same equipment installation in the Gulf of
VIII - 9

Mexico (whose multiplier, then is 112). These multipliers primarily reflect shipping costs for

materials manufactured in the Gulf of Mexico area. 

At proposal these costs were applied to each SBF well drilled. For this final rule, however, the

costs for installation and downtime were further revised to account for multiple wells drilled from

the same structure. The number of exploratory wells and development wells per structure were

developed based on the rig identifiers, well numbers, and dates of drilling provided in retention data

files submitted by industry.34 This analysis resulted in an estimated 1.6 exploratory wells per

structure and 2.2 development wells per structure.

C Value of the SBF/OBF/WBF discharged with cuttings: The unit cost of SBF lost with discharged

cuttings varies between the geographic areas. In the Gulf of Mexico, the cost at proposal was $200

per barrel (bbl).6, 7 The unit cost in California was estimated to be $320/bbl, calculated by

multiplying the Gulf of Mexico unit cost by the geographic area cost multiplier for California. The

unit SBF cost in Cook Inlet was estimated to be $400/bbl, based on a multiplier of 2. 

For the final rule, cost estimates for SBF, OBF, and WBF are developed from recent information

provided by industry.30 WBF is quoted at $45/bbl. OBF is quoted at $90/bbl for mineral oil and

$70/bbl for diesel. SBF costs quoted are $160/bbl, $250/bbl, and $300/bbl for IO, vegetable ester,

and low viscosity vegetable ester, respectively.

No reliable frequency of usage was available so usage is assumed simply to be inversely related to

price. Thus, a weighted average price, with the weight inversely proportional to cost, is used. The

weighted average cost per barrel is calculated as 

X i

x x xi

= + +

























−

1 1 1

1 2

1

....

where xi is the cost per barrel of a given mud. Based on this analysis, the costs used for the final

rule were: $45/bbl (WBF), $221/bbl (SBF), and $79/bbl (OBF).

The unit costs of these muds are applied to the volume of SBF, OBF, or WBF lost. For SBF and

OBF, this volume reflects mud that adheres to cuttings and is discharged (SBF) or disposed (OBF);

the remainder of SBF and OBF are recovered, recycled, and reused. For WBF, this volume is the

WBF adhering to discharged cuttings, plus bulk WBF discharged during drilling operations. The
VIII - 10

volume of SBF and OBF adhering to the cuttings, included in Table VII-4, is based on the weighted

average retention value calculated for the add-on solids control systems, and varies with the model

well size. The volume of OBF adhering to cuttings with baseline control is estimated at 5%, based

on information from the Offshore Development Document.

C Cost of performing the waste monitoring analyses: Analytical monitoring costs are included for the

proposed test for formation oil contamination of drill cuttings and retort analysis for SBF retention

on cuttings. The formation contamination test, estimated to cost $50 per test,13 would be

administered once per well. The retort analysis for SBF retention, estimated to cost $50 per test,

would be required for each of the two streams of discharged cuttings at a frequency of once per

500 feet of hole drilled.14 Therefore, the per-well cost of retort monitoring tests varies with model

well depth. A cost of $575 per sediment toxicity test, assuming one test per well, is included.

C Cost of compliance with stock base fluid limitations: EPA has not explicitly included the monitoring

costs related to the stock limitations on synthetic base fluids (e.g., PAH content and sediment

toxicity). These costs were excluded because such costs are highly related to the number of

products brought to market, which are very difficult to predict, and because EPA considers these as

routine costs of product development.

3.4 Transportation and Onshore Disposal Costs

Costs associated with the transportation and land-based disposal of drill cuttings are estimated for

both baseline and BAT/NSPS compliance levels of control. Chapter VII describes the modes of

transportation and land disposal technologies currently used by the offshore oil and gas industry. The

following sections present the unit costs for the line-items in transport and land disposal costs.

3.4.1 Baseline Transport and Disposal Costs

Wells currently drilled with OBF must either transport OBF-cuttings to shore for disposal at landbased facilities or inject OBF-cuttings onsite. As discussed in section VIII.3.1, EPA’s baseline scenario

estimates that 69 Gulf of Mexico wells (67 existing sources and 2 new sources); 2 offshore California wells

(existing sources); and 2 Cook Inlet wells (existing sources) are drilled annually using OBF (see Table VIII4). The line-item costs in the baseline transport and disposal analysis include the following:
VIII - 11

C Supply Boat Costs: For proposal, drill cuttings transported in supply boats were costed at a day rate

of $8,500 per day in all three geographic areas.15, 16 This cost estimate has not been revised for the

final rule. The number of supply boat days required to transport cuttings to shore was estimated

using a methodology developed in the Offshore Oil and Gas Rulemaking effort,17 and varies with

model well size and geographic area. Appendix VIII-1 shows the calculation of supply boat

transport days for all three geographic areas. The number of supply boat days required has been

revised, and is given by the number of “days to fill and haul,” described above.

C Trucking Costs: For proposal, trucking costs were included as a separate line item for the offshore

California and coastal Cook Inlet baselines; this cost was included as part of the disposal facility

cost in the Gulf of Mexico. The California trucking distance was estimated as the distance between

a port in the Oxnard/Ventura area and a disposal facility in the vicinity of Bakersfield.17,18 The

trucking rate for California was calculated to be $355 per truckload, based on a 300 mile round trip

at 55 mph and $65 per hour.19 Each truck can carry two 25-bbl cuttings boxes.18 Thus, for

example, a DWD model well would require an estimated 28 truckloads (1,387 bbl/50 bbl per

truckload). For the final rule, this cost estimate for California operations was not revised. 

Appendix VIII-1 shows the calculation of truck trips for all three geographic areas.

Due to the limited availability of land-based disposal facilities in the Cook Inlet area, at proposal

costs were developed for trucking the cuttings to a facility in Oregon. This approach to zerodischarge cost estimating for Cook Inlet was adopted from the Coastal Oil and Gas Rulemaking

effort.20 The trucking rate for Cook Inlet was calculated to be $1,917 per truckload (updated from

the 1995 cost of $1,800 per truckload used in the Coastal guidelines effort20) using an ENR CCI

ratio of 1997$/1995$ (1.065). The $1,800 per truckload was based on a quote provided by a

trucking company in Anchorage for hauling wastes from the Kenai, Alaska area to a disposal facility

in Arlington, Oregon.21 Each truck had a capacity of 22 tons21 and could carry eight 8-bbl cuttings

boxes. This approach has been eliminated for the final rule. Based on industry and State of Alaska

information, EPA is projecting that Cook Inlet operators will grind and inject these wastes (the

current practice).31 The final rule requires zero discharge in coastal Cook Inlet. However, the final

rule also provides that if an operator can demonstrate onsite injection is not a viable option, onsite

controlled SBF-cuttings discharges are allowed at the same level of control for Offshore operators. 

The NPDES permit authority in cooperation with AOGCC will evaluate each application for a

controlled SBF-cuttings discharge on a case-by-case basis (see Appendix 1 to Subpart D of 40 CFR
VIII - 12

435). Thus, for the final rule, no trucking costs are included in the cost analysis for coastal Cook

Inlet wells.

C Disposal and Handling Costs: In the Gulf of Mexico, at proposal an average unit disposal cost of

$10.13/bbl was calculated from prices provided by two Gulf of Mexico area companies for disposal

of OBF cuttings (i.e., $9.50/bbl22 and 10.75/bbl23). This cost only includes activities at the disposal

facility. An additional waste handling cost of $4.75/bbl was included for dock usage, waste

offloading with cranes, and transportation of the wastes from the transfer station to the facility.22

These cost estimates are not revised for the final rule.

The unit disposal cost for offshore California, for the proposal, was calculated to be $12.32/bbl,

based on a unit cost of $35/ton18 and a density (based on specified model well characteristics) of

704 lbs/bbl cuttings. Because this disposal cost was comparable to the per-barrel disposal cost

estimated for the Gulf of Mexico, a waste handling cost of $5.79/bbl was added to the unit disposal

cost of $12.32/bbl based on the ratio of handling-to-disposal costs for the Gulf of Mexico (i.e.,

$4.75/$10.13, or 0.47). For the final rule, these costs are been revised to reflect a change in

cuttings density (due to changed SBF base fluid retention) from 704 lbs/bbl to 716 lbs/bbl. The

costs used in the analysis for the final rule are $12.53/bbl for disposal and $5.89/bbl for handling.

The unit disposal cost for drilling wastes generated in coastal Cook Inlet and transported to Oregon,

at proposal was calculated to be $533 per 8-bbl box, updated from the 1995 cost of $500 per

cuttings box used in the Coastal guidelines effort20 using the ENR CCI ratio of 1997$/1995$

(1.065). As was the case for trucking costs, disposal and handling costs are eliminated in the cost

analysis for the final rule due to both current industry practice and the requirements of the final rule.

C Container Rental Costs: For proposal, in both the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California, 25-bbl

reusable storage boxes were found customary for transporting waste cuttings.15, 17, 24 In the Gulf of

Mexico, 25-bbl cuttings boxes rented for an estimated $25/day.24,25 The rental rate in California

was estimated to be $40/day, calculated by multiplying the Gulf of Mexico rental rate by the

geographic area cost multiplier (1.6x) for California.12 For the final rule, these estimates are

unchanged.

In coastal Cook Inlet, at proposal EPA found that cuttings boxes, holding eight barrels of waste

cuttings each, had to be purchased and could not be reused.20 The purchase price was estimated at
VIII - 13

$133/box, updated from the 1995 price of $125/box used in the Coastal guidelines effort20 using the

ENR CCI ratio of 1997$/1995$ (1.065). For the final rule, this cost element is eliminated from the

cost analysis, for the same reasons as discussed for trucking, disposal, and handling costs.

For both the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California, the number of cuttings boxes needed per well

varies with model well size. The number of cuttings box rental days is estimated to be equal to the

supply boat transport days, i.e., the number of “days to fill and haul.” 

C Retention value and unit costs for SBF/OBF/WBF disposed with cuttings: In the baseline analysis at

proposal, EPA assumed that SBF/OBF cuttings transported to shore for disposal would first be

treated onsite by the baseline solids control technology to an estimated long-term average (LTA)

11% (g/g) retention of SBF/OBF on the disposed cuttings. The unit costs of OBF were estimated,

at proposal, to be $75/bbl for OBF and $200/bbl for SBF in the Gulf of Mexico,6 adjusted by

geographic multipliers12 for offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet. The volume of SBF/OBF

adhering to the disposed cuttings, based on a percentage of the retained oil varied with the model

well size as a function of cuttings volumes. For the final rule the volume of disposed muds is

revised to reflect a different projected LTA retention value (10.2% vs. 11%) and revised costs for

SBF ($221/bbl) and OBF ($79/bbl) as well as costs for disposed WBF ($45/bbl).

3.4.2 BAT/NSPS Transport and Disposal Costs

Based on information provided by the industry, at proposal EPA assumed that all Gulf of Mexico

deep water wells would use SBF regardless of the level of regulatory control placed on the discharged

cuttings, due to the potential for riser disconnect and the spill of drilling fluid.26, 27 Therefore, in the zero

discharge option, EPA assumed that deep water wells would incur the cost of lost SBF, rather than OBF,

with the disposed cuttings. For the final rule, industry provided specific information on the number of SBF,

OBF, and WBF wells projected under each of the regulatory options considered, eliminating the assumption

regarding deep water wells used in the proposal. 10 Using these well counts, unit transport and disposal costs

remained unchanged from proposal, and are applied to SBF and OBF wells.

3.5 Onsite Grinding and Injection Costs

Costs associated with onsite grinding and injection of drill cuttings are estimated for both baseline

and BAT/NSPS compliance levels of control. At proposal, only Gulf of Mexico operators were projected to
VIII - 14

employ onsite injection, although it was noted that it was an emerging technology in both offshore California

and coastal Cook Inlet.25 Based on information provided by industry sources, EPA estimated that 20% of

zero discharge wells in the Gulf of Mexico used onsite injection,25 while 80% hauled their wastes to shore. 

This split remains unrevised for the final rule. Since proposal, EPA has received additional information and

is revising its zero discharge onsite:onshore allocations (see Chapter VII, Section 5.4) for offshore California

and coastal Cook Inlet. For offshore California operations, 80% of DWD, SWD, and SWE wells are

assumed to inject onsite; no DWE wells are projected to inject onsite. In addition, 100% of Cook Inlet,

Alaska operations are projected to use onsite injection to dispose of their drilling wastes.

The line-item and unit costs associated with onsite injection, at proposal, were identical for the

baseline and all BAT/NSPS compliance cost analyses. Line-item costs for the proposal included the day

rate rental cost for a turnkey injection system and the value of lost drilling fluid, all in the Gulf of Mexico

geographic area. At proposal, the injection system cost of $4,280 per day included all equipment, labor, and

associated services.29 At proposal, the rental days for injection equipment were calculated by the same

method used for rental of cuttings dryers (see section VIII.3.3.2), based on the assumption that active

drilling days comprise approximately 40% of the time the drilling equipment is onsite;4 the number of rental

days varies with model well size. At proposal, the unit cost of drilling fluid injected with the cuttings was

$75/bbl6 for wells using OBF and $200/bbl for wells using SBF.6, 7 For the final rule, the day rate for the

turnkey injection unit is not changed; nor was the method for estimating the number of rental days. 

However, for the final rule, the cost per barrel of SBF, OBF, and WBF have been revised (see Section

3.3.2 above).

4. DETAILED ANALYSES OF TECHNOLOGY AND INCREMENTAL COMPLIANCE

COSTS

EPA has analyzed the technology costs and incremental costs (or savings) beyond current industry

practices and requirements, as well as pollutant loadings and incremental loadings or removals. EPA has

performed these analyses for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, for

baseline (current) costs and three control option costs. (Compliance costs were not developed for other

offshore regions in Alaska where oil and gas production activity exists because discharges of drill cuttings is

not expected to occur in these areas.) The three technology-based options considered are: (1) BAT/NSPS

Option 1 (controlled discharge option with discharges from the cuttings dryer and fines removal unit); (2)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (controlled discharge option with discharges from the cuttings dryer but not the fines

removal unit); and (3) BAT/NSPS Option 3 (Zero Discharge Option). Compliance costs/savings and
VIII - 15

pollutant increases/removals are based on: (1) projected annual drilling activity in the three geographic

regions; (2) model well volumes and waste characteristics; and (3) technology and monitoring costs; and (4)

reductions in drilling days and recovery of SBFs. 

The compliance cost analysis begins with the development of defined populations of wells on a

regional and well-type basis, develops per-well estimates from an analysis of line-item costs, and then

aggregates costs into total regional and well-type costs by applying per well costs to appropriate populations

of wells. EPA estimates baseline costs for current industry waste management practices and for compliance

with each regulatory option. EPA then calculates incremental compliance costs, which reflect the difference

between compliance costs for a regulatory option and baseline costs and the net compliance costs or savings

which incorporate the costs along with savings realized by recovering drilling fluids and more efficient

drilling. Tables VIII-2 and VIII-3, for existing and new sources respectively, list the total annual baseline

costs, compliance costs, incremental compliance costs, cost savings, and net incremental compliance costs,

calculated for each geographic area and regulatory option.
VIII - 16

TABLE VIII-2

SUMMARY ANNUAL AND INCREMENTAL COSTS 

FOR MANAGEMENT OF SBF-CUTTINGS FROM EXISTING SOURCES

(1999$/year)

Technology Basis Gulf of Mexico Offshore

California

Cook Inlet,

Alaska Total

Total Operational Costs

Baseline Costs: (Costs to Meet

Current Requirements) $39,472,159 $413,282 $516,602 $40,402,042

BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with

4.03% retention of base fluid on

cuttings

$41,562,237 $413,282 $616,570 $42,592,088

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with

3.82% retention of base fluid on

cuttings; zero discharge fines

$41,742,369 $413,282 $616,570 $42,772,221

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $68,204,419 $413,282 $516,602 $69,134,303

Costs (Savings) Due to Retention Limit

BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with

4.03% retention of base fluid on

cuttings

$2,090,078 $0 $99,968 $2,190,046

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with

3.82% retention of base fluid on

cuttings

$2,270,210 $0 $99,968 $2,370,178

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $28,732,260 $0 $0 $28,732,260

Costs (Savings) Due to Efficiencies of SBF Drilling over WBF Drilling

BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with

4.03% retention of base fluid on

cuttings

($48,832,540) $0 $0 ($48,832,540)

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with

3.82% retention of base fluid on

cuttings

($48,832,540) $0 $0 ($48,832,540)

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $0 $0 $0 $0

Net Incremental Costs (Savings)

BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with

4.03% retention of base fluid on

cuttings

($46,742,462) $0 $99,968 ($46,642,494)

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with

3.82% retention of base fluid on

cuttings

($46,562,330) $0 $99,968 ($46,462,362)

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $28,732,260 $0 $0 $28,732,260
VIII - 17

TABLE VIII-3

SUMMARY ANNUAL AND INCREMENTAL COSTS FOR

MANAGEMENT OF SBF-CUTTINGS FROM NEW SOURCES

(1999$/year)

Technology Basis Costs

(Savings)

Baseline Costs: (Costs to Meet

Current Requirements)

Discharge with 10.2% retention of base fluid

on cuttings $2,373,970

Total NSPS Operational Costs BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with 4.03%

retention of base fluid on cuttings $2,013,387

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with 3.82%

retention of base fluid on cuttings; zero

discharge fines

$2,017,491

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $2,749,981

Costs (Savings) Due to Retention

Limit

BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with 4.03%

retention of base fluid on cuttings ($360,583)

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with 3.82%

retention of base fluid on cuttings; zero

discharge fines

($356,479)

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $376,011

Costs (Savings) Due to Efficiencies

of SBF Drilling over WBF Drilling

BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with 4.03%

retention of base fluid on cuttings ($2,123,505)

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with 3.82%

retention of base fluid on cuttings; zero

discharge fines

($2,123,505)

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $0

Net Incremental Costs (Savings) BAT/NSPS Option 1: Discharge with 4.03%

retention of base fluid on cuttings ($2,484,088)

BAT/NSPS Option 2: Discharge with 3.82%

retention of base fluid on cuttings; zero

discharge fines

($2,479,984)

BAT/NSPS Option 3: Zero Discharge $376,011

The compliance cost analysis was a step-wise process that begins with the development of well

counts that define the well-type populations (i.e., SBF, OBF, WBF) for each geographic region in the

analysis. As discussed in section VIII.3.1 above, wells that incur costs or realize savings in the compliance

cost analysis are a subset of the total population of wells that EPA identified as being drilled annually in the
VIII - 18

three geographic areas. Table VIII-4 shows the numbers of wells, per model well type, that EPA identified

as within the scope of the cost analysis, shown separately for existing and new sources.

The next step of the analysis is the calculation of per-well costs developed from the line-item costs

detailed in section VIII.3.1 above. Referring to Table VIII-4, each component of the table represents a set

of wells for which a distinct per-well cost is calculated, based on the line-items appropriate to each set. The

per-well costs are then multiplied by the number of wells in each set, the results of which are then

aggregated to calculate the industry-wide baseline, operational costs under each regulatory scenario, and

incremental compliance costs. Appendix VIII-2 consists of the detailed worksheets that calculate the perwell costs, organized as follows:

Worksheets 1 through 3: SBF/OBF baseline costs for existing sources in the Gulf of Mexico,

offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet, respectively.

Worksheets 4 through 6: SBF/OBF BAT/NSPS Option 1 total discharge option costs for existing

sources in the three geographic areas (in the same order as Worksheets 1-3).

Worksheets 7 through 9: SBF/OBF BAT/NSPS Option 2 total discharge option costs for existing

sources in the three geographic areas (in the same order as Worksheets 1-3).

Worksheets 10 through 12: SBF/OBF total zero discharge option costs for transport and landdisposal, for onsite injection, and for weighted average zero discharge costs, respectively, for

existing sources in the Gulf of Mexico.

Worksheets 13 through 15: SBF/OBF baseline, BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2

total costs for new sources in the Gulf of Mexico.

Worksheets 16 through 18: SBF/OBF total zero discharge option costs for transport and land

disposal, for onsite injection, and for weighted average costs, respectively, for new sources in the

Gulf of Mexico.

Worksheet 19: SBF/OBF Zero discharge costs for small volume wastes.
VIII - 19

TABLE VIII-4

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF WELLS DRILLED ANNUALLY a

Cost Analysis Framework

Shallow Water

(<1,000 ft)

Deep Water

(> 1,000 ft) Total

Wells

Develop. Explor. Develop. Explor.

Gulf of Mexico: Existing Sources

Baseline SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

86

42

511

51

25

298

16

0

12

48

0

36

201

67

857

BAT/NSPS Option 1/

BAT/NSPS Option 2

SBF Wells

OBF Wells

WBF Wells

124

25

479

74

15

279

17

0

11

49

0

34

264

40

803

BAT/NSPS Option 3 Zero

Discharge 

SBF Wells

OBF Wells

WBF Wells

0

128

511

0

76

298

3

8

17

8

25

51

11

237

877

Offshore California: Existing Sources e

Baseline and All Options SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

0

1

3

0

1

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

5

Coastal Cook Inlet: Existing Sources e

Baseline SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

0

1

3

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

4

BAT/NSPS Option 1/

BAT/NSPS Option 2

SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

1

0

3

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

4

BAT/NSPS Option 3 Zero

Discharge

SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

0

1

3

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

4

Gulf of Mexico: New Sources d

Baseline SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

5

2

27

0

0

0

15

0

11

0

0

0

20

2

38

BAT/NSPS Option 1/

BAT/NSPS Option 2

SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

8

1

25

0

0

0

16

0

10

0

0

0

24

1

35

BAT/NSPS Option 3 Zero

Discharge 

SBF Wells

OBF Wellsb

WBF Wells

0

7

27

0

0

0

3

8

15

0

0

0

3

15

42

a The numbers in this table are a subset of the estimated number of wells drilled annually, shown in Table

IV-2.

b EPA estimates that 40% of wells currently drilled using OBF and 6% of wells currently using WBF in the

Gulf of Mexico will convert to SBF use under the discharge option; 96% will convert to OBF or WBF

under NSPS Option 3 (zero discharge). See Chapter IV, Section 3 of this document.

c Of the SW wells drilled in the Gulf of Mexico, EPA estimates that 5% are “new source” wells, and of the

DW wells, 50% are “new source” wells. (See Development Document for proposed SBF rule.) 
2 Note that the number of WBF wells provided in the well count enumeration contribute to effluent

loadings. However, for the cost analysis, these wells do not contribute to compliance costs because this rule

imposes no additional controls on WBF discharges.

VIII - 20

d EPA estimates that no “new source” wells will be drilled in offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet.

(See Development Document for proposed SBF rule.)

Worksheets 20 through 22: WBF Zero discharge baseline costs for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore

California, and Cook Inlet, Alaska, respectively, including costs for transport and land disposal and

for onsite injection.

Worksheets 20A and 22A: WBF Zero discharge BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2

costs for the Gulf of Mexico (costs for transport and land disposal and for onsite injection) and for

Cook Inlet, Alaska (onsite injection), respectively.

Worksheet 23: WBF Cost Savings Analysis.

The following sections describe the development of the per-well costs and the calculations used for each

regulatory option.

4.1 BAT Baseline Operational Costs

The cost analysis for the baseline consisted of all baseline wells listed in Table VIII-4, including

WBF,2 SBF, and OBF wells. Worksheets 1, 2, 3, 20, 21, and 22 in Appendix VIII-2 show the detailed

calculations of per well costs for each of the mud types (i.e., SBF-, OBF-, and WBF-wells) and area-wide

baseline costs for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska. As in all other

per well calculations, per-well costs vary proportionately with the volume of waste generated per model

well. For baseline SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico (Worksheet No. 1), the line-item costs for discharge

following solids control to a long-term average 10.2% (g/g) retention of synthetic base fluid (section

VIII.3.3.1) is the basis of cost (this is for the cost of SBF adhering to discharge cuttings). The resulting perwell costs are: $77,792 for an SWD well; $117,572 for a DWD well; $162,877 for an SWE well; and

$261,664 for a DWE well. There are no baseline SBF wells projected for either offshore California or

coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska.

Costs for baseline OBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico also are calculated based on a 10.2% (g/g)

retention estimate and two assumptions. The first, based on industry-provided well count projections, is

that no OBF wells are drilled in deep water. The second is that 80% of shallow water OBF wells transport
VIII - 21

cuttings to shore for disposal while 20% inject cuttings onsite.25 For development and exploratory baseline,

shallow-water OBF well types, per-well costs are calculated for both disposal alternatives, i.e., both

transport and disposal and for onsite injection. Then, for each model well type, a weighted average, per

well cost is also calculated as follows:

Baseline GOM/OBF well cost = (0.8 x per well transport & disposal cost) + (0.2 x per well onsite injection

cost)

This same methodology is also used to obtain per well and weighted average per well costs of zero discharge

for Gulf of Mexico SBF wells (BAT/NSPS Option 2 and BAT/NSPS Option 3) and OBF wells

(BAT/NSPS Option 1, BAT/NSPS Option 2, and BAT/NSPS Option 3) presented below. The per well

cost for a Gulf of Mexico SWD well is $110,715 for transport and disposal and $83,448 for onsite injection;

for an SWE well, these respective costs are $236,406 and $174,853 per well. The weighted average perwell costs for baseline OBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico (Worksheet No. 1) are $107,536 for a SWD well

and $219,201 for a SWE well. The total annual discharge option OBF baseline cost for the Gulf of Mexico

is $10,034,296.

There are no deep water wells projected for either offshore California or coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska. 

EPA is revising its allocation between the two zero discharge alternatives (transport and land disposal; onsite

grind and inject), in response to information received from industry, to an onsite:onshore allocation of 80:20

for shallow water wells in offshore California and 100:0 for shallow water wells in coastal Cook Inlet. In

California, because only two baseline OBF wells are projected, both wells are costed on the basis of grind

and inject technology. Offshore California baseline costs are $133,517 for an SWD well and $279,765 for

an SWE well (Worksheet No. 2). For the same reason, both of the projected baseline wells in coastal Cook

Inlet are costed on the basis of grind and inject technology. Baseline Cook Inlet costs are estimated at

$166,896 for an SWD well and $349,706 for an SWE well (Worksheet No. 3).

The total annual baseline costs for lost SBF on cuttings from SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

$29,437,863; for OBF wells it is $10,034,296. Offshore California there are no baseline SBF wells

projected; the total cost of waste disposal from OBF wells is $413,282 (Worksheet No. 2). In coastal Cook

Inlet, Alaska there also are no SBF baseline wells projected; the cost of disposal for OBF wells is $516,602

(Worksheet No. 3).
VIII - 22

The total baseline cost of SBF lost on cuttings is $29,437,863; the baseline (zero discharge) OBF

cost is $10,964,179. The total baseline cost for the Gulf of Mexico is $39,472,159; for offshore California

it is $413,282; for coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska it is $516,602 for a total, combined aggregate baseline cost of

$40,402,042 (Table VIII-2).

4.2 BAT/NSPS Option 1 Discharge Option Costs

The BAT/NSPS Option 1 discharge option compliance cost analysis estimates the cost to discharge

SBF-cuttings following secondary treatment by a solids control device that, when added on to other

standard solids control equipment, reduces the long-term average retention from 10.2% to 4.03% base fluid

on wet cuttings. Worksheets 4, 5, 6, 20A, and 22A in Appendix VIII-2 present the detailed calculations of

per well costs for each of the mud types (i.e., SBF- and OBF-wells) and area-wide discharge option

compliance costs for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet.

In the Gulf of Mexico, the unadjusted per-well discharge costs for the four model wells drilled with

SBF are $116,124 (SWD); $145,605 (DWD); $179,554 (SWE); and $252,225 (DWE). For the

BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2 discharge options cost analyses for the final rule, EPA is

using an adjusted per well cost for SBF wells based on a multiple-well-per-structure factor applied to

installation and downtime costs of additional treatment technologies (see following paragraph for a

discussion of this approach). Multiple-well-per-structure, adjusted per well BAT/NSPS Option 1

compliance costs for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico are $85,306 per SWD well; $114,787 per DWD well;

$158,367 per SWE well; and $231,038 per DWD well. These are the costs used to develop aggregate

compliance costs (Worksheet No. 4). The total annual SBF discharge compliance cost for Gulf of Mexico,

SBF existing wells is $35,569,256 (see Table VIII-2). This increased aggregate SBF compliance cost

(approximately $6 million above the baseline cost) reflects the migration of OBF and WBF wells into the

SBF well pool.

Under the BAT/NSPS Option 1 discharge option, EPA is using the concept of an adjusted cost-perwell, based on a multiple well-per-structure adjustment to installation and downtime costs. For the proposal,

EPA included installation and downtime costs for every SBF well drilled. For this final rule, EPA considers

this assumption to be questionable and to over-estimate compliance costs to the industry. From data

submitted with ROC data provided by industry, EPA has examined the occurrences of multiple wells being

drilled from the same structure. Based on this record information it is reasonable to estimate that some

number of wells will be drilled from structures that have already incurred installation and downtime costs for
3

 Note that the Cook Inlet SBF well projected under BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2 is

projected to incur compliance costs based on zero discharge. The reason is that the costs of discharge are greater

than those to grind and inject. Installation and downtime costs (approx. $208,000), cuttings dryer rental costs

(approx. $62,000), and the cost of discharged SBF (approx. $53,000) total approximately $323,000, whereas

injection is projected to cost $267,000. Whether this single SBF well will be drilled is highly questionable. The

cost differential versus OBF resolves into the cost of the fluid. With OBF at about $160/bbl and SBF at about

$442/bbl, the additional cost for SBF amounts to about $100,000 per well. Without a substantial cost savings to

offset this added cost, there is little technical advantage of SBF over OBF. EPA believes it quite likely that there

will be no discharge of SBF in Cook Inlet even under BAT/NSPS discharge options. Instead, EPA believes

operators will very likely choose to manage SBF wastes as they now manage OBF wastes, and at no additional cost

under the discharge options. However, the increased costs of drilling an SBF well have been included in this

analysis as a conservative factor in the assessment of the cost of this regulation to the industry.

VIII - 23

add-on cuttings dryer technologies that can be used for subsequent wells drilling by the same operator

because the record indicates that this occurs. EPA’s analysis of ROC data files suggests that on average 1.6

exploratory wells may be drilled per structure, while for development activities 2.2 wells per structure may

be drilled.34 For the final rule, EPA is adjusting the aggregate costs of installation and downtime by these

multiple well per structure factors.

EPA has calculated the installation and downtime costs as for the proposal (i.e., for every SBF well

drilled) but has divided these costs by using a factor of 1.6 (for exploratory wells) or 2.2 (for development

wells) to proportion the cost over the number of wells drilled. These adjusted aggregate installation and

downtime costs are allocated over all SBF wells drilled (of a given well type, i.e., deep, shallow,

development, exploratory) to determine an adjusted cost-per-well. This same approach is used in the cost

analysis for the BAT/NSPS Option 2 discharge option.

There are no projected existing source SBF wells in offshore California. The line-item BAT/NSPS

Option 1 discharge compliance cost elements for coastal Cook Inlet3 are the same as those estimated for the

Gulf of Mexico, adjusted by a geographic area multiplier (see section VIII.3.3.2). The per-well discharge

compliance cost for the single coastal Cook Inlet SBF well is $266,864 for a SWD well (Worksheet No. 6);

the per well cost of the single OBF well is $349,706 (unchanged from the baseline). The total annual SBF

BAT/NSPS Option 1 discharge option compliance cost for Cook Inlet is, therefore, $616,570; this reflects

the conversion of one OBF well to SBF and thus reflects a net increase of the same amount above Cook

Inlet baseline SBF costs.

Costs for OBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico show a decrease in the aggregate under the BAT/NSPS

Option 1 discharge option compared to baseline. This reflects the conversion of OBF wells to SBF wells. 

The per well cost estimate stays the same as baseline costs under each option; it is the shifting between the
VIII - 24

types of wells that causes the changes in total costs under each regulatory option. The total annual OBF

(zero discharge) cost for Gulf of Mexico existing sources is $5,992,981 (Worksheet No. 4).

Costs for OBF wells offshore California, for the same reason, do not change from baseline costs. 

The aggregate offshore California, OBF cost is $413,282 (the same as baseline; Worksheet No. 5). In

coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska there is a reduction in aggregate compliance costs for OBF wells that reflects the

conversion of one (SWD) OBF well to SBF. The per-well cost for an SWE well, as well as total aggregate

OBF cost, is $349,706, based on grind and inject technology.

Thus, for BAT/NSPS Option 1, the Gulf of Mexico costs, by well type, are $35,569,256 (SBF);

and $5,992,961 (OBF) for a total Gulf of Mexico BAT cost of $41,562,237. The BAT/NSPS Option 1

cost for offshore California is $413,282 (OBF); there are no BAT/NSPS Option 1 SBF wells offshore

California, thus the BAT/NSPS Option 1 total cost for offshore California is $413,282. Cook Inlet

BAT/NSPS Option 1 costs are $266,864 (SBF); $349,706 (OBF); the BAT/NSPS Option 1 total cost for

BAT/NSPS Option 1 for coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska is $616,570.

4.3 BAT/NSPS Option 2 Discharge Option Costs

Under the BAT/NSPS Option 2 discharge option, the discharge limitation is based on 3.82%

retention of SBF on cuttings as the demonstrated, long-term average retention of cuttings dryer technologies. 

EPA recognizes operators may well be able to choose and operate cuttings dryer technologies whose

performance exceeds that required by this limitation, and thus be able to include the fines removal unit

(FRU) wastestream and still comply with the above requirement. However, for this cost analysis EPA has

included costs of zero discharge of FRU wastes. No difference in the well counts of WBF, SBF, or OBF

wells is projected between BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2. Per-well and aggregate costs

are only slightly increased as a result of the zero discharge costs for FRU wastes, which are relatively

minimal because of the small waste volumes from FRUs.

The per well BAT/NSPS Option 2 costs for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico ranged from $82,346

in discharge-related (cuttings dryer) costs and $2,712 in zero discharge-related (FRU) costs for an SWD

well to $223,116 in discharge-related costs and $10,541 in zero discharge-related costs for a DWE well

(Worksheet No. 7). The per well and aggregate costs for Gulf of Mexico OBF and WBF wells are

unchanged from BAT/NSPS Option 1 estimates.
VIII - 25

As is the case for BAT/NSPS Option 1, there are no BAT/NSPS Option 2 SBF wells projected for

offshore California, and the BAT/NSPS Option 2 compliance costs for OBF, and WBF wells offshore

California identical to costs for BAT/NSPS Option 1 and the baseline. 

In coastal Cook Inlet, SBF BAT/NSPS Option 2 costs are identical to BAT/NSPS Option 1 costs. 

An increase in the BAT/NSPS Option 2 costs due to additional FRU zero discharge disposal costs does not

occur in Cook Inlet as it does in the Gulf of Mexico. The reason is the projected SBF well is expected to

inject onsite, thus disposing of the FRU fines along with other cuttings dryer wastes (see footnote 3, page 23

for further explanation of costing onsite injection).

Thus, the BAT/NSPS Option 2 costs for Gulf of Mexico SBF and OBF wells are: $35,749,388

(SBF) and $5,992,981 (OBF) resulting in a total, aggregate Gulf of Mexico BAT/NSPS Option 2 cost of

$41,742,369. For offshore California there is no BAT/NSPS Option 2 SBF cost; the OBF cost is $413,282. 

In coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, the projected BAT/NSPS Option 2 cost is $266,864; the OBF BAT/NSPS

Option 2 cost is $349,706; and the total, aggregate Cook Inlet BAT/NSPS Option 2 cost is $616,570.

The total BAT/NSPS Option 2 SBF cost is $35,749,388; and the total BAT/NSPS Option 2 OBF

cost is $5,992,981. The combined, total cost for BAT/NSPS Option 2 is $41,742,369.

4.4 BAT/NSPS Option 3 Zero Discharge Option Costs

The zero discharge option cost analysis considers Gulf of Mexico wells identified as being drilled

with SBF or OBF. (These same well types are also included in the offshore California and coastal Cook

Inlet cost analyses.) Costs for the BAT/NSPS Option 3 zero discharge option are presented in detail in

Worksheets 10, 11, 12, and 20 for the Gulf of Mexico; in Worksheets 2 and 21 for offshore California; in

Worksheets 3 and 22 for coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska.

The costs for zero discharge in the Gulf of Mexico are based on costs of two alternatives - transport

and land disposal (“onshore”) and grind and inject (“onsite”) - allocated per well on a 0:100 onsite:onshore

basis for deep water wells and on a 20:80 onsite:onshore basis for shallow water wells. The zero discharge,

per-well SBF cost for DWD wells is $236,963 for onshore disposal; for DWE wells the cost is $575,921 per

well; there are no shallow water SBF wells projected under BAT/NSPS Option 3 in the Gulf of Mexico.
VIII - 26

For OBF wells, the BAT/NSPS Option 3 per well DWD operational cost is $161,419 for onshore

disposal; for DWE wells the onshore disposal cost is $407,793 per well. For SWD wells the costs are

$110,715 for onshore disposal and $83,448 for onsite injection; for SWE wells these costs respectively, are

$236,406 and $174,853 per well.

For WBF wells, costs for transport and land disposal in the Gulf of Mexico ranged from $627,810

for an SWD well to $2,724,495 for a DWE well; costs to grind and inject ranged from $387,454 for an

SWD well to $1,235,566 for a DWE well. 

The BAT/NSPS Option 3 aggregate cost for Gulf of Mexico SBF wells is $5,318,258. For OBF

wells, it is $62,886,162, for a total combined BAT/NSPS Option 3 Gulf of Mexico cost of $68,204,419.

For offshore California, the estimated cost of the two SWD OBF wells projected to grind and inject

OBF wastes show a total estimated cost of $413,282; one SWD at $133,517; and one SWE at $279,765.

In coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska projected OBF wells are also projected to use onsite grind and inject

technology. BAT/NSPS Option 3 costs in coastal Cook Inlet are the same as for the baseline. The

estimated cost for BAT/NSPS Option 3 OBF wells is $166,896 (SWD) and $349,706 (SWE) for an

aggregate cost of $516,602.

The aggregate BAT/NSPS Option 3 costs for all geographic regions are: $5,318,258 for SBF wells

and $63,816,045 for OBF wells. The total aggregate BAT technology cost is $69,134,303.

4.5 Retention on Cuttings Incremental Costs (Including Fluid Recovery/Re-use)

The incremental cost of the retention on cuttings limitations and standards is the difference between

the baseline cost and the operational costs of each option projected under the control options, as presented

in Table VIII-2. The major components of this incremental costs are: (1) the costs associated with the

treatment/disposal technology (discussed above); (2) the value of the drilling fluid discharged or disposed

with the cuttings along with the projected savings from the recovery and re-use of the drilling fluid; and (3)

the improved efficiency of drilling (reduced drilling time and hole size). The analysis also incorporates

effects of operators switching from WBF to SBF if discharge is authorized and switching from SBF to OBF

if EPA were to select zero discharge.
VIII - 27

The incremental cost of the BAT/NSPS Option 1 discharge option that is attributable to the

retention limitation is projected to be $2,190,046. Several factors combine to produce this result. The

average per well costs of SBF wells under BAT/NSPS Option 1 are lower under baseline (approximately

$135,000 versus $146,000). This is largely due to the costs of improved cuttings dryer technologies being

offset by the cost savings from SBF lost on cuttings, which results from lower SBF retention on cuttings

achievable by the improved cuttings dryer technologies. However, these lower per well costs do not

translate into a lower aggregate cost because of an increased SBF well count if BAT/NSPS Option 1 versus

baseline (264 versus 201 SBF wells, respectively) that includes the conversion of WBF wells to SBF if SBF

discharges are authorized. Because of EPA’s costing methodology, WBF wells have no associated

compliance costs related to this rule because there are no new controls established for WBF wells by this

rule. However, for WBF wells that convert to SBF wells, costs are accrued related to the control of SBF

discharges promulgated by this rule.

The BAT/NSPS Option 2 incremental cost that is attributable to the retention limitation is

$2,370,178 and thus are somewhat increased compared to BAT/NSPS Option 1. This increased cost

results from the modest costs related to zero discharge from FRUs that not incurred under BAT/NSPS

Option 1.

The BAT/NSPS Option 3 incremental cost that is attributable to the retention limitation is

$28,732,260 and reflects the costs of zero discharge of all SBF wastes.

4.6 Costs (Savings) Due to Efficiencies of SBF Drilling over WBF Drilling

4.6.1 Costs (Savings) for Operators Converting from WBF to SBF

For the proposal, EPA considered the costs of only SBF and OBF wells. An explicit assumption at

that time was that all OBF wells would convert to SBF wells; an unstated assumption of the cost analysis

was that no WBF wells would convert to SBF. This approach results in an accounting of treatment and

disposal costs for SBF wells above those modeled in the baseline analysis, but does not consider the

reduction in WBF costs associated with the WBF wells converting to SBF. Stated differently, any well

would only use one mud system over a given interval. The approach used at proposal recognized only the

additional costs related to using SBF for a given well interval but failed to recognize the cost savings of not

using WBF for that same well over the same interval. Based on information provided by industry regarding
VIII - 28

the efficiency of SBF over WBF, projections of well counts by drilling fluid type for this final rule present a

different, and more complicated picture.10

Based on these revised well count projections, EPA estimates under either discharge option

BAT/NSPS Option 1 or BAT/NSPS Option 2, only a subset (approximately 40%) of OBF wells are

projected to convert to SBF wells. Also, there will be a subset (approximately 6%) of WBF wells that

convert to SBF wells under BAT/NSPS Option 1 or BAT/NSPS Option 2. For the final rule EPA includes

an explicit consideration of WBF wells in addition to SBF and OBF wells and these wells have been

included in the well count allocation. 

With the inclusion of WBF wells into the cost analysis, EPA noted that several additional factors,

beyond those considered at proposal, needed to be addressed if EPA was to avoid double counting of WBFrelated cost elements. Three cost saving elements were identified: (1) a higher volume of WBFs discharged

than SBF; (2) reduced SBF rig time compared to WBF; and (3) zero discharge costs if WBF fail the toxicity

or sheen limitations. The first of these elements is a savings of the cost of WBF that would have been

discharged overboard during the drilling of the SBF well interval. WBFs are much less expensive than SBF

(i.e., $45/bbl versus $221/bbl). However, because discharging both WBF-cuttings (including some 5%

adherent drilling fluid) and bulk drilling fluid are current practice and authorized under NPDES permits, a far

greater volume of WBF is discharged than SBF. For example, for a DWE/SBF well, a total of 1,184 bbl of

SBF is projected to be discharged; for a DWE/WBF well, some 19,314 bbl of bulk WBF discharges, and

223 bbl of discharge fluids adhering to 4,468 bbl of wet cuttings, are projected to be discharged. Thus, the

cost of discarded SBF is $261,664 (1,184 bbl x $221/bbl). In contrast, the cost of discarded WBF is

$879,165 (19,537 bbl x $45/bbl). Converting to SBF, therefore, saves $617,501 in drilling fluid cost per

conversion.

A second cost factor that is associated with operational characteristics of WBF- versus SBF-related

wells is that SBF programs are much shorter than WBF programs. This results from several factors: a

higher rate of penetration (ROP); fewer technical difficulties (e.g., stuck pipe, severe washout); and the

ability to drill at higher deviations during directional drilling. The end result of this difference between WBF

and SBF systems is reflected in an approximately two-fold increase in the overall drilling rate afforded by

SBF.10 These factors translate into shorter drilling programs that lower rig costs (normally a day-rate

expense for offshore operators) and/or fewer wells to be drilled due to greater directional drilling capabilities.
VIII - 29

The third factor related to the WBF system is that a certain percentage of WBF wells can be

expected to fail their sheen or aquatic toxicity limitations. These wells require onsite injection or onshore

disposal. These are WBF zero discharge-related disposal costs that would not be incurred for wells

converting to SBF. Information available on the failure rate of WBF wells could be found in the

Development Document for the offshore effluent limitations guidelines. Based on information in the

Development Document, a weighted average failure rate of 10.7% can derived. EPA, however, considers

the information upon which this parameter is based insufficiently reliable for application to current drilling

operations and for inclusion as a formal element in its cost analysis. The Agency has, instead, considered

this Offshore Development Document-derived failure rate as the maximum possible value, and has only

assessed its impact in ancillary analyses.32 In the cost analysis presented in this document, this cost element

has been omitted. The net effect of this factor is to reduce overall costs to the industry. Thus, omitting this

factor effectively constitutes a 0% failure rate, presenting a conservative approach to EPA’s cost analysis.

The analysis of these three factors are presented in Worksheet No. 23, Appendix VIII-2. A savings

of $15,552,540 in the cost of discharged WBF is projected. The reduction in rig time-associated costs is

projected at $33,280,000 (based on WBF well intervals requiring twice as long to complete per well, times

the number of WBF projected to convert to SBF wells, and an estimated average day rate of $80,000 (a

conservative estimate for the spectrum of offshore rig costs likely in the Gulf of Mexico). A total aggregated

cost savings of $48,832,540 is projected from these three factors related to WBF versus SBF systems.

4.6.2 Cost Impacts to Operators Currently Using SBFs

Operators currently using certain SBFs may not be able to pass all stock base fluid and SBFcuttings limitations for discharge. These operators will not be afforded the cost savings described above for

operators converting from WBF to SBF. EPA has evaluated the costs to these operators. Costs per well

were calculated for conversion from the least expensive SBF EPA has used in its cost analyses (i.e., IO at

$160/bbl) to the most expensive SBF (i.e., low viscosity ester at $300/bbl). These incremental per well

costs are $43,887 (DWD); $63,567 (DWE); $48,018 (SWD); and $60,118 (SWE) under BAT/NSPS

Option 1. For BAT/NSPS Option 2 the incremental per well costs are $44,267 (DWD); $65,857 (DWE);

$47,685 (SWD); and $61,129 (SWE).

In addition, EPA considered these operators as part of the Economic Analysis conducted for the

final rule. In this analysis, only shallow water SBF wells show a cost increase because the additional

recovery of SBF is not sufficient to offset the cost of the equipment; shallow wells use less drilling fluid than
4The cost analysis uses a weighted average of SBF fluid costs (over $200/bbl).

VIII - 30

deeper wells. The increase, however, is three-tenths of one percent. A certain percentage of wells might

incur a higher cost for SBFs that meet the stock limitations over SBFs that do not. EPA also examined this

type of increase by modeling a cost increase from $160/bbl for the SBF and a primary shale shaker to

$300/bbl for the SBF and a cuttings dryer4. For shallow water wells, the incremental cost was $48,000 for

a development well (compared to a $2.9 million total baseline drilling cost) and $61,000 for an exploratory

well (compared to a $4.9 million total baseline drilling cost). 

In other words, the extremely conservative assumptions lead to no more than a 1.7 percent increase

in the total drilling cost. It is unlikely that such a small increase in total drilling cost would affect the decision

whether or not to drill. It would only make sense not to drill a well if the difference in estimated net present

values of a project with and without that well is less than the incremental cost of the more expensive fluid

for that well. This might happen when wells are drilled into marginal fields. To examine the highest number

of operations that might be affected by increased drilling fluid costs, EPA examined the number of wells per

year that have been drilled recently using SBFs in shallow water operations, i.e, where SBF formulations

might have to be changed to meet the BAT requirements. EPA identified about 40 wells in this category,

about 3 percent of all wells drilled annually in the Gulf of Mexico. Thus, no more than 3 percent of Gulf

wells would not be drilled. Because it is likely that any wells not drilled would be in marginal fields, lost

production would most likely be far less than 3 percent of Gulf production. There is the social cost of the

lost production as well (which does not affect the operator), but that should be small relative to the total

recoverable production in the Gulf, since it would affect a relatively small number of wells and these are

wells drilled into marginal fields.

4.7 Net Incremental BAT Costs/Savings

Net incremental BAT costs/savings are determined for this final rule. The net BAT incremental

cost for any option considered is the sum of the savings accruing from the retention limit and the savings

from using SBF instead of WBFs. Net incremental compliance costs for both discharge options reflect a

cost savings to industry. For BAT/NSPS Option 1, the net incremental cost is an overall savings of

$46,642,494. For BAT/NSPS Option 2, the net incremental cost is an overall savings of $46,462,362. 

However, for BAT/NSPS Option 3, there is a net incremental cost of $28,732,260.
VIII - 31

4.8 NSPS Compliance Cost Analysis

Table VIII-3 lists the summary results for the NSPS cost analysis, which is conducted using the

same methodology and cost data used in the BAT cost analysis. Certain assumptions related to well count

allocations were made at proposal that are specific to the NSPS analysis, however. As shown in Table VIII4, EPA projects that new source wells are located only in the Gulf of Mexico because of the lack of activity

in new lease blocks in offshore California, offshore Alaska, and coastal Cook Inlet. New source wells are

defined in the offshore guidelines, 40 CFR 435.11(q). With respect to drilling, these include only

development wells; exploratory wells are excluded by definition.12, 20 EPA also estimated that 50% of the

DWD wells in the Gulf of Mexico would be new sources because of the rapid expansion in the deep water

areas. Because of slower expansion in Gulf of Mexico shallow water areas, EPA estimated that only 5% of

SWD wells would be new sources. These assumptions have not changed in the cost analysis for the final

rule.

The NSPS cost analysis consists of the same line-item costs as in the analysis for existing sources

with the exception for retrofit costs for the add-on, cuttings dryer technology. These retrofit costs are not

included for new platforms as these new platforms will be designed to incorporate cuttings dryers in the

solids control equipment system. Appendix VIII-2 includes six SBF/OBF/WBF worksheets that present

baseline compliance costs (Worksheet NSPS-13), BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2 discharge

option costs (Worksheets NSPS-14 and NSPS-15), and zero discharge option costs (Worksheets NSPS-17,

-18 and -19) for new source wells. The per-well baseline costs for NSPS SBF wells are $117,572 for a

DWD well and $77,792 for a SWD well. For NSPS OBF wells, the cost for an SWD well (the only OBF

well type projected under NSPS) is $110,715. The total NSPS baseline cost for SBF wells is $2,152,540;

for OBF wells is $221,430; and for WBF wells is $2,714,235. The total NSPS Gulf of Mexico baseline

cost is $2,373,970.

For the BAT/NSPS Option 1 discharge option, the per-well NSPS total costs (including baseline

costs and costs of this rule) for SBF wells are $89,105 for a DWD well and $59,624 for a SWD well. For

OBF wells the cost for an SWD well (the only OBF well type projected for NSPS) is unchanged versus the

baseline cost of $110,715. The aggregate NSPS costs for BAT/NSPS Option 1 are $1,902,672 for SBF

wells and $110,715 for OBF wells. The combined aggregate cost for BAT/NSPS Option 1 is $2,013,387.

For the BAT/NSPS Option 2 discharge option the per-well NSPS operational costs for SBF wells

are $89,486 ($85,361 for the discharge portion costs; $4,125 for the zero discharge portion) for a DWD
VIII - 32

well and $59,370 ($56,664 for the discharge portion; $2,712 for the zero discharge portion) for an SWD

well. For OBF wells, the cost for an SWD well (the only OBF well type projected for NSPS) is unchanged

versus the baseline or BAT/NSPS Option 1 compliance cost of $110,715. The aggregate NSPS costs for

BAT/NSPS Option 2 are $1,906,776 for SBF wells and $110,715 for OBF wells. The combined aggregate

cost for BAT/NSPS Option 2 is $2,017,491.

The BAT/NSPS Option 3 zero discharge NSPS per-well costs (under existing requirements and

BAT/NSPS Option 3 requirements) for the Gulf of Mexico are based on 100% transport and land disposal

for deep water wells and 80% onshore disposal/20% onsite injection for shallow water wells. For an

SBF/DWD well, the average cost per well is $236,963 (there are no SBF/SWD wells projected under NSPS

BAT/NSPS Option 3). For OBF, the costs per well are $161,416 for a DWD well; for an SWD well costs

are $110,715 (onshore disposal) and $83,448 (onsite injection). The aggregate NSPS costs for BAT/NSPS

Option 3 are $710,889 for SBF wells and $2,039,092 for OBF wells. The combined aggregate cost for

BAT/NSPS Option 3 is $2,749,981.

The incremental costs of the NSPS options considered for this rule result in the savings of $360,583

and $356,479 under BAT/NSPS Option 1 and Option 2, respectively. However, for the BAT/NSPS Option

3 zero discharge option, there is an incremental cost of $376,011.

Also, similar to existing sources, new sources will accrue the same cost benefits of SBF over WBF,

as discussed above in Section 4.5, related to discharged WBF cost savings and rig time-related cost savings. 

These projected WBF-related NSPS cost savings are $683,505 in WBF-discharge savings and $1,440,000

in rig time-related savings. (There are no projected WBF zero discharge savings, even in EPA’s ancillary

analysis, because there are too few NSPS wells converting from WBF to SBF to statistically project any

sheen or aquatic toxicity limitation failures. The net incremental NSPS costs, i.e., the sum of incremental

costs and WBF-related cost savings are ($2,484,088) for BAT/NSPS Option 1 technology and ($2,479,984)

for BAT/NSPS Option 2 technology. These net incremental costs reflect a net cost savings under either

discharge option. Under BAT/NSPS Option 3 zero discharge, the net incremental NSPS cost is $376,011.

5. POLLUTANT LOADINGS (REMOVALS)

The methodology for estimating pollutant loadings and incremental pollutant loadings (removals)

effectively parallels that of the compliance cost analysis. The pollutant loadings analysis is based on the

waste volumes and number of the four model wells identified in Table VIII-4, and on the pollutant
VIII - 33

characteristics of the drilling fluid and cuttings waste stream compiled from EPA and industry sources. The

following sections first describe the estimates and input data on which the pollutant loadings (removals)

analysis is based, followed by a detailed discussion of the methodology used to calculate the annual

incremental removals for both BAT and NSPS levels of regulatory control, and concluding with a

presentation of the results and conclusions of this analysis.

For this final rule, EPA identifies effluent removals as a distinct category of pollutant loadings

because the pollutants that are not discharged are either injected onsite or disposed onshore, and EPA is

combining effluent removals with these “zero discharge” waste loadings for the purposes of the NWQEIs. 

Table VIII-5 presents a summary of total, industry-wide results, by region, for baseline loadings, both

discharge options and the zero discharge option, their compliance loadings, and incremental loadings

(removals). These results are discussed in Sections 5.2 through 5.6, which respectively present baseline and

the BAT and NSPS options.

5.1 Input Data and Methodology

5.1.1 SBF and OBF Pollutant Loadings (Removals) in Effluent Discharges, Land Disposal, and

Injected Waste

To calculate pollutant loadings and incremental pollutant loadings (or removals), EPA characterizes

the drilling fluid cuttings waste stream in terms of pollutant concentrations, estimates per well pollutant

loadings, and projects regional and industry-wide loadings based on per well loadings and well count

projections. Incremental pollutant loadings (or removals) are the projected loadings of the various

regulatory options under consideration minus the projected baseline pollutant loadings. Effluent loadings are

considered separate and distinct from “zero discharge” loadings, which are wastes managed via onsite

injection and land disposal. These latter types of waste are included in this section to provide a multi-media

perspective of waste generation under each SBF-cuttings regulatory option. These waste volumes are also

described in the NWQEI section, Chapter IX.

Pollutants in SBF and OBF derive from three sources: the base fluid, i.e., mineral oil-based drilling

fluid or internal olefin synthetic-based drilling fluid; drill cuttings; and formation oil. Section VII.3 of this

document presents detailed discussions of the characteristics of these sources that EPA considered in its

analysis of pollutant loadings and removals. Table VII-1 lists the pollutant concentrations that EPA uses to

calculate pollutant loadings.
VIII - 34

In addition to pollutant concentrations, EPA estimated per-well waste volumes, as presented in

Section VII.4. EPA’s derivation of model well volumes is described in Chapter VII, Section 4.2 and is

summarized in Table VII-2. Based on the drilling fluid characteristics and model well volumes, EPA derives

per well SBF/OBF waste volumes. The input data and calculations used to derive these waste volumes are

given in Table VI-3. Table VII-4 lists EPA’s projected waste volumes and loadings for the four model

wells. For each model well, three sets of calculations are developed for the long-term average SBF ROC: at

10.2% (baseline), at 4.03% (BAT/NSPS Option 1), and at 3.82% (BAT/NSPS Option 2). These

calculations derive the per well volumes of mineral oil or synthetic base fluid, water, barite, dry cuttings and

formation oil in the waste stream.
VIII - 35

TABLE VIII-5

SUMMARY TOTAL POLLUTANT LOADINGS AND INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REMOVALS) 

FOR LARGE VOLUME WASTES FROM EXISTING SOURCES

(lbs/year)

Loadings Incremental Loadings (Removals)

Gulf of

Mexico

California Cook Inlet,

Alaska

Total Gulf of

Mexico

Califo

r-nia

Cook

Inlet,

Alaska

Total

Baseline 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

 Onshore Disposal

Total

2,330,975,121

11,862,178

47,448,711

2,390,286,010

9,617,040

1,945,148

0

11,562,188

8,407,772

1,945,148

0

10,352,920

2,348,999,932

15,752,474

47,448,711

2,412,201,117

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (4.03% SBF Retention) 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

Onshore Disposal

Total

2,223,130,197

7,092,172

28,368,689

2,258,591,058

9,617,040

1,945,148

0

11,562,188

8,960,568

1,316,784

0

10,277,352

2,241,707,804

10,354,104

28,368,689

2,280,430,597

(107,844,924)

(4,770,006)

(19,080,022)

(131,694,952)

0

0

0

0

552,796

(628,364)

0

(75,568)

(107,292,128)

(5,398,370)

(19,080,022)

(131,770,520)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (3.82% SBF Retention) 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

Onshore Disposal

Total

2,215,568,632

7,092,172

35,930,254

2,258,591,058

9,617,040

1,945,148

0

11,562,188

8,944,468

1,332,884

0

10,277,352

2,234,130,139

10,370,204

35,930,254

2,280,430,597

(115,406,489)

(4,770,006)

(11,518,457)

(131,694,952)

0

0

0

0

536,696

(612,264)

0

(75,568)

(114,869,793)

(5,382,270)

(11,518,457)

(131,770,520)

BAT/NSPS Option 3 (Zero Discharge SBF) 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

Onshore Disposal

Total

2,144,121,984

36,101,236

224,633,126

2,404,856,346

9,617,040

1,945,148

0

11,562,188

8,407,772

1,945,148

0

10,352,920

2,162,146,796

39,991,532

224,633,126

2,426,771,454

(186,853,137)

24,239,058

177,184,415

14,570,336

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(186,853,137)

24,239,058

177,184,415

14,570,336
VIII - 36

The general assumptions EPA uses to develop SBF/OBF model well waste volumes and pollutant

concentrations are summarized as follows:

• Model drilling waste volumes are based on four model wells, as shown in Table VII-4.

• Total hole volume equals gage hole plus 7.5% additional volume due to SBF washout (see Section

VII.4.2.1).

• Solids control equipment perform equally for both OBF- and SBF-cuttings (see Section VII.5.3).5

• Model formulation for SBFs and OBFs is 47% (wt.) base fluid, 33% (wt.) solids, 20% (wt.) water,

and this formulation remains constant throughout the solids control system (see Section VII.3.1);

mud density is 9.65 lb/gal based on the above composition.

• All solids in a model drilling fluid are barite (see Section VII.3.1).

• Model drilling waste components are drilling fluid (SBF or OBF), dry cuttings, and 0.2% (vol.)

formation oil (see Section VII.3.3).

• Model long-term average retention values for drilling fluid on cuttings is 10.2% for baseline wells,

4.03% for BAT/NSPS Option 1 wells, and 3.82% for BAT/NSPS Option 2 wells (see Section

VIII.4.2.3).

For SBF and OBF, the per-well waste volume and loading estimates listed in Table VII-4 are

multiplied by the pollutant concentrations in Table VII-1 to determine the per-well pollutant loadings. As in

the compliance cost analysis, the per-well values for conventional pollutants (TSS; oil and grease) are then

multiplied by the numbers of wells in each option and each geographic area, as listed in Table VIII-4, to

determine total, industry-wide pollutant loadings. Incremental pollutant loadings or removals are then

calculated as the difference between baseline loadings and option loadings. 

Appendix VIII-4 contains of the detailed worksheets that calculate the per well loadings (which are

the same for both existing and new sources) and the regional and industry-wide loadings and incremental

loadings (removals). All worksheets (SBF-, OBF-, or WBF-related) that are mentioned in the remainder of

Section 5 (Sections 5.2 through 5.6) are from Appendix VIII-4. The SBF/OBF analyses presented in

Appendix VIII-4 are organized as follows:

Worksheets 1 through 4: Baseline SBF/OBF effluent loadings, BAT/NSPS Option 1 effluent

loadings, BAT/NSPS Option 2 effluent loadings, and BAT/NSPS Option 3 effluent loadings for

discharges from DWD, DWE, SWD, and SWE wells, respectively.
VIII - 37

The costs and non-water quality environmental impacts of the wastes covered by this rule are

important factors in the final determinations of this rule. As such, the quantity and fate of wastes subject to

zero discharge are important considerations in the loadings analysis for this final rule. Zero discharge wastes

have two fates: they are ground onsite and injected into compatible sub-seabed formations or they are

placed into containers, transported to shore, and disposed via landfarming or (onshore) subsurface injection. 

The quantities of SBF and OBF that are subject to zero discharge are also detailed in Appendix VIII-4

worksheets. These zero discharge quantities are determined identically to discharge loadings, i.e., loadings

per well times the number of wells. These worksheets are organized as follows:

Worksheets 5 through 7: SBF/OBF onsite injection/onshore disposal loadings for existing sources in

the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and Cook Inlet, Alaska, respectively, including baseline,

BAT/NSPS Option 1, BAT/NSPS Option 2, and BAT/NSPS Option 3 options

Worksheets 8 through 10: SBF/OBF onsite injection/onshore disposal loadings for new sources in

the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and Cook Inlet, Alaska, respectively, including baseline,

BAT/NSPS Option 1, BAT/NSPS Option 2, and BAT/NSPS Option 3 options.

The per well loadings in Appendix VIII-4 are multiplied by the corresponding numbers of wells presented in

Table VIII-4. 

5.1.2 WBF Well Loadings (Removals)

The derivation of waste volumes and pollutant characterization for WBF, Chapter VII, Section

4.2.5, is discussed in detail. These WBF volumes and characterizations are based on data contained in the

Development Document for the final offshore subcategory effluent limitations guidelines (EPA 821-R-93-

003).

For this final rule, EPA presents projected WBF waste volumes, conventional pollutant

concentrations (TSS and oil and grease), and nonconventional and toxic pollutant concentrations (Chapter

VII, Section 4.2.5); projected frequency of mineral oil usage for lubricity or as a spotting fluid; and

projected and the frequency of WBF failures to meet sheen or aquatic toxicity limitations. Appendix VIII-4

contains the detailed worksheets that calculate per well loadings, regional and industry-wide loadings, and

incremental loadings (removals). The organization of these WBF worksheets in Appendix VIII-4 is as

follows:
VIII - 38

Worksheets 11 through 13: WBF effluent loadings from existing sources, respectively for

conventional pollutants from discharged WBF cuttings, for conventional pollutants from discharged

drilling fluid, and for nonconventional and toxic pollutants from discharged drilling fluid.

Worksheets 14 through 16: WBF effluent loadings from new sources, respectively for conventional

pollutants from WBF cuttings, for conventional pollutants from drilling fluid, and nonconventional

and toxic pollutants from drilling fluids.

5.2. Baseline Pollutant Loadings for Existing Sources

As in the cost analysis, EPA establishes a loadings baseline by calculating pollutant loadings for the

baseline wells identified in Table VIII-4. Table VIII-6, which presents the analysis for the BAT/NSPS

Option 1 discharge option, includes a presentation of projected annual baseline effluent loadings for SBF,

OBF, and WBF. For wells that currently discharge SBF (baseline SBF wells), effluent pollutant loadings are

calculated assuming current technology that treats cuttings to 10.2% retention. The total annual baseline

effluent discharge loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is 237,890,828 lbs; for offshore California

and coastal Cook Inlet, there are no SBF effluent loadings. Baseline OBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico,

offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet all have baseline effluent discharge loadings of zero because

OBF wells require zero discharge. Baseline effluent loading from WBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

2,093,084,293 lbs/yr; for offshore California is 9,617,040 lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska is 8,407,772

lbs/yr; and, in aggregate, totals 2,111,109,104 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF baseline discharge

loading for the Gulf of Mexico is 2,330,975,121 lbs/yr; for offshore California it is 9,617,040 lbs/yr; for

coastal Cook Inlet it is 8,407,772 lbs/yr; and in aggregate totals 2,348,999,932 lbs/yr.

At present no SBF operators are practicing zero discharge via onsite injection for the Gulf of

Mexico, offshore California, or coastal Cook Inlet. For OBF, the zero discharge baseline loading via onsite

injection for the Gulf of Mexico is 11,862,178 lbs; for offshore California it is 1,945,148 lbs; for coastal

Cook Inlet it also is 1,945,148 lbs; and in the aggregate onsite injection of OBF totals 15,752,474 lbs. 
VIII - 39

TABLE VIII-6

SBF, OBF, AND WBF ANNUAL BAT/NSPS OPTION 1 POLLUTANT LOADINGS AND

INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REMOVALS) FOR LARGE VOLUME WASTES

FROM EXISTING SOURCES

(lbs/year)

Gulf of

Mexico

Offshore

California

Cook Inlet,

Alaska

Total

Baseline Technology Loadings

Discharge with 10.2% retention

of SBF base fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

237,890,828

0

2,093,084,293

2,330,975,121

0

0

9,617,040

9,617,040

0

0

8,407,772

8,407,772

237,890,828

0

2,111,109,104

2,348,999,932

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

11,862,178

0

11,862,178

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

15,752,474

0

15,752,474

Zero Discharge via land

disposal 

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

28,368,689

0

28,368,689

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

28,368,689

0

28,368,689

BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings

Discharge with 4.03% retention

of SBF base fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

259,628,314

0

1,963,501,883

2,223,130,197

0

0

9,617,040

9,617,040

552,796

0

8,407,772

8,960,568

260,181,110

0

1,981,526,694

2,241,707,804

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection 

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

7,092,172

0

7,092,172

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,316,784

0

1,316,784

0

10,354,104

0

10,354,104

Zero Discharge via land

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

47,448,711

0

47,448,711

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

47,448,711

0

47,448,711

Incremental Pollutant Loadings (Removals)

Discharge with 4.03% retention

of SBF base fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

21,737,486

0

(129,582,410)

(107,844,924)

0

0

0

0

552,796

0

0

552,796

22,290,282

0

(129,582,410)

(107,292,128)

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

(4,770,006)

0

(4,770,006)

0

0

0

0

0

(628,364)

0

(628,364)

0

(5,398,370)

0

(5,398,370)

Zero Discharge via land

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

(19,080,022)

0

(19,080,022)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(19,080,022)

0

(19,080,022)
VIII - 40

There are no zero discharge baseline loading via onshore disposal of SBF for the Gulf of Mexico,

offshore California, or coastal Cook Inlet. For OBF, the zero discharge baseline loading via onshore

disposal for the Gulf of Mexico is 47,448,711 lbs/yr; there are no offshore California or coastal Cook Inlet

OBF loadings via onshore disposal.

5.3 BAT Option 1 Pollutant Loadings (Removals) for Existing Sources

As the next step in the analysis, EPA calculated pollutant loadings resulting from a discharge

limitation based on the combined wastes of cuttings dryer add-on technology and FRUs (i.e., based on an

SBF-cuttings retention of 4.03%). As in the cost analysis, EPA estimates BAT Option 1 pollutant loadings

for the BAT Option 1 wells identified in Table VIII-4. Total annual BAT Option 1 discharge option

loadings for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska are shown in Table

VIII-6. Incremental pollutant loadings (removals) are calculated by subtracting baseline loadings from the

BAT Option 1 loadings.

The total annual BAT Option 1 effluent loadings for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

259,628,314 lbs/yr; for offshore California there are no SBF effluent loadings; for coastal Cook Inlet it is

552,796 lbs/yr; in the aggregate, SBF annual effluent loadings are 260,181,110 lbs/yr. BAT Option 1 OBF

wells in offshore California, coastal Cook Inlet, and the Gulf of Mexico all have BAT Option 1 effluent

loadings of zero because OBF wells require zero discharge. BAT Option 1 effluent loadings from WBF

wells in the Gulf of Mexico are 1,963,501,883 lbs/yr; for offshore California are 9,617,040 lbs/yr; for Cook

Inlet, Alaska, are 8,407,772 lbs/yr; and in aggregate, totals 1,981,526,694 lbs/yr. The combined

SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 1 effluent loadings for the Gulf of Mexico are 2,223,130,197 lbs/yr; for

offshore California are 9,617,040 lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet are 8,960,568 lbs/yr; and in aggregate, the

total is 2,241,707,804 lbs/yr.

There are no zero discharge BAT Option 1 loadings via onsite injection of SBF for the Gulf of

Mexico, offshore California, or coastal Cook Inlet. For OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 1 loading via

onsite injection for the Gulf of Mexico is 7,092,172 lbs/yr; for offshore California it is 1,945,148 lbs/yr; for

coastal Cook Inlet it is 1,316,784 lbs/yr; and in the aggregate, onsite injection of OBF totals 10,354,104

lbs/yr.

There are no zero discharge BAT Option 1 loadings via onshore disposal of SBF for the Gulf of

Mexico, offshore California, or coastal Cook Inlet. For OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 1 loading via
VIII - 41

onshore disposal for the Gulf of Mexico is 28,368,689 lbs/yr; there are no onshore disposal loadings for

offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet. 

The total annual BAT Option 1 incremental effluent discharge loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of

Mexico is 21,737,486 lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet it is 552,796 lbs/yr; in the aggregate, SBF annual loading

is 22,290,282 lbs/yr. BAT Option 1 incremental loading from WBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

(129,582,410) lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 1 incremental discharge loading for the

Gulf of Mexico is (107,844,924) lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet is 552,796 lbs/yr; and in aggregate, the total is

(107,292,128) lbs/yr.

There are no zero discharge BAT Option 1 incremental loadings via onsite injection of SBF for the

Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, or coastal Cook Inlet. For OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 1

incremental loading via onsite injection for the Gulf of Mexico is (4,770,006) lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet it

is (628,364) lbs/yr; and in the aggregate onsite injection of OBF totals (5,398,370) lbs/yr.

There are no zero discharge BAT Option 1 incremental loadings via onshore disposal of SBF for

the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, or coastal Cook Inlet. For OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 1

incremental loading via onshore disposal for the Gulf of Mexico is (19,080,022) lbs/yr. 

5.4 BAT Option 2 Pollutant Loadings (Removals) for Existing Sources

In addition to baseline and BAT Option 1 loadings, EPA calculated pollutant loadings resulting from

a discharge limitation based solely on the wastes of cuttings dryer add-on technology (i.e., based on an SBFcuttings retention of 3.82%). As in the cost analysis, EPA establishes BAT Option 2 pollutant loadings for

the BAT Option 2 wells identified in Table VIII-4. Total annual BAT Option 2 discharge option loadings

for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska are shown in Table VIII-7. 

Incremental pollutant loadings (removals) are calculated by subtracting baseline loadings from the BAT

Option 2 loadings.

The total annual BAT Option 2 effluent loadings for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

252,066,749 lbs/yr; for offshore California it is zero; for coastal Cook Inlet it is 536,696 lbs/yr; in the

aggregate, SBF annual effluent loadings are 252,603,445 lbs/yr. BAT Option 2 OBF wells in offshore

California, coastal Cook Inlet, and the Gulf of Mexico all have BAT Option 2 loadings of zero because OBF

wells require zero discharge. BAT Option 2 effluent loadings from WBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico are
VIII - 42

1,963,501,883 lbs/yr; for offshore California are 9,617,040 lbs/yr; for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are 8,407,772

lbs/yr; and in aggregate totals 1,981,526,694 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 2 effluent

loadings for the Gulf of Mexico are 2,215,568,632 lbs/yr; for offshore California are 9,617,040 lbs/yr; for

coastal Cook Inlet are 8,944,468 lbs/yr; and in aggregate, the total is 2,234,130,139 lbs/yr.

The zero discharge BAT Option 2 loading via onsite injection of SBF is zero for the Gulf of Mexico

and offshore California; for coastal Cook Inlet it is 16,100 lbs/yr. For OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option

2 loading via onsite injection for the Gulf of Mexico is 7,092,172 lbs/yr; for offshore California it is

1,945,148 lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet it is 1,316,784 lbs/yr; and in the aggregate onsite injection of OBF

totals 10,354,104 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 2 zero discharge via onsite injection

loadings for coastal Cook Inlet are 1,332,884 lbs/yr; and in aggregate totals 10,370,204 lbs/yr.
VIII - 43

TABLE VIII-7

SBF, OBF, AND WBF ANNUAL BAT OPTION 2 POLLUTANT LOADINGS AND

INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REMOVALS) FOR LARGE VOLUME WASTES

FROM EXISTING SOURCES

(lbs/year)

Gulf of Mexico Offshore

California

Cook Inlet,

Alaska Total

Baseline Technology Loadings

Discharge with 10.2% retention

of SBF base fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

237,890,828

0

2,093,084,293

2,330,975,121

0

0

9,617,040

9,617,040

0

0

8,407,772

8,407,772

237,890,828

0

2,111,109,104

2,348,999,932

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

11,862,178

0

11,862,178

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

15,752,474

0

15,752,474

Zero Discharge via land

disposal 

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

28,368,689

0

28,368,689

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

28,368,689

0

28,368,689

BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings

Discharge with 3.82% retention

of SBF base fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

252,066,749

0

1,963,501,883

2,215,568,632

0

0

9,617,040

9,617,040

536,696

0

8,407,772

8,944,468

252,603,445

0

1,981,526,694

2,234,130,139

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection 

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

7,092,172

0

7,092,172

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

16,100

1,316,784

0

1,332,884

16,100

10,354,104

0

10,370,204

Zero Discharge via land

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

7,561,565

28,368,689

0

35,930,254

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7,561,565

28,368,689

0

35,930,254

Incremental Pollutant Loadings (Removals)

Discharge with 3.82% retention

of base fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

14,175,921

0

(129,582,410)

(115,406,489)

0

0

0

0

536,696

0

0

536,696

14,712,617

0

(129,582,410)

(114,869,793)

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

(4,770,006)

0

(4,770,006)

0

0

0

0

16,100

(628,364)

0

(612,264)

16,100

(5,398,370)

0

(5,382,270)

Zero Discharge via land

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

7,561,565

(19,080,022)

0

(11,518,457)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7,561,565

(19,080,022)

0

(11,518,457)
VIII - 44

The zero discharge BAT Option 2 loading via onshore disposal of SBF, OBF, or WBF only occur

in the Gulf of Mexico. For SBF, the BAT Option 2 loading via onshore disposal is 7,561,565 lbs/yr; for

OBF, BAT Option 2 loading via onshore disposal is 28,368,689 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF

BAT Option 2 zero discharge via onshore disposal loadings for the Gulf of Mexico is 35,930,254 lbs/yr.

The total annual BAT Option 2 incremental effluent discharge loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of

Mexico is 14,175,921 lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet it is 536,696 lbs; in the aggregate, SBF annual effluent

loading is 14,712,617 lbs/yr. There are no OBF BAT Option 2 incremental effluent discharge loadings

because OBF wells require zero discharge. BAT Option 2 incremental effluent loadings from WBF wells in

the Gulf of Mexico are (129,582,410) lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 2 incremental

effluent discharge loadings for the Gulf of Mexico are (115,406,489) lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet are

536,696 lbs; and in aggregate totals (114,869,793) lbs/yr.

The zero discharge BAT Option 2 incremental loading via onsite injection of SBF for coastal Cook

Inlet is 16,100 lbs/yr. For OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 2 incremental loading via onsite injection

for the Gulf of Mexico is (4,770,006) lbs/yr; for coastal Cook Inlet it is (628,364) lbs/yr; and in the

aggregate onsite injection of OBF totals (5,398,370) lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 2

incremental zero discharge via onsite injection loadings for coastal Cook Inlet are (612,264) lbs/yr; and in

aggregate totals (5,382,270) lbs/yr.

Zero discharge BAT Option 2 incremental loadings via onshore disposal of SBF, OBF, or WBF

only occurs for the Gulf of Mexico. For SBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 2 incremental loading via

onshore disposal for the Gulf of Mexico is 7,561,565 and for OBF it is (19,080,022) lbs/yr. The combined

SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 2 incremental zero discharge via onshore disposal loading for the Gulf of

Mexico is (11,518,457) lbs/yr.

5.5 BAT Option 3 Zero Discharge Pollutant Loadings (Removals) for Existing Sources

As in the compliance cost analysis, EPA establishes BAT Option 3 pollutant loadings for the BAT

Option 3 wells identified in Table VIII-4. Table VIII-8 summarizes the results for SBF, OBF, and WBF

BAT Option 3 compliance and incremental loadings. WBF drilling has a washout rate approximately 6

times greater than either SBF or OBF drilling due to the properties of WBF (e.g., hole stability, lack of shale
VIII - 45

inhibition). Therefore, operators that switch from SBF to WBF under the zero discharge option for SBFcuttings will discharge more cuttings.

The total annual BAT Option 3 loading for WBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico are 2,144,121,984

lbs/yr; for offshore California, are 9,617,040 lbs/yr; for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are 8,407,772 lbs/yr; and in

aggregate, the total is 2,111,109,104 lbs/yr.

The zero discharge BAT Option 3 loading via onsite injection of SBF is zero for the Gulf of

Mexico, offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet. For OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 3 loading via

onsite injection for the Gulf of Mexico is 36,101,236 lbs/yr; for offshore California it is 1,945,148 lbs/yr; for

coastal Cook Inlet it is 1,945,148 lbs/yr; and in the aggregate onsite injection of OBF totals 39,991,532

lbs/yr. 

The zero discharge BAT Option 3 loading via onshore disposal of SBF, OBF, and WBF occurs

only in the Gulf of Mexico. For SBF, it is 19,766,219 lbs/yr and for OBF it is 204,866,907 lbs/yr. The

combined SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 3 zero discharge via onshore disposal loading for the Gulf of

Mexico is 224,633,126 lbs/yr.

The total annual BAT Option 3 incremental loading for SBF, OBF, and WBF wells, whether for

discharge, zero discharge via onsite injection, or zero discharge via onshore disposal, only occur in the Gulf

of Mexico. For SBF, BAT Option 3 incremental discharge loading is (237,890,828) lbs/yr. For OBF, there

is no incremental loading because OBF wells require zero discharge. BAT Option 3 incremental loading

from WBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is 51,037,691 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 3

incremental discharge loadings for the Gulf of Mexico is (186,853,137) lbs/yr.

The zero discharge BAT Option 3 incremental loading via onsite injection of SBF for the Gulf of

Mexico is zero; for OBF, the zero discharge BAT Option 3 incremental loading via onsite injection for the

Gulf of Mexico is 24,239,058 lbs/yr.
VIII - 46

TABLE VIII-8

SBF, OBF, AND WBF ANNUAL BAT OPTION 3 POLLUTANT LOADINGS AND

INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REMOVALS) FOR LARGE VOLUME WASTES

FROM EXISTING SOURCES (lbs/year)

Gulf of

Mexico

Offshore

California

Cook Inlet,

Alaska Total

Baseline Technology Loadings

Discharge with 10.2% retention

of SBF base fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

237,890,828

0

2,093,084,293

2,330,975,121

0

0

9,617,040

9,617,040

0

0

8,407,772

8,407,772

237,890,828

0

2,162,146,796

2,348,999,932

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

11,862,178

0

11,862,178

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

15,752,474

0

15,752,474

Zero Discharge via land

disposal 

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

28,368,689

0

28,368,689

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

28,368,689

0

28,368,689

BAT Option 3 Loadings

Zero discharge of SBF base

fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

0

2,144,121,984

2,144,121,984

0

0

9,617,040

9,617,040

0

0

8,407,772

8,407,772

0

0

2,162,146,796

2,162,146,796

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection 

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

36,101,236

0

36,101,236

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

1,945,148

0

39,991,532

0

39,991,532

Zero Discharge via land

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

19,766,219

204,866,907

0

224,633,126

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

19,766,219

204,866,907

0

224,633,126

Incremental Pollutant Loadings (Removals)

Zero discharge of SBF base

fluid on cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

(237,890,828)

0

51,037,691

(186,853,137)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(237,890,828)

0

51,037,691

(186,853,137)

Zero Discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

24,239,058

0

24,239,058

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

24,239,058

0

24,239,058

Zero Discharge via land

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

19,766,219

157,418,196

0

177,184,415

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

19,766,219

157,418,196

0

177,184,415
VIII - 47

The zero discharge BAT Option 3 incremental loading via onshore disposal of SBF for the Gulf of

Mexico is 19,766,219 lbs/yr; for OBF, it is 157,418,196 lbs/yr; for WBF it is 4,931,441. The combined

SBF/OBF/WBF BAT Option 3 incremental zero discharge via onshore disposal loadings for the Gulf of

Mexico totals 182,115,856 lbs/yr.

5.6 Pollutant Removals Analysis for New Sources

The method of estimating pollutant loadings and removals for new sources is the same as described

above for existing sources. As shown in Table VIII-4, EPA projects that 60 new source wells will be

annually drilled in the Gulf of Mexico. Table VIII-9 summarizes the baseline loadings, regulatory option

loadings, and incremental compliance pollutant loadings (removals) for new source wells. Table VIII-10

details the SBF, OBF, and WBF NSPS loadings for discharge and zero discharge options, for the baseline

and the three options considered.

 The total annual baseline NSPS effluent discharge loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

17,405,127 lbs/yr. Baseline OBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico have NSPS baseline discharge loadings of

zero because OBF wells require zero discharge. Baseline loading from WBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

92,903,606 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF baseline NSPS discharge loading for the Gulf of Mexico

is 110,308,733 lbs/yr.

The zero discharge NSPS baseline loading via onsite injection for SBF and OBF in the Gulf of

Mexico is zero. The zero discharge NSPS baseline loading via onshore disposal of SBF for the Gulf of

Mexico is zero; for OBF it is 1,256,728 lbs/yr.
VIII - 48

TABLE VIII-9

SUMMARY TOTAL POLLUTANT LOADINGS AND INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REMOVALS) 

FOR LARGE VOLUME WASTES FROM NEW SOURCES

(lbs/year)

Loadings Incremental Loadings (Removals)

Gulf of

Mexico California Cook Inlet,Alaska Total Gulf ofMexico California

Cook

Inlet,

Alaska

Total

Baseline 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

 Onshore Disposal

Total

110,308,733

0

1,256,728

111,565,461

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

110,308,733

0

1,256,728

111,565,461

NSPS Option 1 (4.03% SBF Retention) 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

 Onshore Disposal

Total

107,704,029

0

628,364

108,332,393

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

107,704,029

0

628,364

108,332,393

(2,604,704)

0

(628,364)

(3,233,068)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(2,604,704)

0

(628,364)

(3,233,068)

NSPS Option 2 (3.82% SBF Retention) 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

 Onshore Disposal

Total

107,185,411

0

1,146,982

108,332,393

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

107,185,411

0

1,146,982

108,332,393

(3,123,322)

0

(109,746)

(3,233,068)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(3,123,322)

0

(109,746)

(3,233,068)

NSPS Option 3 (Zero Discharge SBF) 

Effluent Discharge

Zero Discharge

 Onsite Injection

Onshore Disposal

Total

100,387,607

879,710

13,978,597

115,245,913

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

100,387,607

879,710

13,978,597

115,245,913

(9,921,126)

879,710

12,721,869

3,680,452

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(9,921,126)

879,710

12,721,869

3,680,452
VIII - 49

TABLE VII-10

SUMMARY SBF, OBF, AND WBF ANNUAL BASELINE, BAT/NSPS OPTION 1, 

BAT/NSPS OPTION 2, AND BAT/NSPS OPTION 3 POLLUTANT LOADINGS AND

INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REMOVALS) FOR LARGE VOLUME WASTES 

FROM NEW SOURCES (lbs/year)

Baseline BAT/NSPS

Option 1

BAT/NSPS

Option 2

BAT/NSPS

Option 3

Annual Loadings

Discharge with 10.2%

retention of SBF base fluid on

cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

17,405,127

0

92,903,606

110,308,733

20,241,106

0

87,462,923

107,704,029

19,722,488

0

87,462,923

107,185,411

0

0

100,387,607

100,387,607

Zero discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

0

0

0

0

628,364

0

628,364

0

0

0

0

0

879,710

0

879,710

Zero discharge via onshore

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

1,256,728

0

1,256,728

0

628,364

9,041,262

9,669,626

518,618

628,364

0

1,146,982

2,852,661

11,125,935

0

13,978,597

Totals SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

17,405,127

1,256,728

92,903,606

111,565,461

20,241,106

628,364

77,805,785

98,675,255

20,241,106

628,364

77,805,785

98,675,255

2,852,661

12,005,645

89,393,659

104,251,965

Incremental Pollutant Loadings (Removals)

Discharge with 10.2%

retention of SBF base fluid on

cuttings

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

2,835,979

0

(5,440,683)

(2,604,704)

2,317,361

0

(5,440,683)

(3,123,322)

(17,405,127)

0

7,484,001

(9,921,126)

Zero discharge via onsite

injection

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

879,710

0

879,710

Zero discharge via onshore

disposal

SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

0

(628,364)

0

(628,364)

518,618

(628,364)

0

(109,746)

2,852,661

9,869,207

0

12,721,869

Totals SBF

OBF

WBF

Total

2,835,979

(628,364)

(5,440,683)

(5,785,068)

2,835,979

(628,364)

(5,440,683)

(3,133,068)

(14,552,466)

10,748,917

7,484,001

3,680,453
VIII - 50

The total annual NSPS 1 effluent discharge loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is 20,241,106 lbs/yr;

for OBF it is zero; for WBF it is 87,462,923 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF baseline effluent discharge

loading for the Gulf of Mexico is 107,704,029 lbs/yr.

The zero discharge NSPS 1 loading via onsite injection of SBF and OBF in the Gulf of Mexico is zero. The

zero discharge NSPS 1 loading via onshore disposal of SBF in the Gulf of Mexico is zero and for OBF it is 628,364

lbs/yr.

The NSPS 2 effluent discharge loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is 19,722,488 lbs/yr; for OBF it

is zero; for WBF it is 87,462,923 lbs/yr; in aggregate, SBF/OBF/WBF discharge loadings total 107,185,411 lbs/yr. 

For the zero discharge NSPS 2 loading via onsite injection, SBF and OBF have zero loadings. The zero discharge

NSPS 2 loading via onshore disposal of SBF for the Gulf of Mexico is 518,618 lbs/yr and for OBF it is 628,364

lbs/yr; the aggregate onshore disposal loading of SBF/OBF/WBF is 1,146,982 lbs/yr.

The total annual NSPS 3 zero discharge loading for SBF and OBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is zero; for

WBF wells it is 100,387,607 lbs/yr. For the zero discharge NSPS 3 loadings via onsite injection, there are no SBF

loadings; OBF loading is 879,710 lbs/yr; WBF loading is 1,661,120 lbs/yr. NSPS zero discharge loading via onshore

disposal from SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is 2,852,661 and for OBF it is 11,125,935 lbs/yr. The combined

SBF/OBF/WBF NSPS 3 zero discharge loading via onshore disposal for the Gulf of Mexico is 13,978,597 lbs/yr.

The total annual NSPS 1 incremental effluent discharge loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

2,835,979 lbs/yr; for OBF it is zero; for WBF it is (5,440,683) lbs/yr; in the aggregate, SBF/OBF/WBF incremental

loading is (2,604,704) lbs/yr. NSPS 1 zero discharge incremental loadings via onsite injection for all SBF and OBF

wells are zero. NSPS 1 zero discharge incremental loadings via onshore disposal for SBF are zero; for OBF it is

(628,364) lbs/yr.

The total annual NSPS 2 incremental effluent discharge loading for wells in the Gulf of Mexico is 2,317,361

lbs/yr; for OBF it is zero; for WBF it is (5,440,683) lbs/yr; in the aggregate, SBF/OBF/WBF loadings total

(3,123,322) lbs/yr. There are no NSPS 2 incremental zero discharge loadings via onsite injection for SBF, OBF, or

WBF wells.

The zero discharge NSPS 2 incremental loading via onshore disposal of SBF for the Gulf of Mexico is

518,618 lbs/yr and for OBF it is (628,364) lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF NSPS 2 incremental zero discharge

via onshore disposal loading for the Gulf of Mexico is (109,746) lbs/yr.
VIII - 51

The total annual NSPS 3 effluent discharge incremental loading for SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico is

(17,405,127) lbs/yr; for OBF it is zero; for WBF it is 7,484,001. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF NSPS 3 zero

effluent discharge loading for the Gulf of Mexico is (9,921,126) lbs/yr.

The zero discharge NSPS 3 incremental loading via onsite injection of SBF for the Gulf of Mexico is zero. 

For OBF, the zero discharge NSPS 3 incremental loading via onsite injection is 879,710 lbs/yr. 

The zero discharge NSPS 3 incremental loading via onshore disposal of SBF for the Gulf of Mexico is

2,852,661 lbs/yr and for OBF it is 9,869,207 lbs/yr. The combined SBF/OBF/WBF NSPS 3 incremental zero

discharge via onshore disposal loading for the Gulf of Mexico is 12,721,869 lbs/yr.

6. REFERENCES

1. McIntyre, J., Pechan. 2000. Memorandum to K. Mahsman, ERG, Revised Engineering Models and

Compliance Costs for SBF Rulemaking. 2/23/00. (Record No. III.C.b.2)

2. The Pechan-Avanti Group, Worksheet regarding “Number of Days to Drill Model SBF Wells,” 10/27/98

3. Annis, M.R., “Retention of Synthetic-Based Drilling Material on Cuttings Discharged to the Gulf Of Mexico,”

prepared for the American Petroleum Institute (API) ad hoc Retention on Cuttings Work Group under the

API Production Effluent Guidelines Task Force. 8/29/97.

4. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “October 13, 1998 Teleconference Regarding SBF Use,” 10/20/98.

5. Johnston, C.A., EPA. 1999. Memorandum to File regarding Meeting Summary Notes from Newpark

Resources, Inc. Facilities Visit and Safeguard SWACO Presentation at the Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil

Exposition (LAGCOE) on 10/26/99.

6. Daly, J., EPA, Memorandum regarding “Cost of Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids (SBF),” 1/15/99.

7. The Pechan-Avanti Group, “Demonstration of the ‘Mud 10' Drilling Fluid Recovery Device at the Amoco

Marlin Deepwater Drill Site.” 8/7/98.

8. Mud Recovery Systems, Ltd., Product brochure entitled “M.U.D. 10 and M.U.D. 6 Mud Recovery and

Cuttings Cleaning System,” undated.

9. McIntyre, J., Avanti Corporation, Telephone Communication Report on conversation with P. Matthews,

Newpark Drilling Fluids, regarding “‘Centrifugal Dryer’ for Drill Cuttings,” 5/29/98.

10. Henry, L., Chevron. Memorandum to C.A. Johnston, EPA. Response to EPA Request for Additional Input

Parameter for EPA Modeling. 9/11/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.9)

11. Engineering News Record, “Construction Cost Index History (1908-1997),” website address

http://www.enr.com/cost/costcci.htm, June 8, 1998.
VIII - 52

12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Development Document for Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New

Source Performance Standards for the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source

Category, Final, EPA 821-R-93-003, January 1993.

13. McIntyre, J., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunication Report on conversation with J. Candler, M-I

Drilling Fluids, regarding “Cost Estimates for Proposed RPE Method,” 10/16/98.

14. Annis, M.R., “Procedures for Sampling and Testing Cuttings Discharged While Drilling with Synthetic-Based

Muds,” prepared for the American Petroleum Institute (API) ad hoc Retention on Cuttings Work Group

under the API Production Effluent Guidelines Task Force, August 19, 1998.

15. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with John Belsome,

Seabulk Offshore Ltd., regarding “Offshore supply boat costs and specifications,” June 3, 1998.

16. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with George Bano,

Sea Mar Management, regarding “Offshore supply boat costs and specifications,” 6/3/98.

17. Carriere, J. and E. Lee, Walk, Haydel and Associates, Inc., “Water-Based Drilling Fluids and Cuttings

Disposal Study Update,” Offshore Effluent Guidelines Comments Research Fund Administered by Liskow

and Lewis, January 1989.

18. McIntyre, J., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with D. Stankey,

McKittrick Solid Waste Disposal Facility, regarding “California Prices for Land Disposal of Drilling Wastes,”

October 16,1998.

19. Montgomery, R., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunication Report on conversation with S. Morgan,

Ecology Control Incorporated, regarding “costs associated with land and water transport of drill cuttings and

drilling fluids for offshore oil platforms operating off the California coast.” 5/9/98.

20. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Development Document for Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and

Standards for the Coastal Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category, EPA 821-R-96-

023, October 1996.

21. McIntyre, J., SAIC, Telecon on conversation with Josh Stenson, Carlisle Trucking, regarding “Costs to Truck

Wastes from Kenai, Alaska to Arlington, Oregon.” 5/23/95.

22. Newpark Environmental Services, Facsimile of Price List, Effective May 1, 1998, from L.L. Denman to K.

Kennedy. 5/26/98

23. U.S. Liquids of Louisiana, Facsimile of Price List, from “Betty” to Jamie McIntyre. 5/26/98.

24. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with personnel at

Frances Torque Service, regarding “Cuttings box rental costs (Gulf of Mexico area),” 6/4/98.

25. Veil, J.A., Argonne National Laboratory, Washington, D.C., “Data Summary of Offshore Drilling Waste

Disposal Practices,” prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Engineering and Analysis

Division, and the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, November 1998.

26. American Petroleum Institute, responses to EPA’s “Technical Questions for Oil and Gas Exploration and

Production Industry Representatives,” attached to e-mail sent by Mike Parker, Exxon Company, U.S.A., to J.

Daly, EPA. 8/7/98
VIII - 53

27. Daly, J., U.S. EPA, Memorandum regarding “May 8-9, 1997, Meeting in Houston, Texas-Inception of

Industry/Stakeholder Work Groups to Address Issues of Discharges Associated with Synthetic-Based Drilling

Fluids (SBF).” 1/14/99.

28. Avanti. 2000. Memorandum to File, Assessment of Numbers of Wells Drilled per Structure in the Gulf of

Mexico. 9/18/00. (Record No. IV.B.a.14)

29. The Pechan-Avanti Group, Worksheet regarding “Calculation of Daily Onsite Injection Cost. 10/30/98.

30. Candler, J., M-I Drilling Fluids. Email to C.A. Johnston RE: unit costs for various muds. 10/23/00. (Record

No. IV.B.a.13)

31. Mahan, W., AOGCC. Email to C.A. Johnston, EPA, Re: two more questions concerning Cook Inlet disposal

practices. 8/2/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.23)

32. Avanti Corporation. Memorandum to B. Vanatta, ERG. WBF Failure Rate Ancillary Cost Analysis. 

12/27/00. (Record No. IV.C.B.3)
IX-1

CHAPTER IX

NON-WATER QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND 

OTHER FACTORS

1. INTRODUCTION

The elimination or reduction of one form of pollution has the potential to aggravate other

environmental problems, an effect frequently referred to as cross-media impacts. Under sections 304(b)

and 306 of the Clean Water Act, EPA is required to consider non-water quality environmental impacts in

developing effluent limitations guidelines and new source performance standards. Accordingly, EPA

evaluates the effect of these regulations on air pollution, energy consumption, solid waste generation and

management, and consumptive water use. Safety, impacts of marine traffic, and other factors related to

implementation are also considered. For these regulations, EPA also evaluates non-water quality

environmental impacts on a geographic as well as an industry-wide basis. 

2. SUMMARY OF NON-WATER QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

For the baseline and regulatory options developed for these regulations, EPA analyzes the costs and

pollutant loadings/removals for water-based drilling fluids (WBF) and WBF cuttings, oil-based drilling fluid

(OBF) cuttings, and synthetic-based drilling fluid (SBF) cuttings in the three geographic areas: the Gulf of

Mexico, offshore California, and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska (see Chapter VIII). Non-water quality

environmental impacts (NWQEI) are estimated for the technologies that are the basis for the baseline and all

regulatory options and geographic areas. The control technologies considered for drill cuttings treatment and

disposal are 1) use of add-on solids control devices to reduce the amount of adhering SBF in the cuttings

waste stream (for both discharge options); and 2) a combination of transportation of drill cuttings to shore

for disposal and/or onsite grinding and subsurface injection for the zero discharge option. To assess

incremental impacts of each option, baseline impacts of current solids control technologies and practices for

WBF, OBF, and SBF are determined. The incremental reductions of NWQEI associated with the treatment

and control of these wastes from existing sources and new sources are summarized in Table IX-1.
IX-2

For both existing and new sources combined, EPA estimates air emissions to be reduced from

baseline levels by a total of 3,579 tons per year under BAT/NSPS Option 1 and 3,483 under BAT/NSPS

Option 2; under BAT/NSPS Option 3 (zero discharge) air emissions would increase by 2,389 tons per year. 

As compared to the zero discharge option (BAT/NSPS Option 3) air emissions are reduced by 5,968 tons

per year under BAT Option 1 or 5,872 tons per year under BAT/NSPS Option 2. In addition, EPA

projects that 37,519 BOE or 381,321 BOE less fuel are used under BAT/NSPS Options 1 or 2 than under

BAT/NSPS Option 3 (zero discharge), respectively (see Table IX-1).

EPA assumed for the proposal and NODA analyses that SBFs replaced all OBF usage. The

inclusion of WBF use into the analysis for the final rule is based on information provided by industry

indicating that not all OBF wells are projected to convert to SBF. Furthermore, this information indicated

that SBFs are used to replace WBFs in certain drilling situations and are even used to drill the entire well as

opposed to just specific intervals.1 Industry also has commented that drilling can occur faster using SBFs

instead of WBFs, thereby reducing drilling time and associated fuel and air emissions.1

Other reductions in NWQEIs occur with the elimination of the long-term disposal of OBF-cuttings

onshore because such disposal can adversely affect ambient air, soil, and groundwater quality. EPA

estimates that allowing discharges under BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2, respectively compared to BAT/NSPS

Option 3 (zero discharge) would decrease the amount of cuttings disposed at land-based facilities by 37.4

million tons and 36.2 million tons per year; and the amount disposed by injection by 197 million tons and

190 million tons per year. The methodology used to arrive at these results is described in the sections that

follow.

3. ENERGY REQUIREMENTS AND AIR EMISSIONS

EPA calculated energy requirements and air emissions for both BAT and NSPS regulatory levels of

control. The assumptions and analyses presented in this section follow directly from the assumptions and

data used in the compliance cost and pollutant loadings analyses presented in Chapter VIII. 

In general, EPA estimated energy requirements by calculating the fuel consumption (in terms of fuel

usage rate) of the equipment and activities associated with each of the regulatory options. Fuel usage rate is

expressed as barrels of oil equivalents (BOE) because the fuel source for cuttings management can 
IX-3

be either diesel oil or natural gas. BOE equates natural gas fuel usage with that of diesel by expressing both

fuel types in terms of barrels of oil. EPA calculated diesel fuel usage by multiplying the time of equipment

operation by the fuel consumption rate specific to the activity or equipment. For diesel, the conversion

factor to BOE is 42 gallons = 1 BOE. The natural gas fuel usage was calculated byfirst determining the

power requirement of the equipment (expressed in horsepower) and multiplying it by the natural gas usage

rate (see Section 3.2.3 for details). For natural gas, the conversion factor to BOE is 1,000 standard cubic

feet (scf) = 0.178 BOE.2

EPA estimated air emissions of operations associated with the baseline and each of the regulatory

options and daily drilling rig operations by using emission factors relating the production of air pollutants to

period of time that the equipment is operated and the amount of fuel consumed.

TABLE IX-1

SUMMARY OF ANNUAL NWQEI FOR DRILL CUTTINGS a

Option

Increased Air

Emissions

(tons/yr)

Increased

Fuel Usage

(BOE/yr) b

 Increased Solid Waste Disposed

(MM pounds/yr) c

Existing Sources

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (3,172) (202,165) (24,478,392)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (3,073) (195,124) (16,900,727)

Zero Discharge 5,602 358,664 201,423,473

New Sources

BAT/NSPS Option 1 136 (6,330) (628,364)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 145 (5,693) (109,746)

Zero Discharge 528 18,067 12,721,869

Total (Existing and New Sources)

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (3,036) (208,495) (25,106,756)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (2,928) (200,817) (17,010,473)

Zero Discharge 6,130 376,731 214,145,342

a The positive numbers in this table represent increased impacts as measured from the baseline, and the

numbers in parentheses represent decreased impacts as measured from the baseline.

b BOE (barrels of oil equivalent) is the sum of the diesel (42 gal diesel = 1 BOE) and 

natural gas (1,000 scf = 0.178 BOE) estimated for each compliance option.

c Landfill and subsurface injection.
IX-4

As in the cost analysis, energy requirements and air emissions are estimated using a step-wise

methodology. First, impacts are determined for current baseline activities (see sections VIII.3.1.1 and

VIII.3.2 for full discussions of baseline activities). Then compliance impacts are estimated from the

activities associated with each of the regulatory options (two controlled discharge options and zero

discharge). Finally, the incremental impacts for each of the options are calculated by subtracting the

baseline impacts from the compliance impacts. Table IX-2 presents the results of each of these steps for

both air emissions and fuel usage. 

Appendix IX-1 consists of the detailed worksheets that present the per-well energy requirements

and air emissions calculations and are referred to throughout the following sections.

TABLE IX-2

SUMMARY OF BASELINE AND BAT/NSPS OPTIONS AIR EMISSIONS AND FUEL USAGE

FOR EXISTING SOURCES

Option

Air Emissions (tons/yr) Fuel Usage (BOE/yr)

 Gulf of

Mexico

Offshore

CA

CI,

Alaska

Total Gulf of

Mexico

Offshore

CA

CI,

Alaska Total

Baseline Emissions and Fuel Usage

SBF and WBF Wells 88,310 434 307 89,051 5,632,162 27,662 19,600 5,679,42

4

OBF Wells (Zero

Discharge)

3,026 94 93 3,213 193,280 6,138 6,067 205,485

Total Baseline 91,336 528 400 92,264 5,825,442 33,800 25,667 5,884,90

9

BAT/NSPS Option Emissions and Fuel Usage

BAT/NSPS Option 1 88,164 528 400 89,092 5,597,319 33,800 25,648 5,656,76

7

BAT/NSPS Option 2 88,262 528 401 89,191 5,604,102 33,800 25,667 5,663,56

9

BAT/NSPS Option 3 93,724 528 401 94,653 5,978,621 33,800 25,667 6,038,08

8

BAT/NSPS Incremental Compliance Emissions & Fuel Usage Increases (Reductions)
IX-5

3.1 Water Based Drilling Fluids

EPA includes WBF wells in the NWQEI analyses for the final rule based on information submitted

by industry that certain WBF wells are projected to convert to SBF and that SBFs are more efficient than

WBFs. Wells drilled with SBFs have less washout (7.5% compared to 45% for WBF), decreasing the

amount of waste generated and discharged and drilling rates using SBF are greater than for WBFs. Table

IX-3 presents a summary of the NWQEI’s for baseline and each option for SBFs, OBFs, and WBFs. 

Under the controlled discharge options, total air emissions and fuel usage decreases compared to baseline. 

Under these discharge scenarios, industry projects that some 39 Gulf of Mexico WBF wells will switch to

SBFs due to the operational benefits of SBFs (in particular those related to improved directional drilling

capabilities that reduces total footage drilled and/or well counts). EPA projects WBF usage, based on data

provided by industry, will not change in either offshore California or Cook Inlet, Alaska; in addition, no

offshore California wells are projected to use SBFs, even under a discharge option. Tables IV-3 and IV-4

summarize the well counts for the baseline and each regulatory option.

3.2 Energy Requirements

The following sections present the detailed assumptions, per-well data, and methodology used to

calculate incremental energy requirements and fuel usage resulting from each regulatory option.

3.2.1 Drilling Rig Activity

One of the significant advantages of using SBFs is increased drilling rate. According to industry

information, wells can be drilled twice as fast using SBFs as with WBFs.1 The decreased drilling time

results in fewer days to drill than necessary to support WBF drilling operations. In order to reflect this

benefit of SBF usage, EPA included the effect less of daily rig activity into the NWQI calculations. 

Specifically, the daily fuel consumption rate and air emissions of a drilling rig and one helicopter trip per day

per model well are included in the calculations for the baseline and each regulatory option. The average

drilling rig fuel consumption rate is 650 gallons diesel per hour.1 The average helicopter flight is two hours

to the rig and two hours back to shore with a fuel consumption rate of 97 gallons diesel per hour.1, 3
IX-6

TABLE IX-3

SUMMARY OF NWQEI BY DRILLING FLUID TYPE FOR BASELINE AND BAT/NSPS OPTIONS FOR EXISTING SOURCES

Technology Basis

SBF OBF WBF Total

Air

Emissions

(tons/yr)

Fuel

Usage

(BOE/yr)

Air

Emissions

(tons/yr)

Fuel

Usage

(BOE/yr)

Air

Emissions

(tons/yr)

Fuel

Usage

(BOE/yr)

Air

Emissions

(tons/yr)

Fuel

Usage

(BOE/yr)

Baseline/Current PracticeDischarge w/10.20% ROC a 11,420 728,340 NA NA 77,631 4,951,084 89,051 5,679,424Zero Discharge 0 0 3,213 205,485 0 0 3,213 205,485Total Baseline 11,420 728,340 3,213 205,485 77,631 4,951,084 92,264 5,884,909Technology OptionsBAT/NSPS Option 1 14,323 913,836 1,967 125,802 72,802 4,643,106 89,092 5,682,744BAT/NSPS Option 2 14,422 920,877 1,967 125,802 72,802 4,643,106 89,191 5,689,785BAT/NSPS Option 3 1,016 64,849 12,504 798,790 81,133 5,174,449 94,653 6,038,088

a ROC = retention on cuttings (by weight)
IX-7

In order to assess SBF NWQEIs relative to total impacts from drilling operations, EPA included

estimates of the daily drilling rig impacts from SBF-related activities. The additional impacts consist of fuel

use and air emissions resulting from the various drilling rig pumps and motors as well as impacts of a daily

helicopter trip for transporting personnel and/or supplies. Impacts were assessed for the number of days

that an SBF interval is drilled versus the number of days well intervals are drilled using WBFs and OBFs

and for the number of wells drilled using each of the drilling fluids.

3.2.2 Baseline Energy Requirements

Total baseline energy requirements are determined by summing the individual energy-consuming

activities currently performed using each of the three drilling fluids on a well-type specific and per-day basis. 

These per-well, per-day values are multiplied by the number of wells in each geographic area and the

number of days to drill each model well type (i.e, SWD, SWE, DWD, DWE). A summary of the baseline

energy requirements is presented in Table IX-2 by geographic area. 

The assumptions, data, and methods used to develop the daily per-well baseline zero discharge fuel

usage rates are identical to those used in the zero discharge option compliance analysis. Therefore, this

section presents an overview of the methodology in terms of the baseline analysis and section 3.1.3, “Zero

Discharge Option Energy Requirements,” presents the detailed line-item assumptions and data applicable to

both baseline and zero discharge analyses. 

In developing baseline energy requirements, EPA projects that the 201 SBF wells drilled annually in

the Gulf of Mexico, using standard solids control equipment, will discharge SBF-cuttings at an average

10.20% retention of synthetic base fluid. Also, 857 WBF wells and 67 OBF wells are included in the

baseline (all OBF wells currently practice zero discharge by either hauling waste to shore or by onsite

injection). 

Daily per-well baseline fuel usage rates for OBF wells in offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet

derive from activities associated with transporting drill cuttings to shore or injecting the cuttings onsite. For

this analysis, EPA applies methods developed to estimate zero discharge impacts for the offshore effluent

limitations guidelines for offshore California wells4 and under the coastal effluent limitations guidelines for

coastal Cook Inlet wells.5 Appendix IX-1 present the calculation of daily per-well fuel usage for baseline

wells in offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet, respectively. 
IX-8

EPA uses the volumes of drilling waste requiring onshore disposal in offshore California to calculate

the number of supply boat trips necessary to haul the waste to shore. Projections made regarding boat

usage includes the types of boats used for waste transport; the distance traveled by the boats; allowances for

maneuvering, idling and loading operations at the drill site; and in-port activities at the dock. EPA calculates

fuel requirements for cranes operations at the drill site and in port based on projections of crane usage. 

EPA determines crane usage by considering the waste volumes to be handled and estimates of crane

handling capacity. EPA also uses drilling waste volumes to determine the number of truck trips required. 

The number of truck trips, in conjunction with the distance traveled between the port and the disposal site,

enables a calculation of fuel usage. The use of land-spreading equipment at the disposal site is based on the

drilling waste volumes and the projected capacity of the equipment. 

Based on these line-items, the per-well baseline fuel usage rates for offshore California are

calculated as 1,987 BOE for a SWD OBF well and 4,152 BOE for a SWE OBF well. For coastal Cook

Inlet, all zero discharge waste is injected onsite. The baseline fuel usage rate for a SWD OBF well is 1,960

BOE and 4,108 BOE for a SWE OBF well. For both regions, the SWD WBF per well fuel usage is 3,846

BOE and the SWE WBF fuel usage is 8,062 BOE. The total annual baseline fuel usage rates for these

geographic areas (33,800 BOE for offshore California and 25,667 BOE for Cook Inlet) are calculated by

multiplying the per-well rates for each fluid type by the corresponding numbers of baseline wells.

Daily per-well baseline fuel usage rates (and all other NWQEI analyses) for baseline OBF wells in

the Gulf of Mexico are based on the estimate that 80% of these wells use land-disposal for zero discharge

and the remaining 20% use onsite injection to dispose of OBF cuttings. In addition, EPA estimates 80% of

the waste brought to shore is disposed via subsurface injection and 20% via landfilling. These projections

were presented in Chapter VII, Section 5.4. As in the per-well zero discharge compliance cost analysis

discussed in Section 4.4 of Chapter VIII, the per-well zero discharge environmental impacts for Gulf of

Mexico wells are calculated as weighted averages reflecting these distributions of zero discharge compliance

methods. For the OBF model wells in the baseline (SWD and SWE), per-well impacts are calculated both

for transport and onshore disposal and for onsite injection. Then, for each model well, a weighted average

per-well impact is calculated as follows:

Baseline GOM OBF Well Impact = (0.8 x [(0.8 per-well transportation & onshore injection impact) +

(0.2 per-well transportation & landfilling impact)]) + (0.2 x per-well injection impact)

Per-well baseline fuel usage rates for land disposal in the Gulf of Mexico are calculated using the

same line-items as described above for offshore California wells. Per-well baseline fuel usage rates for

onsite injection are weighted averages of diesel usage rates and natural gas usage rates, according to the
IX-9

estimate that 85% of wells use diesel and 15% use natural gas as primary power sources in the Gulf of

Mexico.6 Appendix IX-1 shows the detailed per-well calculations for baseline wells in the Gulf of Mexico. 

EPA calculates a per-well baseline fuel usage rate for each drilling fluid type. These per-well rates,

multiplied by the corresponding numbers of baseline wells using each of the three drilling fluids and the

number of days to drill each model well, result in a total annual baseline fuel usage of 5,825,442 BOE for

Gulf of Mexico existing sources. The total baseline fuel usage rate of existing sources in all three geographic

areas is 5,884,909 BOE per year (Table IX-2).

3.2.3 Energy Requirements for BAT/NSPS Discharge Options

Energy consumption for the discharge options is calculated by identifying the equipment and

activities associated with the addition of a cuttings dryer to reduce the retention of the synthetic base fluid

on drill cuttings from an average 10.20% to 4.03% for BAT/NSPS Option 1 and from 10.20% to 3.82% for

BAT/NSPS Option 2, measured on a wet-weight basis. 

BAT/NSPS Option 2 requires that fines generated from the fines removal unit are not to be

discharged. The fines comprise approximately 3% of the total volume of waste generated from the solids

control equipment. To determine the energy requirements for BAT/NSPS Option 2, the energy

requirements for both the volume of waste discharged and the volume of waste hauled to shore or injected

onsite is summed. The assumptions used for zero discharge of fines are the same as used under the zero

discharge option and are detailed in Section 3.2.4 below. Because the cuttings dryer is added onto existing

solids control equipment, the fuel consumption of the baseline technology was included in the calculation of

each of the controlled discharge options. A summary of the total energy requirements for existing sources in

the three geographic regions under each of the discharge options is presented in Table IX-2. The remainder

of this section presents the calculations specific to each of the three geographic regions.

Per-well fuel usage rates are calculated for the four model well types in the Gulf of Mexico. As

stated in Section 3.2.2, EPA estimates that 85% of Gulf of Mexico wells use diesel as their primary source

of fuel, and 15% use natural gas.6 Therefore, the per-well fuel usage rates for the Gulf of Mexico are

weighted average per-well rates based on diesel usage and natural gas usage, respectively. These rates are

identified in Appendix IX-1 worksheets as separate line-items for each model well. For example, the perwell diesel usage rate is calculated by multiplying the cuttings dryer operating time (equal to the number of

active drilling days) by the consumption rate for diesel generators, estimated to be 6 gal/hr.7 An example

diesel usage calculation for a DWD model well under BAT/NSPS Option 1 follows.
IX-10

BAT (add-on) equipment: (7.9 days) x (24 hr/day) x (6 gal/hr) = 1,137.6 gal diesel/well

Baseline (existing) equipment: (7.9 days) x (24 hr/day) x (6 gal/hr) = 1,137.6 gal diesel/well

Total diesel usage = 2,275.2 gal/well

(Note in this example, as well as for the next below, the BAT usage is added to baseline usage because

BAT equipment is add-on technology, i.e., operating in addition to current practice, baseline

technologies.)

The per-well natural gas usage rate is calculated for gas turbines using an average heating value of

1,050 Btu per standard cubic foot (scf) of natural gas and an average fuel consumption of 10,000 Btu per

horsepower-hour (hp-hr), or 9.5 (10,000/1,050) scf/hp-hr.8 Multiplying the turbine consumption rate by the

power demand of the cuttings dryer (112.97 hp)9 and the number of drilling days results in the per-well

natural gas usage rate. An example natural gas usage calculation for a DWD model well under BAT Option

1 is:

BAT (add-on) equipment: (112.97 hp) x (7.9 days) x (24hrs/day) = 21,419 hp-hr

Baseline (existing) equipment: (67.5 hp) x (7.9 days) x (24hrs/day) = 12,798 hp-hr

Total natural gas usage = (21,419 hp-hr + 12,798 hp-hr) x (9.5 scf/hp-hr) = 325,062 scf

Under the BAT/NSPS options, EPA projects that there will not be any SBF wells drilled offshore

California. Thus, the fuel usage for existing sources under BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2 for this geographic

region is attributed to the same WBF and OBF wells as for the baseline scenario.

One SBF SWD well, one OBF SWE well, three WBF SWD wells, and one WBF SWE well are

projected for the discharge option fuel usage analysis for Cook Inlet, Alaska. Appendix IX-1 shows the perwell, and total BAT/NSPS option fuel usage for Cook Inlet existing sources. 

3.2.4 Energy Requirements for BAT/NSPS Option 3 Zero Discharge

Energy consumption for compliance with the BAT/NSPS Option 3 zero discharge is calculated only

for Gulf of Mexico wells that currently discharge SBF cuttings because wells in other areas are currently at

zero discharge and will not contribute impacts under this option. Fuel usage rates are estimated by

identifying the equipment and activities associated with the following zero discharge technologies currently in

use in the Gulf of Mexico: 1) transporting waste cuttings to shore for disposal via subsurface injection or

landfill; and 2) onsite injection. As stated in Section 3.2.2, EPA estimates that 80% of all Gulf of Mexico

wells employing zero discharge technology use land disposal for waste cuttings, while 20% use onsite
IX-11

injection. Of the waste brought to shore, 80% is injected onshore and 20% is disposed at a landfill. 10

Appendix IX-1 worksheets list the line-item activities associated with land disposal and onsite injection

technologies and present the weighted average energy requirements based on this proportion of wells using

the corresponding zero discharge technology. 

The following sections present the detailed estimates and data used to develop the per-well zero

discharge fuel requirements associated with these technologies. Although zero discharge for SBF wells is

not determined for offshore California and Cook Inlet, Alaska, zero discharge of OBF wells for baseline and

each of the regulatory options is estimated using information presented below.

3.2.4.1 Transportation and Onshore Disposal Energy Requirements

The per-well energy requirements associated with the transportation and onshore disposal of drill

cuttings varies between model well types and geographic areas. Variations between model wells are due to

differences in the per-well waste volumes calculated for each model well (see Table VII-4). The model well

waste volumes determine the frequency of boat and truck trips required to transport the waste. Variations

between geographic areas are due to differences in travel distances. For the proposed rule, some wells in

Cook Inlet were assumed to haul and land dispose waste. However, for the final rule, all wells in Cook Inlet

inject waste onsite. Below are the assumptions and data that constitute the line-items specific to the

transportation and onshore disposal of cuttings in Appendix IX-1 worksheets:

• Supply Boats: Appendix VIII-1 presents the supply boat frequencies calculated for each model

well. The frequency of supply boats needed to haul drill cuttings from the platform depends on the

volume and rate of generation of the cuttings. The volume of waste generated varies not only on a

per model well basis but also on a per regulatory option basis due to the changes in the number of

wells requiring zero discharge. Under baseline in the Gulf of Mexico, 69 OBF wells zero discharge.

Under the zero discharge option, 266 GOM wells would zero discharge, whereas under the

discharge options only 41 wells would be zero discharging. Assuming 80% of GOM wells would

haul, the number of supply boat trips under the discharge options would decrease, resulting in a

40% decrease in the amount of air pollutants and fuel used.

Based on information compiled in the offshore guidelines Development Document, EPA uses a

cuttings box capacity of 25 bbl for the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California areas.7 These

capacities determine the number of cuttings boxes to be filled, transferred to the supply boats, and

hauled to shore per model well type and geographic area. 

Two types of supply boats provide service to the platform during drilling operations: 

1) Dedicated supply boats are rented to provide service for special tasks. In the NWQEI analysis,

EPA estimates dedicated supply boats will provide service solely for offloading SBF or OBF

cuttings. Dedicated supply boats are used for all model well types in all areas. The dedicated

supply boat capacity in both the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California is 3,000 bbl (or 80 25-bbl
IX-12

cuttings boxes).11 Except for Gulf of Mexico deep water exploratory model wells, the waste

generated from all other model wells in all geographic areas can be transported to shore with the use

of only one dedicated supply boat.

2) Regularly scheduled supply boats are contracted at the beginning of drilling operations to arrive

at the platform at regular intervals, bring supplies, and offload materials no longer needed. EPA

estimates that regularly scheduled supply boats arrive at a drilling platform every four days.7 For

the purposes of the NWQEI analysis, EPA estimates that a regularly scheduled supply boat will be

used only after the capacity of a dedicated supply boat (see below) is reached and additional

cuttings still need to be hauled to shore. This is only required in the Gulf of Mexico for deep water

exploratory model wells. The capacity of a regularly scheduled supply boat in the Gulf of Mexico is

300 bbl (or twelve 25-bbl cuttings boxes).7

Transit Fuel Consumption: Supply boats consume 130 gallons of diesel per hour while in transit.12

Average supply boat speed is 11.5 miles per hour.7 The distance the supply boat travels depends

on whether the boat is a dedicated supply boat for which the entire travel distance is used in the

analysis or if it is a regularly scheduled supply boat for which only the additional distance to travel

to the disposal facility is used. The roundtrip distance is dependent on the geographic area as

follows (also, see Appendix VIII-1):

Gulf of Mexico: 277 miles for dedicated supply boats; 77 miles for regularly scheduled

supply boats7

Offshore California: 200 miles for dedicated supply boats7

Maneuvering Fuel Consumption: Supply boats maneuver at the platform for an average of one

hour per visit.13 The maneuvering fuel use factor is 15% of full throttle fuel consumption (169

gal/hr), or 25.3 gallons of diesel per hour.13

Loading Fuel Consumption: Due to ocean current and wave action, boats must maintain engines

idling while unloading empty cuttings boxes and loading full boxes at the platforms. An additional

1.6 hours is included to account for potential delays in the transfer process.4 For dedicated supply

boats, it is estimated that the boats are available until either all of the waste is loaded or boat

capacity is reached.

Auxiliary Electrical Generator: An auxiliary generator is needed for electrical power when

propulsion engines are shut down. This only occurs when a supply boat is in port. The average inport time for unloading drill cuttings, tank cleanout, and demurrage is 24 hours per supply boat trip.7

Estimates of fuel requirements are based on the auxiliary generator rating at 120 horsepower (hp),

operating at 50% load (or 60 hp), and consuming 6 gallons of diesel per hour.7

• Barges: Barges are used only in the Gulf of Mexico to haul waste from the transfer station to the

disposal site. The average round-trip distance is 100 miles.14 Barges consume fuel at a rate of 24

gallons of diesel per hour and travel an average of 6 miles per hour.4

• Cranes: Cranes used to unload empty cuttings boxes and load full cuttings boxes at the drill site

and in port (or at the transfer station in the Gulf of Mexico) are diesel powered, require 170

horsepower operating at 80% load (or 136 hp), and consume 8.33 gallons of diesel per hour.7

Cranes make 10 lifts per hour.7 The total time to transfer the waste is dependent on the volume of

drill cuttings as determined by the number of full/empty cuttings boxes to be transferred and varies

for each model well type as follows:

Gulf of Mexico and Offshore California (cuttings box capacity = 25 bbl)

Deep Water Development: (37 boxes to unload & load at drill site)/(10 lifts/hr) = 3.7 hrs
IX-13

Deep Water Exploratory: (77 boxes to unload & load at drill site)/(10 lifts/hr) = 7.7 hrs

Shallow Water Development: (56 boxes to unload & load at drill site)/(10 lifts/hr) = 5.6 hrs

Shallow Water Exploratory: (124 boxes to unload & load at drill site)/(10 lifts/hr) = 12.4 hrs

• Trucks: Trucks transport drill cuttings from port to the disposal site. For the Gulf of Mexico area,

truck fuel usage is estimated to be 4 miles per gallon5 and for California, 7 miles per gallon.15 The

truck capacity and distance traveled vary by geographic area as follows (see also Appendix VIII-1):

Gulf of Mexico: capacity = 119 bbls7; distance = 20 miles5

Offshore California: capacity = 50 bbls16; distance = 300 miles (Appendix VIII-1)

The number of truck trips depends on the volume of drill cuttings hauled per model well and the

capacity of the truck as listed above. Appendix VIII-1 presents in detail the number of truck trips

per model well and geographic area.

• Land Disposal Equipment: Estimates regarding energy-consuming land disposal equipment are as

follows:

Wheel Tractor: Wheel tractors are used at disposal facilities for grading. One day (8 hours) of

tractor operation is required to grade the drill cuttings waste volume from one well. The estimated

fuel consumption rate for a wheel tractor is 1.67 gallons of diesel per hour.7

Track-Type Dozer/Loader: A track-type dozer/loader is required at facilities for waste spreading. 

Two days (16 hours) of dozer operation are required to spread drill cuttings generated from one

well. The estimated fuel consumption rate for a dozer is 22 gallons of diesel per hour.7

3.2.4.2 Onsite and Onshore Grinding and Injection Energy Requirements

According to information available to EPA, zero discharge via onsite grinding and injection is

practiced by a growing number of operators in the Gulf of Mexico geographic area (see Section VII.5.5). In

addition, a significant proportion of drilling waste hauled to shore is injected by commercial disposal

companies. According to industry information, 80% of the waste brought to shore in the Gulf of Mexico

and offshore California is injected and 20% is sent to landfills for disposal. 18 In Cook Inlet, Alaska, all

waste is injected offshore at the drill site.18 The waste volume of cuttings injected varies per model well

type and was presented in Table VII-4. Following are the identified equipment and activities required for

onsite or onshore injection and their corresponding power and fuel requirements.

• Cuttings Transfer: Cuttings transfer equipment used both offshore and onshore consists of one

100-hp vacuum pump.10, 17 The time of operation needed for transfer is equal to the length of time

required to drill the corresponding model well in hours. Drilling days were discussed in Section

V.2.2.

• Cuttings Grinding and Processing: The equipment used for grinding and processing the drill

cuttings offshore and onshore consist of: one 75 hp grinding pump, two 10 hp mixing pumps, two

10 hp vacuum pumps, and one 5 hp shale shaker motor.17 The total power requirement is 120 hp. 

The time of operation for this equipment is equal to the length of time required to drill each of the

model wells in hours.
IX-14

• Cuttings Injection: One 600 hp injection pump rated at 2.5 barrels per minute is used for cuttings

injection in offshore drilling operations.17 In onshore injection facilities, one 1,225 hp injection

pump rated at 20.8 barrels per minute is used.10

• Fuel Requirements: EPA calculates fuel requirements for both diesel and natural gas fuel sources

according to the assumption that 85% of Gulf of Mexico wells use diesel and 15% use natural gas.6

For diesel generators, the fuel usage rate for all of the grinding and injection equipment is 6 gallons

of diesel/hour of operation for both offshore and onshore injection.7, 10 For natural gas, the fuel

requirements are calculated for gas turbines using an average heating value of 1,050 Btu per

standard cubic foot (scf) of natural gas and an average fuel consumption of 10,000 Btu per

horsepower-hour (hp-hr), or 9.5 (10,000/1,050) scf/hp-hr.5

3.3 Air Emissions

The total air emissions for each of the regulatory options as presented in Table IX-1 are calculated

as the sum of the air emissions from each of the three geographic areas using the total system energy

utilization rate (horsepower-hours or miles traveled) and emission factors developed for the various engines

and fuels used. Table IX-2 presents the air emissions by geographic area for existing source wells. As for

the offshore guidelines, EPA uses emissions factors for uncontrolled sources. The term “uncontrolled”

refers to the emissions resulting from a source that does not utilize add-on control technologies to reduce the

emissions of specific pollutants. The use of “uncontrolled” emission factors provides conservatively higher

estimates of total emissions resulting from drill cuttings disposal. Table IX-4 presents the uncontrolled

emission factors for the different diesel- and natural gas-driven engines used to calculate air emissions from

activities related to the discharge, onshore disposal, or onsite injection of drill cuttings. For discharge

options (BAT/NSPS 1 and 2), emission factors for either diesel generators or natural gas turbines are used

to calculate emissions associated with the vibrating centrifuge. These emission factors also are used to

calculate emissions associated with grinding and injection equipment. As mentioned above in Section 3.2.2,

85% of the Gulf of Mexico platforms utilize diesel as a fuel source and 15% utilize natural gas. This

proportion is applied to all model well types in the Gulf of Mexico and in offshore California. EPA projects

shallow water wells in coastal Cook Inlet to use natural gas exclusively (see Section 3.2.2). Detailed

calculations of the air emissions from each type of engine used are presented in Appendix IX-1.

EPA calculates the baseline and total compliance air emissions for both the discharge and zero

discharge options. The incremental air emissions for each of the options are determined by subtracting the

corresponding total compliance air emissions from baseline air emissions (see Table IX-3). 
IX-15

3.4 New Source Energy Requirements and Air Emissions

As described in Chapter IV, Section 3, EPA projects 20 new source SBF wells will be drilled

annually in the Gulf of Mexico under the baseline, consisting of 15 DWD wells and five SWD wells. Under

baseline, EPA also projects 38 WBF wells to be drilled (27 SWD and 11 DWD) and 2 SWD wells drilled in

the Gulf of Mexico. Under both BAT/NSPS discharge options, 24 new source SBF wells are projected,

TABLE IX-4

UNCONTROLLED EMISSION FACTORS FOR 

DRILL CUTTINGS MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Category

Emission Factors

Units NOx THC SO2 CO TSP

Supply Boatsa

 Transit lb/gal 0.3917 0.168 0.02848b0.0783 0.033

 Maneuvering lb/gal 0.4196 0.226 0.02848b0.0598 0.033

 Loading/Unloading lb/gal 0.4196 0.226 0.02848b0.0598 0.033

 Demurrage g/bhp-hr 14 1.12 0.931 3.03 1

Barge Transitalb/gal 0.3917 0.168 0.02848 0.0783 0.033

Supply Boat Cranescg/bhp-hr 14 1.12 0.931 3.03 1

Barge Cranescg/bhp-hr 14 1.12 0.931 3.03 1

Trucksdg/mile 11.23 2.49 NA 8.53 NA

Wheel Tractorelb/hr 1.269 0.188 0.09 3.59 0.136

Dozer/Loaderelb/hr 0.827 0.098 0.076 0.201 0.058

Diesel Generatorfg/bhp-hr 14 1.12 0.931 3.03 1

Natural Gas Fired Turbinesgg/bhp-hr 1.3 0.18 0.002h0.83 NA

a Source: Table II-3.3, AP-42 Volume II, September 1985.19

b Based on assumed 0.20% sulfur content of fuel and fuel density of 7.12 lbs/gal (AP-42 Volume II,

September 1985).19

c Source: Table 3.3-1, AP-42 Volume I, Supplement F, July 1993.20 Note: bhp is brake horsepower.

d Source: Table 1.7.1, AP-42 Volume II, September 1985.19

e Source: Table II-7.1, AP-42 Volume II, September 1985.19

f Source: Table 3.2-1, AP-42 Volume I, Supplement F, July 1993.20

g Source: Table 3.3-1, AP-42 Volume I, January 1975.21 Note: bhp is brake horsepower.

h This factor depends on the sulfur content of the fuel used. For natural gas fired turbines, AP-42, 1976

(Table 3.2-1) gives this emission factor based on assumed sulfur content of pipeline gas of 2,000 g/106

scf (AP-42 Vol. I, April 1976).8

NA = Not Applicable
IX-16

with one OBF well and three WBF wells converting to SBF. No new source wells are projected for

offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet because of the lack of activity in new lease blocks in these areas.

Table IX-5 summarizes the energy requirements (i.e., fuel usage) and air emissions for new source

wells in the Gulf of Mexico under the baseline and BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2. The methods used to

calculate per-well impacts for new source wells are the same as for existing sources, described above in

Sections 3.2 and 3.3. The per-well impacts are multiplied by the corresponding number of wells using each

of the three drilling fluid types and summed for each of the options. Appendix VIII-2 includes three

worksheets that present the baseline impacts, the discharge option impacts, and the zero discharge option

impacts for new source wells. The incremental compliance impacts are calculated by subtracting

compliance impacts from the baseline impacts.

4. SOLID WASTE GENERATION

EPA received information that some operators use SBFs to drill an entire well (i.e., not just difficult

well intervals). These operators stated that SBFs facilitate faster, more efficient well drilling and therefore,

they have replaced WBFs with SBFs for drilling. EPA calculates the amount of waste cuttings that would

be land disposed, injected onshore, and/or injected onsite in each regulatory scenario, and determined there

would be a considerable reduction in the amount of drill cuttings land disposed and injected with the

implementation of a controlled discharge option.

Table IX-6 summarizes the total amounts of solid waste disposed by onshore disposal and onsite

injection for existing and new sources. Table VII-4 presented the model well data on which these solid

waste amounts are based. For each model well, the total waste generated (in pounds) is multiplied by the

number of wells affected for the corresponding option, base fluid type, and geographic area for the baseline

and regulatory options. EPA then calculates incremental compliance levels by subtracting the baseline solid

waste values from BAT/NSPS Options 1 and 2 values. For BAT/NSPS 3, the positive incremental values

indicate an increase in the amount of waste disposed by zero-discharge technologies as compared to the

baseline. Likewise, under the control options, the negative (parenthetical) incremental values indicate a

reduction in the amount of waste requiring subsurface injection or land-based disposal.
IX-17

EPA’s analyses show that compared to baseline, under the BAT/NSPS Option 3 (zero discharge)

for offshore existing sources, cuttings annually shipped to shore for disposal in non-hazardous oilfield waste

(NOW) sites increase of over 35 million pounds and increase over 166 million pounds for cuttings annually

injected. BAT/NSPS Option 3 leads to increased annual fuel usage of 358,664 BOE and an increase in

annual air emissions of 5,602 tons. Finally, BAT/NSPS Option 3 is projected to increase discharged WBFcuttings by 51 million pounds resulting from Gulf of Mexico operators switching from more efficient SBF to

less efficient WBF drilling.

TABLE IX-5

SUMMARY AIR EMISSIONS AND FUEL USAGE FOR GULF OF MEXICO

NEW SOURCES

Baseline and Control Option Air Emissions

(tons/yr)

Fuel Usage

(BOE/yr)

Baseline Emissions

Discharge w/ 10.2% retention of SBF cuttings 3,239 221,553

Zero Discharge (current OBF wells only) 64 4,122

Total Baseline 3,303 225,675

Total Emissions and Fuel Usage

BAT/NSPS Option 1 3,439 219,345

BAT/NSPS Option 2 3,448 219,982

BAT/NSPS Option 3 (Zero discharge) 3,767 239,620

Incremental Increase (Reduction) in Emissions and Fuel Usage

BAT/NSPS Option 1 136 (6,330)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 145 (5,693)

BAT/NSPS Option 3 (Zero discharge) 528 18,067
IX-18

TABLE IX-6

AMOUNTS AND INCREMENTAL INCREASES (DECREASES) OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSED BY ZERO DISCHARGE TECHNOLOGIES

FOR EXISTING AND NEW SOURCE WELLS

(pounds per year)

Option

Gulf of Mexico Offshore California Cook Inlet, AK Totals

Onshore

Land

Disposal

Injection

(Onshore&

Offshore)

Onshore 

Land

Disposal

Injection

(Onshore&

Offshore)

Injection

(Offshore

Only)

Onshore

Land

Disposal

Injection Total

Existing SourcesBaseline 9,489,742 49,821,146 0 1,945,148 1,945,148 9,489,742 53,711,443 63,201,185BAT Option 1 5,673,738 29,787,123 0 1,945,148 1,316,784 5,673,738 33,049,055 38,722,793BAT Option 2 7,186,051 35,836,375 0 1,945,148 1,332,884 7,186,051 39,114,407 46,300,458BAT Option 3 44,926,625 215,807,737 0 1,945,148 1,945,148 44,926,625 219,698,033 264,624,658Incremental BAT 1 (3,816,004) (20,034,024) 0 0 (628,364) (3,816,004) (20,662,388) (24,478,392)Incremental BAT 2 (2,303,691) (13,984,772) 0 0 (612,264) (2,303,691) (14,597,036) (16,900,727)Incremental BAT 3 35,436,883 165,986,590 0 0 0 35,436,883 165,986,590 201,423,473New SourcesBaseline 251,346 1,005,382 0 0 0 251,346 1005,382 1,256,728BAT Option 1 125,673 502,691 0 0 0 125,673 502,691 628,364BAT Option 2 229,396 917,586 0 0 0 229,396 917,586 1,146,982BAT Option 3 3,634,435 11,223,871 0 0 0 3,634,435 11,223,871 14,858,306Incremental BAT 1 (125,673) (502,691) 0 0 0 (125,673) (502,691) (628,364)Incremental BAT 2 (21,949) (87,797) 0 0 0 (21,949) (87,797) (109,746)Incremental BAT 3 3,383,090 10,218,489 0 0 0 3,383,090 10,218,489 13,601,578
IX-19

Additionally, EPA's analyses show that under BAT/NSPS Option 3 (zero discharge) as compared to

baseline, Gulf of Mexico new source cuttings annually shipped to shore for disposal in NOW sites increase

over 3.4 million pounds and increase over 10.2 million pounds for cuttings annually injected. BAT/NSPS

Option 3 leads to an increase in annual fuel use of 18,067 BOE and an increase in annual air emissions of

528 tons. Finally, BAT/NSPS Option 3 in the Gulf of Mexico is projected to increase WBF-cuttings being

discharged to offshore waters by 7.5 million pounds. Again, this pollutant loading increase is a result of Gulf

of Mexico operators using less efficient WBF for drilling instead of SBF.

5. CONSUMPTIVE WATER USE

Neither of the two regulatory options is projected to affect consumptive water use.

6. OTHER FACTORS

6.1 Impact of Marine Traffic

EPA estimates the changes in vessel traffic that would result from the implementation of the control

options using the same methodology as the energy consumption and air emissions impacts analyses

described above. Appendix VIII-1 presents the source data and calculations for the per-well estimate of

boat trips required for compliance.

To comply with BAT/NSPS Option 3 (zero discharge), EPA estimates that 14 existing and new

source SBF wells in the Gulf of Mexico will implement zero discharge technologies. Based on the

assumption that 80% of these wells would transport waste drill cuttings to shore and each model well

requires one dedicated supply boat, except for DWE wells which require two dedicated supply boats, an

estimated total of 231 boat trips per year would be required. No additional boat trips would be required in

offshore California and coastal Cook Inlet because these geographic areas are currently at zero discharge of

SBF-cuttings.

Under NSPS/BAT Options 1 and 2, 27 Gulf of Mexico OBF wells would convert to SBF usage,

thereby eliminating the need for hauling OBF cuttings to shore. Baseline supply boat trips are estimated as

55 trips per year for the 69 wells in the Gulf of Mexico where 55 wells transport drill cuttings to shore and

the other 14 inject onsite. Compared to the zero discharge option (BAT/NSPS Option 3) which led to 176

additional boat trips per year in the Gulf of Mexico, the discharge options reduce boat traffic in the Gulf of
IX-20

Mexico by 22 boat trips per year. As cited in the offshore Development Document, 10% of the total Gulf

of Mexico commercial vessel traffic, or approximately 25,000 vessels, service oil and gas operations. 

Therefore, compared to baseline, the discharge options decrease commercial boat traffic by 0.01% in the

Gulf of Mexico. 

6.2 Safety

EPA also considers the impact of the effluent limitations guidelines and standards on safety. EPA

has identified two safety issues related to drilling fluids: (1) deleterious vapors generated by organic materials

in drilling fluids; and (2) waste hauling activities that increase the risk of injury to workers.

One of the key concerns in exploration and production projects is the exposure of wellsite personnel

to vapors generated by organic materials in drilling fluids.22 Areas on the drilling location with the highest

exposure potentials are sites near solids control and open pits. These areas are often enclosed in rooms and

ventilated to prevent unhealthy levels of vapors from accumulating. If the total volume of organic vapors

can be reduced, then any potential health effects will also be reduced regardless of the nature of the vapors.

Generally speaking, the aromatic fraction of the vapors is the most toxic to the mammalian system. 

The high volatility and absorbability through the lungs combined with their high lipid solubility serve to

increase their toxicity. Diesel OBFs have a high aromatic content and vapors generated from using these

drilling fluids include aromatics (e.g., alkybenzenes, naphthalenes, and alkyl-naphthalenes), alkanes (e.g.,

C7-C18 straight chained and branched), and alkenes. Some minerals oils (other than low aromatic content

mineral oils, often referred to as “low toxicity mineral oil”), also generate vapors that contain the same types

of chemical compounds, but generally at lower concentrations, as those found in the diesel vapors (e.g,

aromatics, alkanes, cyclic alkanes, and alkenes). Because SBFs are manufactured from compounds with

specifically defined compositions, the subsequent compound can exclude toxic aromatics. Consequently,

toxic aromatics can be excluded from the vapors generated by using SBFs.

In general, SBFs (e.g., esters, LAOs, PAOs, IOs) generate much lower concentrations of vapors

than do OBFs.22 Moreover, the vapors generated by these SBFs are less toxic than traditional OBFs

because they do not contain aromatics.

Industry has commented in previous effluent guidelines, such as the coastal subcategory

rulemaking, that a zero discharge requirement would increase the risk of injury to workers due to increased
IX-21

waste hauling activities. These activities include vessel trips to and from the drilling platform to haul waste,

transfer of waste from the platform onto a service vessel, and transfer in port onto a barge or dock.

EPA has identified and reviewed additional data sources to determine the likelihood that imposition

of a zero discharge limitation on cuttings contaminated with SBF could increase risk of injury due to

additional waste hauling demands. The sources of safety data are the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the

Minerals Management Service (MMS), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the Offshore Marine

Service Association (OMSA). The following is a summary of the findings from this review.

The data indicate there are reported incidents associated with the collection, hauling, and onshore

disposal of wastes from offshore. However, the data do not distinguish whether any of these incidents can

be attributed to specific waste management activities.

Most offshore incidents are due to human error or equipment failure. The rate at which these

incidents occur will not be changed significantly by increased waste management activities. However, if the

number of man hours and/or equipment hours are increased, there will be more reportable incidents given

an unchanged incident rate. These potential increases may be offset by reduced incident rates through

increased training or equipment maintenance and inspection; but these changes cannot be predicted. One

indication that training and maintenance can reduce incident rates is a 1998 API report entitled “1997

Summary of U.S. Occupational Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities in the Petroleum Industry,” which

established that injury incident rates have been decreasing over the last 14 years. If this decrease continues,

there should be no increase in the number of safety incidents due to a requirement to haul SBFcontaminated cuttings to shore for disposal.

7. AIR EMISSIONS MONETIZED HUMAN HEALTH BENEFITS

EPA estimated air emissions associated with each of the regulatory options as described above in

sections 3.3 and 3.4. The pollutants considered in the NWQI analyses are nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile

organic carbon (VOC), particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). Of these

pollutants, EPA monetized the human health benefits or impacts associated with VOC, PM, and SO2

emissions using the methodology presented in the Environmental Assessment of the Final Effluent

Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry (EPA-821-B-98-

008). Each of these pollutants have human health impacts and reducing these emissions can reduce these

impacts.
IX-22

Several VOCs exhibit carcinogenic and systemic effects and VOCs, in general, are precursors to

ground-level ozone, which negatively affects human health and the environment. PM impacts include

aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease and altered respiratory tract defense mechanisms. SO2

impacts include nasal irritation and breathing difficulties in humans and acid deposition in aquatic and

terrestrial ecosystems.

The unit values (in 1990 dollars) are $489 to $2,212 per megagram (Mg) of VOC; $10,823 per Mg

of PM; and $3,516 to $4,194 per Mg of SO2. Using the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index

(see www.enr.com/cost/costcci.asp) these conversion factors are scaled up using the ratio of 6060:4732

(1999$:1990$). EPA does not expect the alternate higher ROC limitation and standard for drilling fluids

with the stock base fluid performance of esters to affect monetized benefits because equipment used under

the ester option (e.g., shale shakers, cuttings dryer, fines removal unit) has the same or similar air emissions. 

Following is a summary of the monetized benefits for each of the regulatory options for both existing and

new sources.
IX-23

TABLE IX-7 

SUMMARY OF MONETIZED HUMAN HEALTH BENEFITS OR IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH

VOC, PM, AND SO2 EMISSIONS, EXISTING SOURCES (1999$/YR)

Criteria Air Pollutant

VOC PM SO2

Baseline/Current Practice Air Emissions, Mg/yr:

 Discharge with 10.2% retention of SBF on cuttings .........

 Zero Discharge (current OBF wells only) ....................

Total Baseline Air Emissions, Mg/yr ...........................

23,635

847

24,482

3,460

126

3,586

3,006

109

3,115

Compliance Air Emissions, Mg/yr:

 (1) Discharge with 4.03% retention of SBF on cuttings .....

 (2) Discharge with 3.82% retention of SBF on cuttings .....

 (3) Zero Discharge a............................................

21,960

21,980

24,919

3,222

3,226

3,654

2,799

2,803

3,175

Incremental Compliance Emission Reductions (Increases),

Mg/yr:

 (1) Discharge with 4.03% retention of SBF on cuttings .....

 (2) Discharge with 3.82% retention of SBF on cuttings .....

 (3) Zero Discharge a............................................

2,522

2,502

(437)

364

360

(68)

316

312

(59)

Unit Value of Poll. Reductions, 1990$/Mg: b................. 489 to 2,212 10,823 3,516 to

4,194

Unit Value of Poll. Reductions, 1999$/Mg: c................. 626 to 2,833 13,860 4,503 to

5,371

Incremental Compliance Benefits (Costs), 1998$/yr:

 

(1) Discharge with 4.03% retention of SBF on cuttings .....

 

(2) Discharge with 3.82% retention of SBF on cuttings .....

(3) Zero Discharge a............................................

1,579,429 to

7,144,576

1,566,817 to

7,087,524

(273,777) to

(1,238,434)

5,049,778

4,991,937

(948,091)

1,423,174 to

1,697,608

1,406,834 to 

1,678,118

(267,560) to

(319,154)

a Via land disposal or on-site offshore injection

b Conversion factors from Environmental Assessment of the Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and

Standards for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry (EPA-821-B-98-008)

c Scaled from 1990$ using the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index
IX-24

TABLE IX-8 

SUMMARY OF MONETIZED HUMAN HEALTH BENEFITS OR IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH

VOC, PM, AND SO2 EMISSIONS, NEW SOURCES (1999$/YR)

Criteria Air Pollutant

VOC PM SO2

Baseline/Current Industry Practice Air Emissions, Mg/yr:

 Discharge with 10.2% retention of SBF on cuttings .......... 589 86 75

Compliance Air Emissions, Mg/yr:

 (1) Discharge with 4.03% retention of SBF on cuttings ......

 (2) Discharge with 3.82% retention of SBF on cuttings ......

 (3) Zero Discharge a.............................................

813

913

998

119

134

146

104

117

127

Incremental Compliance Emission Reductions (Increases),

Mg/yr:

 (1) Discharge with 4.03% retention of SBF on cuttings ......

 (2) Discharge with 3.82% retention of SBF on cuttings ......

 (3) Zero Discharge a.............................................

(224)

(323)

(409)

(33)

(48)

(60)

(29)

(41)

(52)

Unit Value of Poll. Reductions, 1990$/Mg: b.................. 489 to 2,212 10,823 3,516 to

4,194

Unit Value of Poll. Reductions, 1999$/Mg: c.................. 626 to 2,833 13,860 4,503 to

5,371

Incremental Compliance Benefits (Costs), 1998$/yr:

 

(1) Discharge with 4.03% retention of SBF on cuttings ......

 

(2) Discharge with 3.82% retention of SBF on cuttings ......

(3) Zero Discharge a.............................................

(140,269) to

(634,508)

(202,421) to

(915,655)

(256,052) to

(1,158,253)

(453,927)

(658,885)

(831,151)

(128,265) to

(152,999)

(186,271) to

(222,190)

(234,472) to

(279,686)

a Via land disposal or on-site offshore injection

b Conversion factors from Environmental Assessment of the Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and

Standards for the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry (EPA-821-B-98-008)

c Scaled from 1990$ using the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index

7. REFERENCES

1. Van Slyke, Don, Unocal. Unocal Comments; Effluent Limitations Guidelines for the Oil and Gas

Extraction Point Source Category; Proposed Ruling (40 CFR 435). 6/9/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.3)

2. Mason, T., Avanti Corporation, Memorandum regarding “Conversion Factor to BOE (Barrels of

Oil Equivalents) for Natural Gas and Diesel Fuel.” 7/12/96. (Record No. I.C.d.44)

3. AP-42: Compilation of Air Pollutant Emissions Factors, Volume II: Mobile Sources (AP-42),

pending 5th edition. Last updated: 06 April 1998 
IX-25

4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Development Document for Effluent Limitations

Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and

Gas Extraction Point Source Category, Final, EPA 821-R-93-003, January 1993.

5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Development Document for Final Effluent Limitations

Guidelines and Standards for the Coastal Subcategory of the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source

Category, EPA 821-R-96-023, October 1996.

6. Daly, J., U.S. EPA, Memorandum regarding “Market Share of Respondents to Technical

Questions, August 17, 1998.

7. Carriere, J. and E. Lee, Walk, Haydel and Associates, Inc., “Water-Based Drilling Fluids and

Cuttings Disposal Study Update,” Offshore Effluent Guidelines Comments Research Fund

Administered by Liskow and Lewis, January 1989.

8. U.S. EPA, “Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors,” AP-42, Volume I, April 1976.

9. McIntyre, J., Avanti Corporation, Memorandum to J. Daly, U.S. EPA, regarding “Summary of

December 2 Meeting with David Wood of Mud Recovery Systems,” December 18, 1997. 

10. Johnston, C.A., EPA. Memorandum to File, On-shore Formation Injection Disposal Non-Water

Quality Environmental Impact Input Parameters. 6/20/00. (Record No. D.2)

11. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with J.

Belsome, Seabulk Offshore Ltd., regarding “Offshore supply boat costs and specifications,” 6/3/98.

12. U.S. EPA, “Trip Report to Campbell Wells Landfarms and Transfer Stations in Louisiana,”

6/30/92. (Record No. C.d.60)

13. Jacobs Engineering Group, “Air Quality Impact of Proposed Lease Sale No. 95,” prepared for U.S.

Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, June 1989. (Record I.C.d.46)

14. Sunda, J., SAIC, Memorandum to A. Wiedeman, U.S. EPA, regarding “The assumptions used in

the development of the cost of commercial disposal of produced water using barge transportation,”

3/10/94. (Record I.C.d.47)

15. Montgomery, R., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunication Report on conversation with S.

Morgan, Ecology Control Inc., regarding “costs associated with land and water transport of drill

cuttings and drilling fluids for offshore oil platforms operating off the California coast,” 5/9/98. 

(Record No. I.C.d.25)

16. McIntyre, J., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with D.

Stankey, McKittrick Solid Waste Disposal Facility, regarding “California Prices for Land Disposal

of Drilling Wastes,” 10/16/98. (Record No. I.C.d.23)

17. Kennedy, K., The Pechan-Avanti Group, Telecommunications Report on conversation with

personnel at Apollo Services regarding “Detailed Information Regarding Apollo’s Cuttings Injection

System,” 7/9/98. (Record No. I.C.d.48)

18. Johnston memo to file: “Update on Several Model Input Parameters for Offshore Injection and

Land Disposal (Injection and Landfarming) Operations for Zero Discharged SBF Wastes. 8/14/00.
IX-26

19. U.S. EPA, “Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors,” AP-42, Volume II, September 1985. 

(Record No. I.C.d.49)

20. U.S. EPA, “Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors,” AP-42, Volume I, Supplement F, July

1993. (Record No. I.C.d.50)

21. U.S. EPA, “Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors,” AP-42, Volume I, January 1975. 

(Record No. I.C.d.51)

22. Candler, J., M. Churan and L. Conn. 1995. Laboratory and Field Measurements of Vapors

Generated by Organic Materials in Drilling Fluids. SPE 35866. (Record No. III.D.12)
X - 1

CHAPTER X

OPTIONS SELECTION RATIONALE

1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the options EPA has selected for control of the SBF and SBF-cuttings waste

streams. A discussion of the rationale for selection of these options also is included. 

2. REGULATORY OPTIONS CONSIDERED FOR SBFs NOT ASSOCIATED WITH DRILL

CUTTINGS

EPA is promulgating, under BPT, BCT, BAT, and NSPS, zero discharge for SBFs not associated

with drill cuttings. This option is technically available and economically achievable. In the February 1999

proposal, EPA proposed BPT, BCT, BAT, and NSPS as zero discharge for SBFs not associated with drill

cuttings. In the April 2000 NODA, EPA published two options for the final rule for the BAT limitation and

NSPS for controlling SBFs not associated with SBF drill cuttings: (1) zero discharge; or (2) allowing

operators to choose either zero discharge or an alternative set of BMPs with an accompanying compliance

method. Industry supported the second option stating that the first option (zero discharge) would result in

the costly and potentially dangerous collection, shipping, and disposal of large quantities of rig site wash

water containing only a small quantity of SBF.1 Industry also stated that BMPs would be extremely

effective at reducing the quantity of non-cuttings related SBF and would focus operators’ attention on

reducing these discharges.

EPA is promulgating BPT, BCT, BAT, and NSPS of zero discharge for SBFs not associated with

drill cuttings. This waste stream consists of neat SBFs that are intended for use in the downhole drilling

operations (e.g., drill bit lubrication and cooling, hole stability). Drilling fluids are transferred from supply

boats to the drilling rig and can be released during these transfer operations. This waste stream is often

spilled on the drill deck but contained through grated troughs, vacuums, or squeegee systems. This waste

stream is also held in numerous tanks during all phases of the drilling operation (e.g., trip tanks, storage

tanks). EPA received information that rare occurrences of improper SBF transfer procedures (e.g., no

bunkering procedures in place for rig loading manifolds) and improper operation of active mud system

equipment (e.g., no lock-out, tag-out procedures in place for mud pit dump valves) has the potential for the
X - 2

discharge of tens to hundreds of barrels of neat SBF, or SBF not associated with cuttings, if containment is

not practiced.2

Current practice for control of SBF not associated with drill cuttings is zero discharge (e.g., drill

deck containment, bunkering procedures), primarily due to the value of SBFs recovered and reused. 

Therefore, zero discharge for SBF not associated with drill cuttings is technologically available and

economically achievable. Moreover, these controls generally allow the re-use of SBF in the drilling

operation and have no unacceptable NWQIs.

EPA has also decided that solids accumulated at the end of the well (“accumulated solids”) and

wash water used to clean out accumulated solids or used on the drill floor are associated with drill cuttings

and are therefore not controlled by the zero discharge requirement for SBFs not associated with drill

cuttings.

3. REGULATORY OPTIONS CONSIDERED FOR SBFs ASSOCIATED WITH DRILL

CUTTINGS

3.1 BPT Technology Options Considered and Selected

EPA is promulgating BPT effluent limitations for the cuttings contaminated with SBFs (“SBFcuttings”). The BPT effluent limitations promulgated for SBF-cuttings would control free oil as a

conventional pollutant. The BPT limitation is no free oil as measured by the static sheen test, performed on

SBF separated from the cuttings in offshore waters and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska.

In setting the no free oil limitation in offshore waters and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, EPA

considered the sheen characteristics of currently available SBFs. Because this requirement is currently met

by dischargers in the Gulf of Mexico, EPA anticipates no additional costs to the industry to comply with this

limitation. Therefore, EPA believes that this limitation represents the appropriate BPT level of control for

SBFs associated with drill cuttings. At the time of the Offshore rulemaking when this was an issue, industry

re-formulated SBFs to comply with this limitation and thus EPA is retaining this limitation to ensure that

SBF-cuttings discharges do not create sheens.
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3.2 BCT Technology Options Considered and Selected

In July 1986, EPA promulgated a methodology for establishing BCT effluent limitations. EPA

evaluates the reasonableness of BCT candidate technologies -- those that are technologically feasible -- by

applying a two-part cost test: (1) a POTW test; and (2) an industry cost-effectiveness test.

EPA first calculates the cost per pound of conventional pollutant removed by industrial dischargers

in upgrading from BPT to a BCT candidate technology and then compares this cost to the cost per pound of

conventional pollutants removed in upgrading POTWs from secondary treatment. The upgrade cost to

industry must be less than the POTW benchmark of $0.25 per pound (in 1976 dollars). In the industry

cost-effectiveness test, the ratio of the incremental BPT to BCT cost divided by the BPT cost for the

industry must be less than 1.29 (i.e., the cost increase must be less than 29%). 

The BCT effluent limitations will control free oil as a conventional pollutant. EPA is promulgating a

BCT effluent limitation for SBF-cuttings of no free oil equivalent to the BPT limitation for SBF-cuttings of

no free oil as determined by the static sheen test in offshore waters and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska. Because

the BCT limitation is equivalent to the BPT limitations it has no incremental cost and thus passes the BCT

cost tests.

In developing BCT limits for the offshore waters and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, EPA considered

whether there are technologies (including drilling fluid formulations) that achieve greater removals of

conventional pollutants than promulgated for BPT, and whether those technologies are cost-reasonable

according to the BCT cost test. EPA identified no technologies that can achieve greater removals of

conventional pollutants as compared with the offshore waters and coastal Cook Inlet BPT requirements that

are also cost-reasonable under the BCT cost test. Accordingly EPA is promulgating BCT effluent

limitations for SBF-cuttings equal to the promulgated BPT effluent limitations for SBF-cuttings in offshore

waters and coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska.

3.3 BAT Technology Options Considered And Selected

3.3.1 Overview

EPA is promulgating stock limitations and discharge limitations in a two-part approach to control

SBF-cuttings discharges under BAT. The first part is based on product substitution through use of stock

limitations (e.g., sediment toxicity, biodegradation, PAH content, metals content) and discharge limitations
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(e.g., diesel oil prohibition, formation oil prohibition, sediment toxicity, aqueous toxicity). The second part

is the control of the quantity of SBF discharged with SBF-cuttings. As previously stated in the April 2000

NODA, EPA finds that the second part is particularly important because limiting the amount of SBF content

in discharged cuttings controls: (1) the amount of SBF discharged to the ocean; (2) the biodegradation rate

of discharged SBF; and (3) the potential for SBF-cuttings to develop cuttings piles and mats that are

detrimental to the benthic environment. While the primary technology basis for the limitations and standards

is product substitution and enhanced solids control technology, EPA also believes that in the rare instances

where a discharger could not comply with the limitations or standards, the discharger could meet zero

discharge by re-injection or land disposal. [Note: In the Offshore Guidelines, 58 FR 12454 (March 4, 1993),

EPA determined that zero discharge was technically available and economically achievable for the industry

as a whole. See Offshore preamble, Offshore Development Document, and Offshore Economic Analysis.]

EPA is also retaining the existing BAT limitations on: (1) the stock barite of 1 mg/kg mercury and 3

mg/kg cadmium; (2) the maximum aqueous toxicity of discharged SBF-cuttings as the minimum 96-hour

LC50 of the suspended particulate phase (SPP) toxicity test shall be 3% by volume; and (3) the discharge of

drilling wastes containing diesel oil in any amount is prohibited. These limitations control the levels of toxic

metal and aromatic pollutants, respectively. EPA believes all of these components are essential for

appropriate control of SBF-cuttings discharges.

The BAT effluent limitations promulgated for SBF-cuttings control a variety of toxic and

nonconventional pollutants in the stock base fluids by controlling their PAH content, sediment toxicity, and

biodegradation. The BAT effluent limitations promulgated for SBF-cuttings also control a variety of toxic

and nonconventional pollutants at the point of discharge by controlling formation oil contamination,

sediment toxicity, and the quantity of SBF discharged. The BAT stock and discharge limitations are

described below.

The BAT level of control in offshore waters has been developed taking into consideration among

other things: (1) the availability, cost, and environmental performance of SBF base fluids in terms of PAH

content, sediment toxicity, and biodegradation rate; (2) the availability, cost, and environmental performance

of SBFs retained on the cuttings discharge in terms of sediment toxicity; (3) the frequency of formation oil

contamination at the various control levels for the discharges; (4) the availability, cost, and environmental

performance of equipment and methods to recover SBF from the drill cuttings being discharged; and (5) the

NWQIs of each option. By environmental performance, EPA means both a reduction in the quantity of

pollutants discharged to the ocean and a reduction in their environmental effects in terms of sediment

toxicity, aquatic toxicity, and biodegradation rate. Issues related to the technical availability and economic
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achievability of promulgated BAT limitations are discussed below by regulated parameter. The NWQIs of

each selected option also are discussed below. EPA also considered NWQIs in selecting the controlled

discharge option for SBF-cuttings (i.e., BAT/NSPS Option 2).

EPA and industry sediment toxicity and biodegradation laboratory studies show that both vegetable

esters and low viscosity esters have better environmental performance than all other SBF base fluids. EPA,

however, rejected the option of basing BAT sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock limitations and

standards solely on vegetable esters and low viscosity esters because the record does not indicate that these

fluids can be used in drilling situations throughout the offshore subcategory nor could EPA predict the

conditions and circumstances where these fluids could be used. Specifically, EPA considered the large

number of factors related to whether esters could be used (e.g., formation characteristics, water depth,

temperature requirements, solids contamination, reactivity with alkaline materials) and determined that EPA

did not have sufficient information to specify when esters could be used. EPA is sufficiently satisfied,

however, that both esters provide better environmental performance (e.g., sediment toxicity,

biodegradation). Consequently, EPA is promulgating a higher retention on cuttings (ROC) BAT discharge

limitation to encourage the use of esters. The higher ROC discharge limitation for SBFs complying with the

stock limitations based on esters is derived from data representing four cuttings dryer technologies (e.g.,

vertical centrifuge, horizontal centrifuge, squeeze press mud recovery unit, and High-G linear shaker). The

lower ROC BAT discharge limitation for the SBFs complying with the C16-C18 internal olefin stock

limitations is based on data from the two top performing cuttings dryer technologies (e.g., vertical centrifuge

and horizontal centrifuge). EPA data demonstrate that operators properly using these cuttings dryer

technologies (e.g., vertical centrifuge, horizontal centrifuge, squeeze press, High-G linear shaker) are able to

comply with these final ROC numerical limitations. EPA believes that this balancing of the importance of

retention values with environmental performance as reflected by sediment toxicity and biodegradation rates

is justified because of the greater ability of esters to biodegrade and of their lower sediment toxicity.

EPA determined that zero discharge for BAT was technically feasible and economically achievable

because prior to the use of SBFs, the industry was able to operate using only the traditional OBFs (based on

diesel oil and mineral oil), which are prohibited from discharge. EPA concluded that a zero discharge BAT

limitation for SBF-cuttings would decrease the use of SBFs in favor of OBFs and WBFs. This is because a

zero discharge BAT limitation for SBF-cuttings would create an incentive for operators to use the least

expensive drilling fluids (i.e., OBFs, WBFs) in order to minimize overall compliance costs.

However, EPA rejected the BAT zero discharge option for SBF-cuttings wastes because it would

result in unacceptable increases in NWQIs. Therefore, EPA rejected the zero discharge option for SBF-
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cuttings wastes in the offshore subcategory of 40 CFR 435. Use of OBFs in place of SBFs would lead to

an increase in NWQIs including the toxicity of the drilling waste. Use of WBFs in place of SBFs would

generally lead to a per well increase in pollutants discharged, an increase in NWQIs, and an increase in

aquatic toxicity. WBF drilling operations lead to per well increases in pollutants discharged because WBFs

generate six times more washout (e.g., sloughing) of the well wall than SBFs. Also, WBF drilling operations

lead to increases in NWQIs because WBF drilling operations generally take longer than SBF drilling

operations which lead to more air emissions and fuel usage from drilling rigs and equipment. Aquatic

toxicity generally increases when drilling fluid manufacturers add supplements (e.g., glycols, shale inhibitors)

to WBFs for the purpose of making WBFs have technical capabilities (e.g., lubricity, shale suppression)

similar to SBFs. EPA estimates that, under the zero discharge option, some operators would switch to

WBF compositions with more non aqueous drilling fluid properties (e.g., lubricity, shale suppression), and

that these WBFs would exhibit greater aquatic toxicity.

EPA’s analyses show that under the SBF-cuttings zero discharge option as compared to current

practice, for offshore existing sources there would be an increase of 35 million pounds of cuttings shipped

annually to shore for disposal in non-hazardous oilfield waste (NOW) sites and an increase of 166 million

pounds of cuttings injected. In addition, under the SBF-cuttings zero discharge option, operators would use

the more toxic OBFs. The zero discharge option for SBF-cuttings would lead to an increase in annual fuel

usage of 358,664 BOE and an increase in annual air emissions of 5,602 tons. Finally, the SBF-cuttings zero

discharge option in offshore waters would lead to an increase of 51 million pounds of WBF cuttings being

discharged to offshore waters. This pollutant loading increase is a result of Gulf of Mexico operators

switching from more efficient SBF drilling to less efficient WBF drilling.

EPA’s analyses show that impacts of adequately controlled SBF discharges to the water column

and benthic environment are of limited scope and duration. By contrast, the landfilling of OBF-cuttings is of

a longer term duration and associated pollutants may affect ambient air, soil, and groundwater quality. EPA

and DOE documented at least five CERCLA (“Superfund”) sites in Louisiana and California contaminated

with oilfield wastes and more than a dozen sites subject to Federal or state cleanup actions.

Nonetheless, while SBF-cuttings discharge with adequate controls is preferred over zero discharge

to offshore waters, SBF-cuttings discharge with inadequate controls is not preferred over zero discharge. 

EPA believes that to allow discharge of SBF-cuttings to offshore waters, there must be appropriate controls

to ensure EPA’s discharge limitations reflect the “best available technology” or other appropriate level of

technology. EPA has worked with industry to address the appropriate determination of PAH content,

sediment toxicity, biodegradation, quantity of SBF discharged, and formation oil contamination that are
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technically available, economically achievable, and have acceptable NWQIs. The final BAT limitations are

a result of this effort and are discussed below. 

EPA, however, did not base the higher ROC BAT discharge limitation on current or existing shale

shaker technology as EPA finds that shale shakers are less effective at reducing base fluid retained on

cuttings than the selected BAT solids control technology, cuttings dryers. As previously stated in the April

2000 NODA, field results show that: (1) cuttings are dispersed during transit to the seabed and no cuttings

piles are formed when SBF concentrations on cuttings are held below 5%; and (2) cuttings discharged from

cuttings dryers (with SBF retention values under 5%) in combination with a sea water flush, hydrate very

quickly and disperse like water-based cuttings. The LTA based on data from all four cuttings dryers is

4.8% while the LTA for baseline solids control technology (e.g., shale shakers, fines removal units) is

10.2%. Therefore, the selected BAT solids control technology, in combination with BAT stock and

discharge limitations, is superior to existing solids control technology (shale shakers) in controlling

environmental impacts.

EPA is promulgating BAT of zero discharge for SBF-cuttings for coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska except

when operators are unable to dispose of their SBF-cuttings using any of the following disposal options: (1)

onsite injection (annular disposal or Class II UIC); (2) injection using a nearby coastal or offshore Class II

UIC disposal well; or (3) onshore disposal using a nearby Class II UIC disposal well or land application. 

Coastal Cook Inlet operators are required to demonstrate to the NPDES permit authority that none of the

above three disposal options are technically feasible in order to qualify for the alternate BAT limitation. 

Operators that qualify for the alternate BAT limitation are allowed to discharge SBF-cuttings at the same

level of BAT control as operators in offshore waters. The NPDES permit authority will use the procedure

given in Appendix 1 to Subpart D of 40 CFR Part 435 to establish whether or not an operator qualifies for

the SBF-cuttings zero discharge exemption. As stated in Appendix 1 to Subpart D of 40 CFR Part 435, the

following factors are considered in the determination of whether or not Cook Inlet operators qualify for the

SBF-cuttings zero discharge exemption: (1) inability to establish formation injection in wells that were

initially considered for annular or dedicated disposal; (2) inability to prove to UIC controlling authority that

the waste will be confined to the formation disposal interval; (3) inability to transport drilling waste to an

offshore Class II UIC disposal well or an onshore disposal site; and (4) whether or not there are no available

land disposal facilities (e.g., onshore re-injection, land disposal).

EPA finds that this option is technically available and economically achievable. Operators are

currently barred from discharging OBFs, SBFs, and enhanced mineral oil based drilling fluids under the

Cook Inlet NPDES general permit (64 FR 11889). Many Cook Inlet operators in coastal waters are
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currently using cuttings injection to comply with zero discharge disposal requirements for OBFs and OBFcuttings. EPA contacted Cook Inlet operators (e.g., Phillips, Unocal, Marathon Oil) and the state regulatory

agency, AOGCC, for more information on the most recent injection practices of coastal and offshore Cook

Inlet operators. AOGCC stated that there should be enough formation injection disposal capacity for the

small number of non-aqueous drilling fluid wells (< 5-10 wells per year) being drilled in Cook Inlet coastal

waters. Therefore, because coastal Cook Inlet operators are already complying with zero discharge of

OBF- and SBF-cuttings, this option is economically achievable as there are no incremental compliance

costs.

AOGCC stated, however, that case-specific limitations should be considered when evaluating

disposal options. Cook Inlet operators may experience the following difficulties in attempting to comply

with a zero discharge requirement for SBFs: (1) inability to establish formation injection in wells that were

initially considered for annular or dedicated Class II UIC disposal; (2) inability to prove to AOGCC’s

satisfaction that the waste will be confined to the formation disposal interval; and (3) inability to transport

drilling waste to an offshore Class II UIC disposal well or an onshore disposal site. EPA believes that while

these problems are currently not presented by drilling in Cook Inlet, they could be a problem in the future. 

Further, EPA believes this to be a greater problem in Cook Inlet where climate, tides, and distance from

commercial disposal sites make transportation to shore less feasible than in other offshore waters. If EPA

did not provide for some exceptions within the guideline itself and these problems were encountered beyond

the time frame for requesting a Fundamentally Different Factors variance (under section 301(n)(2) of the

CWA, 180 days) this would render zero discharge not achievable. Therefore, EPA believes it reasonable to

provide some flexibility to the current practice of zero discharge in Cook Inlet.

EPA further finds the NWQIs of this option for Cook Inlet to be acceptable. As previously stated,

few non-aqueous drilling fluid wells are drilled in coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska (< 5-10 wells per year). EPA

finds that the small number of wells drilled per year (even if all of them are drilled using SBF) leads to very

small increases in NWQIs. In particular, a zero discharge requirement for SBFs and SBF-cuttings in Cook

Inlet would lead to 400 tons of air emissions and 25,667 BOE fuel used. Consequently, EPA finds that the

overall small increases in NWQIs from the zero discharge option, as compared to either of the two SBFcuttings discharge options, in coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, are acceptable.

EPA therefore finds the NWQIs in coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, to be far different from other

offshore areas. In the GOM, the NWQIs are in total approximately 58 times greater than Cook Inlet. This

is due to the vast difference in the number of wells drilled and in the method of disposal. In the GOM 80%

of the wells use land disposal and 20% of the wells use re-injection. Land disposal, creates energy use, air
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emissions, and land application of waste. Moreover, EPA believes that operators in the GOM would simply

switch their fluids to WBFs and OBFs if EPA selected zero discharge, with the corresponding NWQIs and

water impacts associated with WBFs and OBF use. By contrast, in coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, because

zero discharge is current practice, EPA projects operators will not switch from SBFs to OBFs and WBFs

due to this rule. Further, the total quantity of NWQIs from injection in coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, is not

significant.

EPA also finds the NWQIs of zero discharge of coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, to be distinguishable

from the NWQIs of zero discharge in offshore California. In offshore California, if EPA selected zero

discharge, EPA projects that operators would be far more likely to transport their waste to shore than reinject offshore. This transportation to shore generates land waste, energy requirements, and additional air

emissions in areas that have known air quality problems. For these reasons, EPA believes it is reasonable to

make a different choice regarding zero discharge in coastal Cook Inlet, Alaska, than in other waters covered

by this rule.

3.3.2 Stock Base Fluid Technical Availability and Economic Achievability

As SBFs have developed over the past few years, industry has come to use mainly a limited

number of primary base fluids. These include the internal olefins, linear alpha olefins, poly alpha olefins,

paraffinic oils, C12-C14 vegetable esters of 2-hexanol and palm kernel oil, and “low viscosity” C8 esters. 

These fluids represent virtually all the SBFs currently used in oil and gas extraction industry. EPA collected

data on performance, environmental impacts, and costs for these SBFs to develop the effluent limitations

for final rule. The following definitions describe various SBFs.

• Internal olefin (IO) refers to a series of isomeric forms of C16 and C18 alkenes.

• Linear alpha olefin (LAO) refers to a series of isomeric forms of C14 and C16 monoenes.

• Poly alpha olefin (PAO) refers to a mix mainly comprised of a hydrogenated decene dimer C20H62

(95%), with lesser amounts of C30H62 (4.8%) and C10H22 (0.2%).

• Vegetable ester refers to a monoester of 2-ethylhexanol and saturated fatty acids with chain lengths

in the range C8 - C16.

• “Low viscosity” ester refers to an ester of natural or synthetic C8 fatty acids and alcohols. 

EPA also has data on other SBF base fluids, such as enhanced mineral oil, paraffinic oils (i.e., saturated

hydrocarbons or “alkanes”), and the traditional OBF base fluids: mineral oil and diesel oil.
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The stock base fluid limitations are based on the technology of product substitution. The

promulgated limitations are technically available because they are based on currently available base fluids

that can be used in the wide variety of drilling situations in offshore waters. EPA anticipates that the base

fluids meeting all requirements include vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, and IOs. In addition, based on

current information, EPA believes that the stock base fluid controls on PAH content, sediment toxicity, and

biodegradation rate being promulgated are sufficient to only allow the discharge of only those base fluids

(e.g., esters, IOs) with lower bioaccumulation potentials (i.e., log Kow < 3 to 3.5 and log Kow > 6.5 to 7). 

Therefore, EPA found it was unnecessary to promulgate a separate limitation for bioaccumulation.

In the NODA, EPA considered basing the sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock limitations and

standards solely on vegetable esters (i.e., original esters) instead of the proposed C16-C18 IO. EPA also

considered subcategorizing the final rule to determine when vegetable esters are not practical and when C16-

C18 IOs could be used instead. EPA considered these options due to the potential for better environmental

performance of vegetable ester-based drilling fluids. EPA and industry analytical testing show that esters

have better sediment toxicity and biodegradation performance.

EPA rejected the option of basing sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock limitations and

standards on vegetable esters due to several technical limitations. These technical limitations of vegetable

esters preclude their use in all areas of the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and Cook Inlet, Alaska. 

Vegetable ester technical limitations include: (1) high viscosity compared with other IO SBFs at all

temperatures, with an increasing difference as temperature decreases, leading to lower rates of penetration in

wells and greater probability of losses due to higher equivalent circulating densities; (2) high gel strength in

risers that develops when a vegetable ester-SBF is not circulated; (3) a high temperature stability limit

ranging from about 225 /F to perhaps 320 /F – the exact value depends on the detailed chemistry of the

vegetable ester (i.e., the acid, the alcohol) and the drilling fluid chemistry; (4) reduction of the thermal

stability limit through hydrolysis when vegetable esters are in contact with highly basic materials (e.g., lime,

green cement) at elevated temperatures; and (5) less tolerance of the muds to contamination by seawater,

cement, and drill solids than is observed for IO-SBFs.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

EPA also rejected the option of subcategorizing the use of esters to define drilling conditions when

only esters could be allowed for a controlled discharge. EPA could not establish a “bright line” rationale to

define the situation where only esters should be the benchmark fluid (i.e., only esters would be allowed for a

controlled discharge). EPA considered many of the engineering factors used for selection of a drilling fluid

(e.g., rig size and equipment; formation characteristics; water depth and environment; lubricity, rheological,

and thixotropic requirements) and determined that this type of sub-categorization was not possible. Because
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of the large number of factors affecting whether esters could be used and the complexity of how the factors

relate to each other, EPA did not have enough information to develop a set of conditions under which esters

could be used. EPA, however, is encouraging the use of esters by promulgating a higher ROC limitation

and standard when esters are used. 

66

EPA also considered basing sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock limitations and standards on

low viscosity esters. Comments to the April 2000 NODA state that laboratory analyses, which were

designed to simulate Gulf of Mexico conditions to which a fluid may be exposed, indicate that low viscosity

esters have the following technical properties and uses.

• Similar or better viscosity than C16-C18 IOs

• Used to formulate stable low viscosity ester-SBFs up to 300°F

• Used to formulate low viscosity ester-SBFs to 16.0+ lbs/gal mud weight

• Reduce oil/water ratios to 70/30, thus reducing volumes of base fluid discharged

• High tolerance to drilled solids

• Flat gels make it easier to break circulation, minimizing initial circulation pressures and subsequent

risk of fracture

• High tolerance to seawater contamination

• Rheological properties can be adjusted by use of additives to suit specific conditions.9

EPA also received information on one well section drilled with low viscosity esters. Some of the results

from this low viscosity ester well section were compared to the results from another well section in the same

location where C16-C18 IOs were used. These results show that the low viscosity ester had: (1) comparable

or better equivalent circulating densities (i.e., acceptable fluid properties); and (2) faster ROP through better

hole cleaning and higher lubricity (i.e., fewer days required to drill to total depth which lead to less NWQI

and overall drilling costs). The low viscosity esters are relatively new base fluids and have only recently

been available to the market. Despite the results from the laboratory analyses and one well section, EPA

does not believe that this is enough information to make the determination that low viscosity esters can be

used in all or nearly all drilling conditions in the offshore waters (e.g., differing formations, water depths,

and temperatures). Therefore, EPA rejected the option of basing sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock

limitations and standards on low viscosity esters. EPA is sufficiently satisfied, however, that low viscosity

esters and vegetable esters provide better environmental performance (e.g., sediment toxicity,

biodegradation). Consequently, EPA is promulgating higher retention on cuttings discharge limitations

where esters are used to encourage operators to use esters when possible.
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3.3.2.1 PAH Content Technical Availability 

The promulgated limitation of PAH content for offshore waters is a weight ratio defined as the

weight of PAH (as phenanthrene) per weight of the stock base fluid sample. The PAH weight ratio is

0.001%, or 10 parts per million (ppm). This limitation is based on the availability of base fluids that are free

of PAHs as detected by EPA Method 1654A, “PAH Content of Oil by High Performance Liquid

Chromatography with a UV Detector.” Method 1654A is published in Methods for the Determination of

Diesel, Mineral and Crude Oils in Offshore Oil and Gas Industry Discharges (EPA-821-R-92-008). 

EPA’s promulgated PAH content limitation is technically available. Producers of several SBF base

fluids have reported to EPA that their base fluids are free of PAHs, including IOs, LAOs, vegetable esters,

low viscosity esters, certain enhanced mineral oils, synthetic paraffins, certain non-synthetic paraffins, and

others. The use of these fluids can accommodate the broad variety of drilling situations faced by industry in

offshore waters. Compliance with the stock BAT limitation and NSPS on PAH content can be achieved by

product substitution.

3.3.2.2 Sediment Toxicity Technical Availability

EPA has promulgated a sediment toxicity stock base fluid limitation that only allows the discharge

of SBF-cuttings using SBF base fluids as toxic or less toxic, but not more toxic, than C16-C18 IOs. 

Alternatively, this limitation could be expressed in terms of a “sediment toxicity ratio” which is defined as

10-day LC50 of C16-C18 IOs divided by the 10-day LC50 of stock base fluid being tested. EPA is

promulgating a sediment toxicity ratio of less than 1.0. Compliance with this limitation is determined by the

10-day Leptocheirus plumulosus sediment toxicity test (ASTM E1367-92: “Standard Guide for Conducting

10-day Static Sediment Toxicity Tests With Marine and Estuarine Amphipods,” supplemented with the

preparation procedure specified in Appendix 3 of Subpart A of 40 CFR 435). 

To support the final rule, EPA and other researchers conducted numerous 10-day L. plumulosus

sediment toxicity tests on various SBF base fluids with natural and formulated sediments. Nearly all SBF

base fluids have lower sediment toxicity than diesel and mineral oil. Some SBF base fluids, however, show

greater sediment toxicity than other SBF base fluids.1 The base fluids meeting this limitation include

vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, IOs, and some PAOs.1

EPA finds this limit to be technically available through product substitution because information in

the rulemaking record supports the findings that vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, and IOs have
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performance characteristics enabling them to be used in the wide variety of drilling situations in offshore

waters and to meet the promulgated limit.

EPA selected the C16-C18 IO, which is the most popular drilling fluid in the Gulf of Mexico, as the

basis for the sediment toxicity rate ratio limitation instead of the vegetable ester or low viscosity ester for

several reasons: (1) EPA does not believe that vegetable esters can be used in all drilling situations; and (2)

EPA does not have sufficient field testing information supporting the use of low viscosity esters in all drilling

situations. Operators may not be encouraged to switch from OBFs or WBFs to SBF if only vegetable esteror low viscosity ester-SBFs could be discharged. As previously stated, EPA is promoting the appropriate

conversion from OBF- and WBF-drilling to SBF-drilling in order to reduce pollutant loadings and NWQI. 

Due to demonstrated or potential technical limitations of vegetable esters or low viscosity esters, EPA

estimates that the pollutant loadings and NWQIs associated with establishing vegetable esters or low

viscosity esters as the basis for stock limitations are similar to the pollutant loadings and NWQIs associated

with the zero discharge option for all SBF-cuttings. EPA finds these increases in pollutant loadings and

NWQIs as unacceptable.

The SBF rulemaking record indicates that drilling fluids that meet the stock base fluid sediment

toxicity limitation and standard (e.g., internal olefins) will meet all drilling requirements in the OCS. EPA

did not base the stock base fluid sediment toxicity limitation and standard on vegetable esters or low

viscosity esters for two reasons. First, EPA documented technical limitations of vegetable esters in the deep

water environment; second, EPA did not have enough information to make the determination that low

viscosity esters can be used in all or nearly all drilling operations in the OCS. However, EPA did provide an

incentive in the way of a higher ROC limitation for the use of esters or their equivalent with respect to

sediment toxicity.

3.3.2.3 Biodegradation Rate Technical Availability

EPA is promulgating a biodegradation stock base fluid limitation that would only allow the discharge

of SBF-cuttings using SBF base fluids that degrade as fast or greater than C16-C18 IOs. Alternatively, this

limitation could be expressed in terms of a “biodegradation rate ratio” which is defined as the percent

degradation of C16-C18 IOs divided by the percent degradation of stock base fluid being tested, both at 275

days. EPA is promulgating a biodegradation rate ratio of less than 1.0. As stated in the April 2000 NODA,

EPA is promulgating the use of the marine anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test (i.e., ISO

11734:1995) with modifications for compliance with this biodegradation BAT limitation. The technology

basis for this limitation is product substitution. Industry and EPA research efforts conducted in support of
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the SBF final rule indicate the order of degradation, from fastest to slowest, is: vegetable and low viscosity

esters > LAO > IO > linear paraffin > mineral oil > PAO. To meet this limitation through product

substitution, the base fluids currently available for use include vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, LAO,

and IOs.

EPA finds this limit to be technically available through product substitution because information in

the rulemaking record supports the findings that vegetable esters, low viscosity esters, and IOs have

performance characteristics enabling them to be used in the wide variety of drilling situations in offshore

waters and to meet the promulgated limit. Marketing data given to EPA shows that IO SBFs are the most

popular SBFs used in the Gulf of Mexico.

The marine anaerobic closed bottle biodegradation test (i.e., ISO 11734:1995) is modified to make

the test more applicable to a marine environment. These modifications are listed in Appendix 4 of Subpart

A of 40 CFR 435 and include: (1) the laboratory shall use seawater in place of freshwater; (2) the laboratory

shall use marine sediment in place of digested sludge as an inoculum; and (3) the laboratory shall run the test

for 275 days.

EPA selected the closed bottle test because it models the ability of a drilling fluid to degrade

anaerobically. Industry comments to the April 2000 NODA report the results of seabed surveys.5 These

seabed surveys and the scientific literature indicate that the environments under cuttings piles are anaerobic

and that the recovery of seabeds did not occur in acceptable periods of time when drilling fluids cannot

anaerobically degrade (e.g., diesel oils, mineral oils). The scientific literature also indicates that there is no

known mechanism for initiation of anaerobic alkane biodegradation.10 The general anaerobic microbiology

literature indicates that metabolic pathways are just beginning to be determined for anaerobic biodegradation

of linear alkanes. The anaerobic biodegradability of the SBF base fluid represents an essential prerequisite

for the prevention of long-term persistence of SBFs and deleterious impacts on marine sediments.11

Therefore, EPA considers the control of anaerobic degradation as the most environmentally relevant way to

ensure the biodegradation of SBF under cuttings piles and other anaerobic environments for the recovery of

benthic organisms and environments in an acceptable period.

EPA has selected the C16-C18 IO as the basis for the biodegradation rate ratio limitation instead of

the vegetable ester or low viscosity ester for two reasons: (1) EPA does not believe that vegetable esters can

be used in all drilling situations; and (2) EPA does not have sufficient field testing information that low

viscosity esters can be used in all drilling situations. Operators may not be encouraged to switch from OBFs

or WBFs to SBF if only vegetable ester- or low viscosity ester-SBFs could be discharged. As previously
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stated, EPA is promoting the appropriate conversion from OBF- and WBF-drilling to SBF-drilling in order

to reduce pollutant loadings and NWQI. Due to demonstrated or potential technical limitations of vegetable

esters or low viscosity esters, EPA estimates that the pollutant loadings and NWQIs associated with

establishing vegetable esters or low viscosity esters as the basis for stock limitation are similar to the

pollutant loadings and NWQIs associated with the zero discharge option for all SBF-cuttings. EPA finds

these increases in pollutant loadings and NWQIs as unacceptable. Nevertheless, due to EPA’s information

(primarily laboratory data) that indicates that esters provide better environmental performance in terms of

sediment toxicity and biodegradation, EPA is promulgating a higher ROC limitation and standard where

esters are used to encourage operators to use esters when possible. 

The SBF rulemaking record indicates that drilling fluids meeting the stock base fluid biodegradation

limitation and standard (i.e., internal olefins) will meet all drilling requirements in the OCS. EPA did not

base the stock base fluid biodegradation limitation and standard on vegetable esters or low viscosity esters

for two reasons: (1) the documented technical limitations of vegetable esters in the deep water environment;

and (2) insufficient information to make the determination that low viscosity esters can be used in all or

nearly all drilling operations in the OCS. However, EPA did provide incentives in the way of a higher ROC

limitations for the use of esters or their equivalent with respect to biodegradation.

3.3.2.4 Economic Achievability of Stock Base Fluid Controls

EPA finds that the promulgated stock base fluid controls are economically achievable. Industry

representatives have told EPA that while the synthetic base fluids are more expensive than diesel and

mineral oil base fluids, the savings in discharging the SBF-cuttings versus land disposal or injection of OBFcuttings (as required under current regulations) more than offsets the increased cost of SBFs. Moreover,

the reduced time to complete a well with SBF as compared with OBF- and WBF-drilling can be significant

(i.e., days to weeks). This reduction in time translates into lower rig rental costs for operators. Thus,

operator costs are lower even with the more expensive SBF provided the drill cuttings with adhering SBF

can be discharged. The stock base fluid limitations outlined above and promulgated by EPA are technically

achievable through product substitution with the use of the currently widely used SBFs based on IOs

($160/bbl), vegetable esters ($250/bbl), and low viscosity esters ($300/bbl).12 For comparison, diesel oilbased drilling fluid costs about $70/bbl, and mineral oil-based drilling fluid costs about $90/bbl. According

to industry sources, currently in the Gulf of Mexico the most widely used and discharged SBFs are, in order

of use, based on IOs, LAOs, and vegetable esters. Because the stock limitations allow the continued use of

the IO- and ester-SBFs, EPA attributes no additional cost due to the stock base fluid requirements other

than monitoring (testing and certification) costs. EPA also examined costs to the few operators that have
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been using less costly SBFs that don’t meet these requirements (particularly anaerobic degradation) and

have found these costs to be economically achievable (see SBF Economic Analysis). EPA estimates that

dischargers will satisfy: (1) the base fluid stock sediment toxicity and biodegradation limitations by having

suppliers monitor once annually; and (2) the PAH and formation oil limitations by having suppliers monitor

each batch of stock SBF.

EPA also considered NWQIs in selecting the controlled discharge option for SBF-cuttings (i.e.,

BAT/NSPS Option 2). 

3.3.3 Discharge Limitations Technical Availability and Economic Achievability

3.3.3.1 Formation Oil Contamination of SBF-Cuttings

EPA has promulgated a BAT limitation of zero discharge to control formation oil contamination on

SBF-cuttings. EPA is also promulgating a screening method (Reverse Phase Extraction [RPE] method

presented in Appendix 6 to Subpart A of Part 435) and a compliance assurance method (Gas

Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer [GC/MS] method presented in Appendix 5 to Subpart A of Part 435) to

demonstrate compliance with this zero discharge requirement.

Formation oil is an “indicator” pollutant for the many toxic and priority pollutant pollutants present

in formation (crude) oil (e.g., aromatic and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons). The RPE method is a

fluorescence test and is appropriately “weighted” to better detect crude oils. These crude oils contain more

toxic aromatic and PAH pollutants and show brighter fluorescence (i.e., noncompliance) in the RPE method

at lower levels of crude oil contamination. Under the final rule, approximately 5% of all (all meaning a large

representative sampling) formation oils would fail (not comply) at 0.1% contamination of SBFs and 95% of

all formation oils will fail at 1.0% contamination of SBFs. The majority of formation oils will fail at 0.5%

contamination of SBFs. Because the RPE method is a relative brightness test, GC/MS is promulgated as a

confirmatory compliance assurance method when the results from the RPE compliance method are in doubt

by either the operator or the enforcement authority. Results from the GC/MS method will supersede those

of the RPE method. EPA is also requiring that dischargers verify and document that a SBF is free of

formation oil contamination before initial use of the SBF. The GC/MS method will be used to verify and

document the absence of formation oil contamination in SBFs.

EPA intends that the BAT limitation promulgated on formation (crude) oil contamination in SBF is

no less stringent that the existing BAT limitation on WBF through the static sheen test (Appendix 1 of
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Subpart A of 40 CFR 435). In most cases, the static sheen test detects formation oil contamination in WBF

down to 1% and in some cases down to 0.5%. Based on the available information, EPA believes that only

a very minimal amount of SBF will be non-compliant with this limitation and therefore be required to be

disposed of onshore or by injection. EPA thus finds that this limitation is technically available. EPA also

finds this option to be economically achievable because there is no reason why formation oil contamination

would occur more frequently under this rule than under current rules that industry can economically afford. 

EPA has determined that essentially no costs are associated with this requirement other than monitoring and

reporting costs, which are minimal costs for this industry, but are incorporated into the cost and economic

analyses.

3.3.3.2 Retention of SBF on SBF-Cuttings

EPA has promulgated BAT limitations controlling the amount of SBF discharged with SBF-cuttings

for the offshore subcategory where SBF-cuttings may be discharged. As previously stated, limiting the

amount of SBF content in discharged cuttings controls: (1) the amount of toxic and non-conventional

pollutants in SBF that are discharged to the ocean; (2) the biodegradation rate of discharged SBF; and (3)

the potential for SBF-cuttings to develop cuttings piles and mats that are deleterious to the benthic

environment. The BAT limitations promulgated for controlling the amount of SBF discharged with SBFcuttings are averaged by hole volume over the well sections drilled with SBF. Those portions of the SBFcuttings waste stream that are retained for zero discharge (e.g., fines) are factored into the weighted well

average with a retention value of zero. 

EPA evaluated the costs, cost savings, and technical performance of several technologies to recover

SBF from the SBF-cuttings discharge. EPA also investigated the use of Best Management Practices

(BMPs) to reduce the amount of SBF discharge on SBF-cuttings. Typical BMPs for SBF-cuttings include

regulating the flow and dispersion across solid control equipment screens and properly maintaining these

screens. EPA also considered NWQIs (e.g., land disposal requirements, fuel use, air emissions, safety, and

other considerations) in setting the SBF retention on SBF-cuttings BAT limitation.

The drilling fluid and drill cuttings undergo an extensive separation process by the solids control

system to remove drilling fluid from the drill cuttings. The solids control system is necessary to maintain

constant drilling fluid properties and/or change them as required by the drilling conditions. Drilling fluid

recovered from the solids control equipment is recycled into the active mud system (e.g., mud pits, mud

pumps) and back downhole. Drill cuttings discarded from the solids control equipment are a waste product. 
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Drill cuttings are also cleaned out of the mud pits and from the solid separation equipment during

displacement of the drilling fluid system (i.e., accumulated solids).

Most drilling operators use, at a minimum, a solids control system typically consisting of primary

and secondary shale shakers in series with a “fines removal unit” (e.g., mud cleaner, decanting centrifuge). 

The primary and secondary shale shakers remove the larger and smaller cuttings, respectively. The fines

removal unit removes the “fines” (i.e., low gravity solids) down to approximately 5 microns (10-6 meters). 

Solids less than 5 microns are labeled as “entrained” and are unable to be removed by solids control

equipment. Because of their small size and large surface area per unit volume, the fines retain more drilling

fluid than an equal amount of larger cuttings coming off the shale shakers. This solid control equipment

configuration was labeled as “baseline” (i.e., representative of current industry practice) in the NODA. EPA

continues to use this solid control equipment configuration as baseline in the analyses supporting the final

rule.

EPA assessed the baseline performance using industry submitted ROC data received before and in

response to the NODA. EPA received sufficient additional cuttings retention data from Gulf of Mexico

sources to re-evaluate the discharges of the baseline solids control equipment (e.g., primary shale shaker,

secondary shale shaker, fines removal unit) to calculate a revised baseline long-term average retention value

of 10.2% by weight of SBF on cuttings. Despite the revision of the retention data, the revised long-term

average retention value is only slightly different than the 11% originally calculated for the February 1999

proposal and the 11.4% calculated for the NODA. This relative convergence of the various calculated

baseline performance averages provides further confidence in the accuracy of the baseline model and

associated data.

Operators also recover additional drilling fluid from drill cuttings discarded from the shale shakers

through the use of cuttings dryers (e.g., vertical or horizontal centrifuges, squeeze press mud recovery units,

High-G linear shakers). Since the February 1999 proposal and the NODA, the Gulf of Mexico offshore

drilling industry has increased its use of “add-on” cuttings drying equipment (i.e., “cuttings dryers”) to

reduce the amount of SBF adhering to the SBF-cuttings prior to discharge. Specifically, in response to the

NODA, EPA received ROC data from approximately 45 Gulf of Mexico SBF well projects that used

cuttings dryers (e.g., vertical or horizontal centrifuges, squeeze press mud recovery units, High-G linear

shakers) to reduce the amount of SBF discharged. These 45 Gulf of Mexico SBF well projects represent a

broad representation of typical factors affecting solids control equipment performance which include: (1)

Gulf of Mexico formation types (e.g., shale, sand, salt); (2) rig types (e.g., drill tension leg platform, semisubmersible); (3) drilling operation types (i.e., exploratory or development); and (4) water depth (i.e.,
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shallow or deep). Current data available to EPA indicate that these cuttings dryers can operate consistently

and efficiently when properly installed and maintained. Specifically, vendor-supplied data associated with

these cuttings dryer deployments suggest that the overall cuttings dryer downtime (i.e., time when cuttings

dryer equipment is not operable) is approximately 1 to 2%. EPA finds this small downtime percentage as

acceptable.

EPA discussed how it revised the BAT/NSPS-level solids control equipment configuration used in

its analyses in the NODA. EPA also discussed a range of management options regarding the BAT limitation

for SBF retention on SBF-cuttings: (1) two discharges from the BAT/NSPS-level solids control equipment

configuration (i.e., one discharge from the cuttings dryer and another discharge from the fines removal unit);

(2) one discharge from the BAT/NSPS-level solids control equipment configuration (i.e., one discharge from

the cuttings dryer with the fines from the fines removal unit captured for zero discharge); and (3) zero

discharge of SBF-cuttings. These three options are labeled as BAT/NSPS Option 1, BAT/NSPS Option 2,

and BAT/NSPS Option 3, respectively. EPA estimates that 97% and 3% of the total cuttings are generated

by the cuttings dryer and fines removal unit, respectively.

EPA developed two numerical well averaged ROC limitations (i.e., one for SBFs with the stock

base fluid performance similar to esters and another for SBFs with the stock base fluid performance similar

to C16-C18 IOs) and based both of these ROC limitations on the technology of only one discharge from the

cuttings dryer with the fines from the fines removal unit captured for zero discharge (i.e., BAT/NSPS

Option 2). The numerical well averaged ROC maximum limitation for SBFs (i.e., 9.4%) with the

environmental characteristics of esters is based on a combination of data from horizontal centrifuge, vertical

centrifuge, squeeze press, and High-G linear shaker cuttings dryer technologies. The numerical well

averaged ROC maximum limitation for SBFs (i.e., 6.9%) with the environmental characteristics of C16-C18

internal olefins is based on a combination of data from horizontal and vertical centrifuge cuttings dryer

technologies. EPA estimates that operators, generally installing new equipment where none has been used

in the past, will be able to choose from among the better technologies, designs, operating procedures, and

maintenance procedures that EPA has considered to be among the best available technologies. EPA data

demonstrate that operators properly using these cuttings dryer technologies (e.g., vertical centrifuge,

horizontal centrifuge, squeeze press, High-G linear shaker) will be able to comply with these final ROC

numerical limitations. Data submitted to EPA show that operators using the vertical centrifuge and

horizontal centrifuge are capable of achieving the lower ROC limitation (i.e., 6.9%). Data submitted to EPA

also show that operators using the vertical centrifuge, horizontal centrifuge, squeeze press, and High-G

linear shaker are capable of achieving the higher ROC limitation (i.e., 9.4%). 
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EPA developed the two ROC limitations because EPA used a two part approach to control SBFcuttings discharges. The first part is the control of which SBFs are allowed for discharge through use of

stock limitations (e.g., sediment toxicity, biodegradation, PAH content, metals content) and discharge

limitations (e.g., diesel oil prohibition, formation oil prohibition, sediment toxicity, aqueous toxicity). The

second part is the control of the quantity of SBF discharged with SBF-cuttings. As previously stated, EPA

and industry sediment toxicity and biodegradation laboratory studies show that both vegetable esters and low

viscosity esters have better environmental performance than all other SBF base fluids. However, because

the technical availability of product substitution with esters was not demonstrated across the offshore

subcategory, EPA rejected the option of basing sediment toxicity and biodegradation stock limitations and

standards on vegetable esters and low viscosity esters. EPA is sufficiently satisfied, however, that both

esters provide better environmental performance (e.g., sediment toxicity, biodegradation). Consequently,

EPA is promulgating a higher retention on cuttings discharge limitation to encourage operators to use esters

when possible. EPA estimates that a higher retention on cuttings discharge limitation for esters is equivalent

to the same level of control as a lower retention on cuttings discharge limitation for all other SBFs that have

poorer sediment toxicity and biodegradation performances.

In response to the NODA, EPA received comments from an ester-SBF manufacturer that EPA

should create an incentive for operators to use ester-SBFs by basing the ROC limitation for ester-SBFs on

baseline solids control equipment (e.g., primary and secondary shale shakers, fines removal unit).9, 13 They

argued that the superior laboratory performance of these fluids in terms of sediment toxicity and

biodegradation justifies allowing them to be discharged with a ROC limitation based on baseline solids

control equipment. EPA estimates that a ROC BAT limitation based on the baseline solids control

equipment is 15.3%.

While EPA is willing to expand the technology basis to allow the use of less effective cuttings dryers

for ester-SBFs (e.g., squeeze press, High-G linear shakes), EPA is unwilling to entirely abandon the use of

cuttings dryers for ester-SBF drilling operations. EPA is not setting a higher ROC limitation for SBFs with

the environmental performance of ester-SBFs based on baseline solids control technology because the

environmental improvement resulting from the use of improved solids control technology (i.e., cuttings

dryers) outweighs the incremental ester laboratory sediment toxicity and biodegradation performance over

IOs. Cuttings dryers promote pollution prevention through increased re-use of drilling fluids and prevent

significant amounts of pollutants from being discharged to the ocean.

EPA provides for variability from the long term average (LTA) of performance data from the

candidate treatment technology or technologies. The LTA performance of the baseline solids control
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technology is 10.2%, as compared to the LTA of 4.8% based on data from all four cutting dryer

technologies. This translates into a difference of 118 million pounds per well of pollutant discharges to the

ocean between current practice (i.e., 10.2%) and the improved solids control technologies (i.e., 4.8%). In

balancing the environmental effects of these additional ester-SBFs discharges controlled with the use of

baseline solids control technology against the environmental effects of lower IO-SBFs discharges controlled

with the use of cuttings dryers, EPA has concluded that the improvement in solids control technology

leading to lower values of ROC is a more significant factor than laboratory data for ester base fluids showing

lower sediment toxicity and higher biodegradation. 

EPA also is not convinced that the difference in ROC limitations provides no incentive to use

esters-SBFs, as the ester-SBF manufacturer argues. EPA believes that the difference between 6.9% and

9.4% could provide an incentive for operators to use esters-SBFs. Operators may find that it is worthwhile

to purchase ester-SBFs in order to be able to operate with even a greater margin of flexibility under a limit

of 9.4% as compared to 6.9%.

As the rule is performance based, EPA is not prohibiting the discharge of SBF-cuttings from the

fines removal unit in order to comply with the base fluid retained on cuttings discharge BAT limitation. 

Operators are only required to show that the volume-weighted average of all their SBF-cuttings discharges is

below the discharge BAT limitation. EPA expects that most operators will be able to discharge cuttings

from the cuttings dryer and fines removal unit and comply with this discharge BAT limitation. If, for

example, the average retention of SBF on SBF-cuttings from a cuttings dryer is 6.00%, the average

retention of SBF on SBF-cuttings from a fines removal unit is 12.00%, and the fines are observed to

comprise 3% of the total cuttings discharged, then the well average is 6.18% [i.e., (0.97)(6.00%) +

(0.03)(12.00%) = 6.18%]. If the well average for SBF retention from the cuttings dryer exceeds the

discharge limit, then in order to comply with this discharge BAT limitation all cuttings must be injected

onsite or hauled to shore for land disposal. EPA finds that if this is the case, the limit is technologically

available because operators have transported OBFs to shore since 1986 and have transported WBFs that do

not meet the existing effluent limitations and standards since 1993.

EPA finds that both ROC limitations (i.e., 6.9%, 9.4%) are technically available to the industry

because it is based on product substitution and a statistical analysis of ROC performance from drilling

conditions throughout offshore waters. The BAT limitations for controlling the amount of SBF discharged

with SBF-cuttings are calculated such that nearly all well averages for retention are expected to meet these

values using the selected technologies without any additional attention to design, operation, or maintenance. 

EPA data demonstrate that operators properly using these cuttings dryer technologies (e.g., vertical
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centrifuge, horizontal centrifuge, squeeze press, High-G linear shaker) will be able to comply with these final

ROC numerical limitations because: (1) these limits allow for variation in formation characteristics that may

not exist in the United States; (2) operators, generally installing new equipment where none has been used in

the past are able to choose from among the better technologies, designs, operating procedures, and

maintenance procedures that EPA considers to be among the best available technologies; and (3) operators

may elect to use SBFs with the stock base fluid performance of esters and horizontal or vertical centrifuge

cuttings dryers to achieve a ROC well average well below the 9.4% ROC limitation.

Data used in the calculation of the numerical limits exclude retention results submitted without

backup calculations (i.e., without raw retort data) and include data from drilling operations in foreign waters

(e.g., Canada). EPA excluded ROC data without raw retort data (e.g., masses and volumes of cuttings

samples and recovered liquids taken during the retort method by the field technician) due to concerns over

data quality (e.g., no independent method to check data quality). EPA included ROC data from Canadian

drilling operations to incorporate the variability of cuttings dryer performance in harder and less permeable

formations that generally lead to higher ROC values. EPA estimates that the major factors leading to higher

ROC values for all solids control equipment include: (1) slower rates of penetration; (2) formations that are

harder and less permeable; and (3) selection of certain drill bits. The Canadian ROC data come from

formations that are generally much harder and less permeable than what is observed in the Gulf of Mexico. 

These harder formations generally lead to slower rates of penetration. The less permeable Canadian

formations lead to fewer downhole losses of SBF. Downhole losses require the addition of fresh SBF to

maintain volume requirements for the active mud system. These additions of fresh SBF to the active mud

system help control the potential of build-up of fines. In addition, operators often use PDC drill bits in order

to grind through the hard Canadian formations. This grinding action leads to smaller cuttings than is what is

observed in the Gulf of Mexico. The smaller cuttings have more surface area for SBF than larger cuttings

and generally have higher ROC values. Consequently, EPA's use of Canadian data in its analyses

incorporate sufficient variability to model the formations in Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, Cook Inlet,

Alaska, and other offshore U.S. waters where EPA does not have ROC data.

EPA finds that both well-average discharge BAT ROC limitations (e.g., 6.9%, 9.4%) for base fluid

on wet cuttings are economically achievable. According to EPA’s analysis, in addition to reducing the

discharge of SBFs associated with the cuttings, EPA estimates that this control will result in a net savings of

$48.9 million ($1999) dollars per year. This savings results, in part, because the value of SBFs recovered is

greater than the cost of installation of the improved solids control technology. EPA also examined costs to

the few operators that have been using less costly SBFs that don’t meet these requirements (particularly
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anaerobic degradation) and have found these costs to be economically achievable (see SBF Economic

Analysis).

EPA concluded that a zero discharge requirement for SBF-cuttings from existing sources and the

subsequent increase use of OBFs and WBFs would result in: (1) unacceptable NWQIs; and (2) more

pollutant loadings to the ocean due to operators switching from SBFs to less efficient WBFs. For these

reasons, EPA rejected the BAT zero discharge option for SBF-cuttings from existing sources.

In the NODA, EPA requested comments on the issue of rig compatibility with the installation of

cuttings dryers (e.g., vertical or horizontal centrifuges, squeeze press mud recovery units, High-G linear

shakers). EPA received general information on the problems and issues related to cuttings dryer installations

from API/NOIA. API/NOIA stated that not all rigs are capable of installing cuttings dryers.1 In late

comments, some industry commentors submitted initial data indicating that 48 of the 223 Gulf of Mexico

drilling rigs are not capable of having a cuttings dryer system installed due to either rig space and/or rig

design without prohibitive costs or rig modifications.14 Upon a further, more extensive review of Gulf of

Mexico rigs, these same commentors concluded that 30 of 234 Gulf of Mexico drilling rigs are not capable

of having a cuttings dryer system installed due to either rig space and/or rig design without prohibitive costs

or rig modifications.15 EPA also received late comments from one operator, Unocal, stating that 36 of 122

Unocal wells drilled between late 1997 and mid-2000 were drilled with rigs that do not have 40 foot x 40

foot space available for a cuttings dryer installation.16 The API/NOIA rig survey and the Unocal rig survey

identified most of the same rigs as unable to install cuttings dryers. However, two rigs (i.e., Parker 22,

Nabors 802) identified in the Unocal rig survey as having no space for a cuttings dryer installation were

identified in the API/NOIA rig survey as each having a previous cuttings dryer installation. Finally, EPA

received information from a drilling fluid manufacturer and cuttings dryer equipment vendor, M-I Drilling

Fluids, stating that they are not aware of any Gulf of Mexico rig not capable of installing a cuttings dryer.17

EPA finds that current space limitations for cuttings dryers do not require a 40 foot x 40 foot space. 

Specifically, EPA has in the record information gathered during EPA*s October 1999 site visit and

information supplied by API/NOIA, MMS, and equipment vendors. EPA received information from a

drilling fluid manufacturer and cuttings dryer equipment vendor, M-I Drilling Fluids, stating that they are not

aware of any GOM rig not capable of installing a cuttings dryer.17 Another cuttings dryer equipment

vendor, JB Equipment, asserted that there are at most only a few rigs that pose questionable installation

problems and that they have yet to survey a rig that they could not install a cuttings dryer.22 JB Equipment

also stated that inexperience with cuttings dryer installations may inhibit the ability of operators or rig owners

to properly judge whether a cuttings dryer can be installed. JB Equipment cited an example where the
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operator concluded that a cuttings dryer could not be installed on a rig (Nabors 803) while JB Equipment

surveying efforts identified the cuttings dryer installation for the same rig as one of the simplest installations

JB Equipment performs. MMS also concluded that rigs do not need a 40 foot x 40 foot space to install a

cuttings dryer and that, with the exception of a few jackup and platform rigs, there should not be any

significant issues related to installing cuttings dryers on OCS drilling rigs.21 API/NOIA estimated that 150

square feet are required for a cuttings dryer installation in order to meet the ROC BAT limitation and

NSPS.1 EPA also estimates that the minimum height clearance for a typical cuttings dryer installation is 6

feet. The API/NOIA estimate is based on the installation of a horizontal centrifuge cuttings dryer (i.e.,

MUD-6). The Unocal estimate is based on the vertical centrifuge cuttings dryer and is also characterized by

other industry representatives and MMS as too high.15, 21 EPA*s estimate of a typical vertical centrifuge

installation is 15 feet x 15 feet (i.e., 225 square feet) with a minimum height clearance of 11 feet. EPA

based the ROC BAT limitation and NSPS (e.g., 6.9%) on the use of both these cuttings dryers for SBFs

with the stock limitations of C16-C18 IOs. Based on comments from operators, equipment vendors, and

MMS, EPA believes that most of these shallow water rigs have the requisite 150-225 square feet available

to install a cuttings dryer. Therefore, EPA finds that operators are not required to have a 1,600 square foot

space for a cuttings dryer installation in order to meet the ROC BAT limitation and NSPS. Proper spacing

and placement of cuttings dryers in the solids control equipment system should prevent installation

problems.

Moreover, current usage shows that SBFs are used in only 14% of the total number of wells drilled

in shallow water. The majority of SBF usage is in deep water where nearly all rigs are capable of installing

cuttings dryers.15 Therefore, EPA estimates that only a very small percentage of rigs will not be able to do

one of the following in order to drill: (1) install cuttings dryers; (2) use WBFs; and (3) perform zero

discharge operations (e.g., injection or onshore disposal). Operators that cannot install cuttings dryers,

cannot use WBFs, and cannot perform zero discharge operations should apply for a Fundamental Different

Factors (FDF) waiver in order for EPA to consider the case-specific conditions (e.g., perform a variable

load and center of gravity analysis). Finally, EPA finds that only a small percentage of operators will be

forced to use OBFs and zero discharge operations due to their inability to use WBFs or install cuttings

dryers and EPA finds the NWQIs associated with these zero discharge operations as acceptable.

EPA has also decided that solids accumulated at the end of the well (“accumulated solids”) and

wash water are associated with drill cuttings and are therefore, not controlled by the zero discharge

requirement for SBFs not associated with drill cuttings. EPA has decided to control accumulated solids and

wash water under the discharge requirements for cuttings associated with SBFs. The amount of SBF base

fluid discharged with discharged accumulated solids will be estimated using procedures in Appendix 7 to
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Subpart A of 40 CFR 435 and incorporated into the base fluid retained on cuttings numeric limitation or

standard. The source of the pollutants in the accumulated solids and associated wash water are drill cuttings

and drilling fluid solids (e.g., barite). The drill cuttings and drilling fluid solids can be prevented from

discharge with SBF-cuttings due to equipment design (e.g., sand traps, sumps) or improper maintenance of

the equipment (e.g., failing to ensure the proper agitation of mud pits). EPA agrees with commentors that

the discharge of SBF associated with accumulated solids in the SBF active mud system and the associated

wash water is normally a one-time operation performed at the completion of the SBF well (e.g., cleaning out

mud pits and solids control equipment). 

The quantity of SBF typically discharged with accumulated solids and wash water is relatively

small. The SBF fraction in the 75 barrels of accumulated solids is approximately 25% and generally only

very small quantities of SBF are contained in the 200 to 400 barrels of associated equipment wash water. 

Current practice is to retain accumulated solids for zero discharge or recover free oil from accumulated

solids prior to discharge. Since current practice is to recover free oil and discharge accumulated solids, the

controlled discharge option for SBF-cuttings represents current practice and is economically achievable. 

Moreover, recovering free oil from accumulated solids prior to discharge has no unacceptable NWQIs. 

EPA defines accumulated solids and wash water as associated with drill cuttings. Therefore, operators will

control these SBF-cuttings wastes using the SBF stock limitations and cuttings discharge limitations. As

compliance with EPA’s SBF stock limitations and cuttings discharge limitations does not require the

processing of all SBF-cuttings wastes through the solids control technologies (e.g., shale shakers, cuttings

dryers, fines removal units), operators may or may not elect to process accumulated solids or wash water

through the solids control technologies.

EPA has also promulgated a set of BMPs for operators to use in order to demonstrate compliance

with the numeric ROC limitation. By using this option, operators may reduce the retort monitoring

otherwise required to determine compliance with the numeric ROC limitation. This option combines the set

of BMPs that represent current practice with BMPs that are associated with the use of improved solids

control technology. This option is technologically available and economically achievable for the same

reasons that apply to compliance with the ROC numerical limitations. Examples of BMPs that represent

current practices are, for example, use of mud guns, proper mixing procedure, and elimination of settling

places for accumulated solids. Examples of BMPs associated with the use of the new solids control

technology are, for example, operating cuttings dryers in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications

and maintaining a certain mass flux. If operators elect to use this BMP option, they are required to

demonstrate compliance through limited retort monitoring of cuttings and additional BMP paperwork. 
X - 26

3.3.2.3 Sediment Toxicity of SBF Discharged with Cuttings

As originally proposed in February 1999 and re-stated in April 2000, EPA is promulgating a BAT

limitation to control the maximum sediment toxicity of the SBF discharged with cuttings. This BAT

limitation controls the sediment toxicity of the SBF discharged with cuttings as a nonconventional pollutant

parameter and as an indicator for other pollutants in the SBF discharged with cuttings. Some of the toxic,

priority, and nonconventional pollutants in the SBF discharged with cuttings may include: (1) the base fluids

such as enhanced mineral oils, IOs, LAOs, PAOs, paraffinic oils, C12-C14 vegetable esters of 2-hexanol and

palm kernel oil, “low viscosity” C8 esters, and other oleaginous materials; (2) barite which is known to

generally have trace contaminants of several toxic heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic,

chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc; (3) formation oil which contains toxic and priority pollutants such

as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and phenol; and (4) additives such as

emulsifiers, oil wetting agents, filtration control agents, and viscosifiers.

The sediment toxicity of the SBF discharged with cuttings is measured by the modified sediment

toxicity test (ASTM E1367-92: “Standard Guide for Conducting 10-day Static Sediment Toxicity Tests

With Marine and Estuarine Amphipods,” supplemented with the preparation procedure specified in

Appendix 3 of Subpart A of 40 CFR 435) using a natural sediment or formulated sediment, 96-hour testing

period, and Leptocheirus plumulosus as the test organism. EPA is promulgating a sediment toxicity

limitation for the SBF discharged with cuttings at the point of discharge that would only allow the discharge

of SBF-cuttings using SBFs as toxic or less toxic, but not more toxic, than C16-C18 IOs SBFs. Alternatively,

this limitation is expressed in terms of a “SBF sediment toxicity ratio” which is defined as 96-hour LC50 of

C16-C18 IOs SBF divided by the 96-hour LC50 of the SBF being discharged with cuttings at the point of

discharge. EPA is promulgating a SBF sediment toxicity ratio of less than 1.0.

As previously stated, establishing discharge limits on toxicity encourages the use of less toxic drilling

fluids and additives. The modifications to the sediment toxicity test include shortening the test to 96-hours. 

Shortening the test will allow operators to continue drilling operations while the sediment toxicity test is

being conducted on the discharged drilling fluid. Moreover, discriminatory power is substantially reduced

for the 10-day test on drilling fluid as compared to the 96-hour test (i.e., the 10-day test is of lower practical

use in determining whether a SBF is substantially different from OBFs). Finally, operators discharging

WBFs are already complying with a biological test at the point of discharge, the 96-hour SPP toxicity test,

which tests WBF aquatic toxicity using the test organism Mysidopsis bahia.
X - 27

The promulgated sediment toxicity limitation would be achievable through product substitution. 

EPA anticipates that the base fluids meeting the sediment toxicity limitation would include vegetable esters,

low viscosity esters, and IOs. The reference C16-C18 IOs SBF is formulated to meet the specifications in

Table X-1 and also is contained in Appendix 8 of Subpart A of 40 CFR 435. The sediment toxicity

discharge limitation is technically and economically achievable because it is based on currently available base

fluids that can be used and are used across the wide variety of drilling situations found in offshore waters. 

EPA estimates minimal monitoring costs associated with this limitation. Additionally, the sediment toxicity

discharge limitation will not lead to an increase of NWQIs.

TABLE X-1

Properties for Reference C16-C18 IOs SBF Used in Discharge Sediment Toxicity Testing

Mud Weight of SBF Discharged

with Cuttings (pounds per gallon)

Reference C16-C18 IOs SBF

(pounds per gallon)

Reference C16-C18 IOs SBF

Synthetic to Water Ratio (%)

8.5 - 11 9.0 75/25

11 -14 11.5 80/20

> 14 14.5 85/15

Plastic Viscosity (PV), centipoise (cP) 12 - 30

Yield Point (YP), pounds/100 sq. ft. 10 - 20

10-second gel, pounds/100 sq. ft. 8 - 15

10-minute gel, pounds/100 sq. ft. 12 - 30

Electrical stability, V > 300

3.4 NSPS Technology Options Considered and Selected for Drilling Fluid Associated with Drill

Cuttings

The general approach followed by EPA for developing NSPS options was to evaluate the best

demonstrated SBFs and processes for control of priority toxic, nonconventional, and conventional

pollutants. Specifically, EPA evaluated the technologies used as the basis for BPT, BCT and BAT. The

Agency considered these options as a starting point when developing NSPS options because the technologies

used to control pollutants at existing facilities are fully applicable to new facilities.

EPA has not identified any more stringent treatment technology option that it considered to

represent NSPS level of control applicable to the SBF-cuttings waste stream. Further, EPA has made a
X - 28

finding of no barrier to entry based upon the establishment of this level of control for new sources. 

Therefore, EPA is promulgating that NSPS be established equivalent to BPT and BAT for conventional,

priority, and nonconventional pollutants. EPA concluded that NSPS are technologically and economically

achievable for the same reasons that BAT is available and BPT is practical. EPA also concluded that

NWQIs are reduced under the selected NSPS for new wells due to the increased efficiency of SBF drilling.

EPA concluded that a zero discharge requirement for SBF-cuttings from new sources and the

subsequent increase use of OBFs and WBFs would result in: (1) unacceptable NWQIs; and (2) more

pollutant loadings to the ocean due to operators switching from SBFs to less efficient WBFs.

For the same reasons that the BAT limitations promulgated in the final rule are technologically and

economically achievable, the promulgated NSPS are also technologically and economically achievable. 

EPA's analyses show that under the SBF zero discharge option for all areas as compared to current practice

as a basis for new source standards there would be an increase of 3.4 million pounds of cuttings annually

shipped to shore for disposal in NOW sites and an increase of 10.2 million pounds of cuttings annually

injected. This zero discharge option would lead to an increase in annual fuel use of 18,067 BOE and an

increase in annual air emissions of 528 tons. Finally, the SBF zero discharge option for the Gulf of Mexico

would lead to an increase of 7.5 million pounds of WBF-cuttings being discharged to offshore waters. This

pollutant loading increase is a result of operators in offshore waters (in the Gulf of Mexico) switching from

efficient SBF drilling to less efficient WBF drilling. EPA found these levels of NWQIs unacceptable and

rejected the NSPS zero discharge option for SBF-cuttings from new sources, except in coastal Cook Inlet,

Alaska.

3.5 PSES and PSNS Technology Options Considered and Selected

Based on comments to the Coastal rule, the 1993 Coastal Oil and Gas Questionnaire, and other

information reviewed as part of this rule, EPA has not identified any existing offshore or coastal oil and gas

extraction facilities which discharge SBF and SBF-cuttings to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs),

nor are any new facilities projected to direct these wastes in such manner. EPA retains the zero discharge

requirement that exists in the current pretreatment standards for existing and new sources for all coastal

subcategory facilities because these wastes are incompatible and would interfere with POTW operations

(see Coastal Development Document [EPA-821-R-96-023], Chapter XIV, Section 3.1.3). As current

industry practice is zero discharge of SBFs and SBF-cuttings into POTWs, the zero discharge PSES and

PSNS requirements represent current practice and is technologically and economically achievable with no

additional NWQIs.
X - 29

3.6 Best Management Practices (BMPs) to Demonstrate Compliance with Numeric BAT

Limitations and NSPS for Drilling Fluid Associated with Drill Cuttings

Sections 304(e), 308(a), 402(a), and 501(a) of the CWA authorize the Administrator to prescribe

BMPs as part of effluent limitations guidelines and standards or as part of a permit. The BMP alternatives

to numeric limitations and standards in this final rule are directed, among other things, at preventing or

otherwise controlling leaks, spills, and discharges of toxic and hazardous pollutants in SBF cuttings wastes.

As discussed in the NODA, EPA considered three options for the final rule for the BAT limitation

and NSPS controlling SBF retained on discharged cuttings: (1) a single numeric discharge limitation with an

accompanying compliance test method; (2) allowing operators to choose either a single numeric discharge

limitation with an accompanying compliance test method, or as an alternative, a set of BMPs that employs

limited cuttings monitoring; or (3) allowing operators to choose either a single numeric discharge limitation

with an accompanying compliance test method or an alternative set of BMPs that employ no cuttings

monitoring. Under the third BMP option for SBF-cuttings (i.e., cuttings discharged and not monitored),

EPA also considered whether to require as part of the BMP option, the use of a cuttings dryer as

representative of BAT/NSPS or to make the use of a cuttings dryer optional.

EPA selected the second BMP option (i.e., allowing operators to choose either a single numeric

discharge limitation with an accompanying compliance test method, or as an alternative, a set of BMPs that

employs limited cuttings monitoring). EPA selected this option as it provides for a reasonable level of

flexibility and is based on quantifiable objective performance measures. EPA analyses show that cuttings

monitoring for the first third of the SBF footage drilled for a SBF well interval is a reliable indicator of the

remaining two-thirds of the SBF-interval. 18, 19, 20 Procedures for demonstrating compliance with the selected

BMP option are given in Appendix 7 to Subpart A of Part 435.

For the final rule, EPA did not have enough data from across a wide variety of drilling conditions

(e.g., formation, water depth, rig size) to demonstrate that BMPs without cuttings monitoring are equivalent

to a numeric ROC limitation or standard. Further, under a BMP option with no numeric limit there is no

objective performance measure. This presents a particular problem offshore, where real-time inspections are

not as practical as they are for land-based discharges. Therefore, EPA rejected the third BMP option and

cuttings dryer sub-option for SBF-cuttings (i.e., allowing operators to choose either a single numeric

discharge limitation with an accompanying compliance test method or an alternative set of BMPs that

employ no cuttings monitoring). EPA concluded that BMP option one and BMP option two demonstrate

the same level of compliance with the well averaged ROC limitation and standard.18 Therefore, EPA
X - 30

selected BMP option two over BMP option one to provide operators with greater flexibility to demonstrate

compliance with the well averaged ROC limitation and standard.

The BMP option promulgated in the final rule includes information collection requirements that are

intended to control the discharges of SBF in place of numeric effluent limitations and standards. These

information collection requirements include, for example: (1) training personnel; (2) analyzing spills that

occur; (3) identifying equipment items that might need to be maintained, upgraded, or repaired; (4)

identifying procedures for waste minimization; (4) performing monitoring (including the operation of

monitoring systems) to establish equivalence with a numeric cuttings retention limitation and to detect leaks,

spills, and intentional diversion; and (5) generally to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the BMP

alternatives. 

BMP option two also requires operators to develop and, when appropriate, amend plans specifying

how operators will implement BMP option two, and to certify to the permitting authority that they have

done so in accordance with good engineering practices and the requirements of the final regulation. The

purpose of those provisions is, respectively, to facilitate the implementation of BMP option two on a sitespecific basis and to help the regulating authorities to ensure compliance without requiring the submission of

actual BMP Plans. Finally, the recordkeeping provisions are intended to facilitate training, to signal the need

for different or more vigorously implemented BMP alternatives, and to facilitate compliance assessment. 

4. REFERENCES

1. Moran, Robert, National Ocean Industries Association, Re: National Ocean Industries Association,

American Petroleum Institute, Offshore Operators Committee, and Petroleum Equipment Suppliers

Association Comments on “Effluent Limitations Guidelines for Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source

Category,” Proposed Rule 65 FR 21548 (April 21, 2000). 6/20/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.13)

2. Farmer, Janis M., BP Amoco, Letter to C. Johnston, EPA, in response to SBF NODA. 6/29/00. 

Attachment 4: QTEC “BMP” Reports, QTECH LTD Reports Ocean America and Discoverer 534. 

(Record No. IV.A.a.26)

3. Van Slyke, Don, Unocal. Unocal Comments; Effluent Limitations Guidelines for the Oil and Gas

Extraction Point Source Category; Proposed Ruling (40 CFR 435). 6/9/00. (Record No. IV.A.a.3)

4. Xiao, L. and C. Piatti. 1995. Biodegradable Invert Oil Emulsion Drilling Fluids for Offshore

Operations: A Comprehensive Laboratory Evaluation and Comparison, SPE 29941. (Record No.

A.a.13)

5. Young, S, Anchor Drilling Fluids. 1994. Life After Oil Based Muds? - The Technical and

Environmental Benefits of “Pseudo-Oil Based Muds.” (Record No. A.a.13)
X - 31

6. Patel, A.D., J.M. Wilson, B.W. Loughridge. 1999. Impact of Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids on

Oilwell Cementing Operations, SPE 50726. (Record No. A.a.13)

7. Friedheim, J.E. and R.M. Pantermuehl, M-I Drilling Fluids. 1993. Superior Performance with

Minimal Environmental Impact: A Novel Nonaqueous Drilling Fluid, SPE/IADC 25753. (Record

No. A.a.13)

8. Friedheim, J.E. and H.L. Conn, M-I Drilling Fluids. 1995. Second Generation Synthetic Fluids in

the North Sea: Are They Better? SPE 35061. (Record No. A.a.13)

9. Hall, John, Baroid Drilling Fluids, Re: Effluent Limitations Guidelines for the Oil and Gas Extraction

Point Source Category; Proposed Rule 40 CFR Part 435 April 21, 2000. 6/19/00. (Record No.

IV.A.a.7)

10. Candler, J.E., S.P. Rabke, A.J.J. Leuterman, Predicting the Potential Impact of Synthetic-Based

Muds with the Use of Biodegradation Studies, SPE 52742, 1999. (Record No. IV.A.a.13,

Attachment BIODEG-62)

11. Steber, J., C.-P. Ilerold and J.M. Limia. 1995. Comparative Evaluation of Anaerobic

Biodegradability of Hydrocarbons and Fatty Derivatives Currently Used as Drilling Fluids. 

Chemoshpere, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 3105-3118. (Record No.I.D.b.26). 

12. Candler, J., M-I Drilling Fluids. Email to C.A. Johnston RE: unit costs for various muds. 10/23/00. 

(Record No. IV.B.a.13)

13. Martin, D., Centrifugal Services, Inc., Letter to C. Johnston, EPA. 8/2/00. (Record No.

IV.A.a.33).

14. Angelle, R. and P. Scott. 2000. Rig Survey Related to Installation Cost and Operational Costs of

“Cuttings Dryers” to Reduce the Retention of Synthetic Based Mud on Cuttings Discharge. 

(Record No. IV.B.b.33)

15. Angelle, R. and P. Scott. 2000. Rig Survey Update Focusing on the Number of Rigs/Platforms

Where Cuttings Dryers Could Not be Installed. Prepared by the Technology Assessment

Workgroup of Synthetic Based Mud Research Consortium (API and NOIA) in Conjunction with

Cuttings Dryer Equipment Vendor Representatives. 11/9/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.34)

16. O’Donnell, K., Unocal. 2000. Letter to M. Rubin, EPA transmitting additional information. 

10/26/00. (Record IV.B.b.31)

17. Candler, J., M-I. Email to C. Johnston, EPA concerning ability of service companies to place

cuttings dryers on rigs. 11/10/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.32)

18. EPA. 2000. Statistical Analyses Supporting Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards

for Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids and other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and Gas

Extraction Point Source Category. EPA-821-B-00-015. (Record No. IV.C.a.3)

19. Hanni, G., J. Hartley, R. Monro, A. Skullerd. 1998. Evolutionary Environmental Management of

Drilling Discharges: Results without Cost Penalty, SPE 46617. (Record No. III.B.a.18) 

20. Farmer, J.M. 2000. Email to C. Johnston, EPA, Data for the SBM Notice of Data Availability. 

3/8/00. (Record No. III.B.b.15)
X - 32

21. Danenberger, E., MMS. Email to C. Johnston, EPA, FW: rig installation issue... 12/15/00. 

(Record No. IV.B.a.28)

22. Hurst, B. and J. Hurst, JB Equipment. Email to C. Johnston, EPA, RE: rig installation issues. 

12/12/00. (Record No. IV.B.b.48)
XI - 1

CHAPTER XI

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Sections 304(e), 308(a), 402(a), and 501(a) of the CWA authorize the Administrator to prescribe

BMPs as part of effluent limitations guidelines and standards or as part of a permit. The use of BMPs,

either as an alternative to or to reduce the sampling and analysis to demonstrate compliance with numeric

limitations and standards of the final rule, are directed, among other things, at preventing or otherwise

controlling leaks, spills, and discharges of toxic and hazardous pollutants in SBF cuttings wastes (see

Chapter 7 for a list of the toxic and hazardous pollutants controlled by these BMPs). Typical BMPs for

SBF-cuttings include regulating the flow and dispersion across solid control equipment screens and properly

maintaining these screens.

As discussed in the April 2000 NODA (65 FR 21568), EPA considered three options for the final

rule for the BAT limitation and NSPS controlling SBF retained on discharged cuttings: (1) a single numeric

discharge limitation with an accompanying compliance test method; (2) allowing operators to choose either a

single numeric discharge limitation with an accompanying compliance test method, or as an alternative, a set

of BMPs that employs limited cuttings; or (3) allowing operators to choose either a single numeric discharge

limitation with an accompanying compliance test method or an alternative set of BMPs that employ no

cuttings monitoring. Under the third SBF-cuttings discharge BMP option (i.e., cuttings discharged and not

monitored), EPA also considered whether to require as part of the BMP option, the use of a cuttings dryer

as representative of BAT/NSPS or to make use of a cuttings dryer optional.

EPA has selected the second BMP option for the final rule (i.e., allowing operators to choose either

a single numeric discharge limitation with an accompanying compliance test method for the entire well

drilling, or as an alternative, a set of BMPs that employs limited cuttings monitoring to show compliance

with the ROC numerical discharge limitation). EPA selected this option as it provides for a reasonable level

of flexibility and is based on quantifiable performance measures. EPA analyses show that cuttings

monitoring for the first third of the SBF footage drilled for a SBF well interval is a reliable indicator of the

remaining two-thirds of the SBF-interval. 1, 2, 3 Procedures for demonstrating compliance with the selected

BMP option are given in Appendix 7 to Subpart A of Part 435.
XI - 2

For the final rule, EPA did not have sufficient data from across a wide variety of drilling conditions

(e.g., formation, water depth, rig size) to demonstrate that BMPs without cuttings monitoring are equivalent

to a numeric ROC limitation or standard. EPA is also concerned that a set of BMPs without cuttings

monitoring is not as objective to enforce. This is because with a numeric limitation or with the selected

BMP option with reduced cuttings monitoring, operators will need to keep records demonstrating

compliance with the numeric limitation. By contrast, under a BMP option with no numeric limit, there is no

objective performance measure. This presents a particular problem offshore, where real-time inspections

are not as practical as on land based industries.

Therefore, EPA rejected the third BMP option and cuttings dryer sub-option for SBF-cuttings (i.e.,

allowing operators to choose either a single numeric discharge limitation with an accompanying compliance

test method or an alternative set of BMPs that employ no cuttings monitoring). EPA concluded that BMP

option one and BMP option two demonstrate the same level of compliance with the well averaged ROC

limitation and standard. Therefore, EPA selected BMP option two over BMP option one to provide

operators with greater flexibility to demonstrate compliance with the well averaged ROC limitation and

standard.

EPA is also promulgating a set of BMPs for operators to use that demonstrates compliance with the

numeric ROC limitation and therefore reduces the retort monitoring otherwise required to determine

compliance with the numeric ROC limitation. This option combines the set of BMPs that represent current

practice with BMPs that are associated with the use of improved solids control technology. This option is

technologically available and economically achievable for the same reasons that apply to compliance with

the ROC numerical limitations. Examples of BMPs that represent current practices are, for example, use of

mud guns, ensuring proper mixing procedure, and elimination of settling places for accumulated solids. 

Examples of BMPs associated with the use of the new solids control technology are, for example, operating

cuttings dryers in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and maintaining a certain mass flux. If

operators elect to use this BMP option, they will be required to demonstrate compliance through limited

retort monitoring of cuttings and additional BMP paperwork. Paperwork requirements are detailed in

Appendix 7 of Subpart A of 40 CFR 435. 

The BMP option promulgated in the final rule includes information collection requirements that are

intended to control the discharges of SBF in place of numeric effluent limitations and standards. These

information collection requirements include, for example: (1) training personnel; (2) analyzing spills that

occur; (3) identifying equipment items that might need to be maintained, upgraded, or repaired; (4)
XI - 3

identifying procedures for waste minimization; (5) performing monitoring (including the operation of

monitoring systems) to establish equivalence with a numeric cuttings retention limitation and to detect leaks,

spills, and intentional diversion; and (6) generally to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the BMP

alternatives. 

BMP option two also requires operators to develop and, when appropriate, amend plans specifying

how operators will implement BMP option two, and to certify to the permitting authority that they have

done so in accordance with good engineering practices and the requirements of the final regulation. The

purpose of these provisions is, respectively, to facilitate the implementation of BMP option two on a sitespecific basis and to help the regulating authorities ensure compliance without requiring the submission of

actual BMP Plans. Finally, the recordkeeping provisions are intended to facilitate training, to signal the need

for different or more vigorously implemented BMP alternatives, and to facilitate compliance assessment. 

REFERENCES

1. EPA. 2000. Statistical Analyses Supporting Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards

for Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluids and other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and Gas

Extraction Point Source Category. EPA-821-B-00-015. (Record No. IV.C.a.3)

2. Hanni, G., J. Hartley, R. Monro, A. Skullerd. 1998. Evolutionary Environmental Management of

Drilling Discharges: Results without Cost Penalty, SPE 46617. (Record No. III.B.a.18) 

3. Farmer, J.M. 2000. Email to C. Johnston, EPA, Data for the SBM Notice of Data Availability. 

3/8/00. (Record No. III.B.b.15)
G - 1

GLOSSARY AND ABBREVIATIONS

Act: The Clean Water Act.

ADEC: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

Administrator: Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Agency: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Annular Injection: Injection of fluids into the space between the drill string or production tubing and the

open hole or well casing.

Annulus or Annular Space: The space between the drill string or casing and the wall of the hole or casing.

AOGA: Alaskan Oil and Gas Association.

API: American Petroleum Institute.

ASTM: American Society of Testing and Materials.

Barite: Barium sulfate. An additive used to increase drilling fluid density.

Barrel (bbl): 42 United States gallons at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

BAT: The best available technology economically achievable, under Section 304(b)(2)(B) of the Clean

Water Act.

BADCT: The best available demonstrated control technology, for new sources under Section 306 of the

Clean Water Act.

BCT: The best conventional pollutant control technology, under Section 301(b)(2)(E) of the Clean Water

Act.

BMP: Best Management Practices under Section 304(e) of the Clean Water Act.

BOD: Biochemical oxygen demand.

BOE: Barrels of oil equivalent. Used to put oil production and gas production on a comparable volume

basis. 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel and 1,000 scf of natural gas = 0.178 BOE.

BOP: Blowout Preventer

bpd: Barrels per day.

BPJ: Best Professional Judgment.
G - 2

BPT: The best practicable control technology currently available, under section 304(b)(1) of the Clean

Water Act.

bpy: Barrels per year.

Brine: Water saturated with or containing high concentrations of salts including sodium chloride, calcium

chloride, zinc chloride, calcium nitrate, etc. Produced water is often called brine.

BTU: British Thermal Unit.

Casing: Large steel pipe used to “seal off” or “shut out” water and prevent caving of loose gravel

formations when drilling a well. When the casings are set and cemented, drilling continues through

and below the casing with a smaller bit. The overall length of this casing is called the casing string. 

More than one string inside the other may be used in drilling the same well.

CBI: Confidential Business Information.

Centrifuge: Filtration equipment that uses centrifugal force to separate substances of varying densities. A

centrifuge is capable of spinning substances at high speeds to obtain high centrifugal forces. Also

called the shake-out or grind-out machine.

cfd: cubic feet per day

CFR: Code of Federal Regulations.

Clean Water Act (CWA): The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), as

amended by the Clean Water Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-217) and the Water Quality Act of 1987

(Pub. L. 100-4).

CO: Carbon Monoxide.

Completion: Activities undertaken to finish work on a well and bring it to productive status.

Condensate: Liquid hydrocarbons which are in the gaseous state under reservoir conditions but which

become liquid either in passage up the hole or in the surface equipment.

Connate Water: Water that was laid down and entrapped with sedimentary deposits as distinguished from

migratory waters that have flowed into deposits after they were laid down.

Conventional Pollutants: Constituents of wastewater as determined by Section 304(a)(4) of the Act,

including, but not limited to, pollutants classified as biochemical oxygen demanding, suspended

solids, oil and grease, fecal coliform, and pH.

Deck Drainage: All wastes resulting from platform washings, deck washings, spills, rainwater, and runoff

from curbs, gutters, and drains, including drip pans and wash areas.

Depth Interval: Interval at which a drilling fluid system is introduced and used, such as from 2,200 to

2,800 ft.

Development Facility: Any fixed or mobile structure addressed by this document that is engaged in the

drilling of potentially productive wells.

Dewatering Effluent: The wastewater derived from dewatering drill cuttings.
G - 3

Diesel Oil: The grade of distillate fuel oil, as specified in the American Society for Testing and Materials’

Standard Specification D975-81.

Disposal Well: A well through which water (usually salt water) is returned to subsurface formations.

DOE: Department of Energy

Domestic Waste: Materials discharged from sinks, showers, laundries, and galleys located within facilities

addressed by this document. Included with these wastes are safety shower and eye wash stations,

hand wash stations, and fish cleaning stations.

DMR: Discharge Monitoring Report.

Drill Cuttings: Particles generated by drilling into subsurface geologic formations and carried to the surface

with the drilling fluid.

Drill Pipe: Special pipe designed to withstand the torsion and tension loads encountered in drilling.

Drilling Fluid: The circulating fluid (mud) used in the rotary drilling of wells to clean and condition the

hole and to counterbalance formation pressure. A water-based drilling fluid is the conventional

drilling fluid in which water is the continuous phase and the suspending medium for solids, whether

or not oil is present. An oil-base drilling fluid has diesel, crude, or some other oil as its continuous

phase with water as the dispersed phase.

Drilling Fluid System: System consisting primarily of mud storage tanks or pits, mud pumps, stand pipe,

kelly hose, kelly, drill string, well annulus, mud return flowline, and solids separation equipment. 

The primary function of circulating the drilling fluid is to lubricate the drill bit, and to carry drill cuttings rock fragments from the bottom of the hole to the surface where they are separated out.

DWD: Deep-water development well.

DWE: Deep-water exploratory well.

Emulsion: A stable heterogenous mixture of two or more liquids (which are not normally dissolved in each

other held in suspension or dispersion, one in the other, by mechanical agitation or, more

frequently, by the presence of small amounts of substances known as emulsifiers. Emulsions may

be oil-in-water, or water-in-oil.

Enhanced Mineral Oil-Based Drilling Fluid: A drilling fluid that has an enhanced mineral oil as its

continuous phase with water as the dispersed phase. Enhanced mineral oil-based drilling fluids are a

subset of non-aqueous drilling fluids.

ENR-CCI: Engineering News Record-Construction Indices.

EPA (or U.S. EPA): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Exploratory Well: A well drilled either in search of an as-yet-undiscovered pool of oil or gas (a wildcat

well) or to extend greatly the limits of a known pool. It involves a relatively high degree of risk. 

Exploratory wells may be classified as (1) wildcat, drilled in an unproven area; (2) field extension or

step-out, drilled in an unproven area to extend the proved limits of a field; or (3) deep test, drilled

within a field area but to unproven deeper zones.

Facility: See Produced Water Separation/Treatment Facility.
G - 4

Field: A geographical area in which a number of oil or gas wells produce hydrocarbons from an underground reservoir. A field may refer to surface area only or to underground productive formations

as well. A single field may have several separate reservoirs at varying depths.

Flocculation: The combination or aggregation of suspended solid particles in such a way that they form

small clumps or tufts resembling wool.

Footprint: The square footage covered by various production equipment.

Formation: Various subsurface geological strata.

Formation Damage: Damage to the productivity of a well resulting from invasion of drilling fluid particles

or other substances into the formation.

FR: Federal Register.

GC: Gas Chromatography.

GC/FID: Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection.

GC/MS: Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectroscopy Detection.

gph: Gallons per hour.

gpm: Gallons per minute.

hp: Horsepower.

Indirect Discharger: A facility that introduces wastewater into a publically owned treatment works.

Injection Well: A well through which fluids are injected into an underground stratum to increase reservoir

pressure and to displace oil, or for disposal of produced water and other wastes.

Internal Olefin (IO): A series of isomeric forms of C16 and C18 alkenes.

kW: Kilowatt.

LC50: The concentration of a test material that is lethal to 50% of the test organisms in a bioassay. 

LDEQ: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.

Lease: A legal document executed between a landowner, as lessor, and a company or individual as lessee,

that grants the right to exploit the premises for minerals; the instrument that creates a leasehold or

working interest in minerals.

Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO): A series of isomeric forms of C14 and C16 monoenes.

m: Meters.

mcf: Thousand cubic feet.

:g/l: Micrograms per liter.
G - 5

mg/l: Milligrams per liter.

MDL: Minimum detection limit

MM: Million.

MMcfd: Million cubic feet per day.

MMS: Department of Interior Minerals Management Service.

MMscf: Million standard cubic feet.

Mscf: Thousand standard cubic feet.

Mud: Common term for drilling fluid.

Mud Pit: A steel or earthen tank which is part of the surface drilling fluid system.

Mud Pump: A reciprocating, high pressure pump used for circulating drilling fluid.

NOx: Nitrogen Oxide.

NODA: Notice of Data Availability (65 FR 21559)

Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluid: A drilling fluid in which the continuous phase is a water-immiscible fluid

such as an oleaginous material (e.g., mineral oil, enhanced mineral oil, paraffinic oil, or synthetic

material such as olefins and vegetable esters).

Nonconventional Pollutants: Pollutants that have not been designated as either conventional pollutants or

priority pollutants.

NOIA: National Ocean Industries Association.

NOW: Nonhazardous Oilfield Waste.

NPDES: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

NPDES Permit: A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued under Section 402 of the

Act.

NRDC: Natural Resources Defense Council, Incorporated.

NSPS: New source performance standards under Section 306 of the Act.

NWQEI: Non-water quality environmental impact.

O&M: Operating and maintenance.

OCS: Offshore Continental Shelf.

Oil-Based Drilling Fluid (OBF): A drilling fluid that has diesel oil, mineral oil, or some other oil, but

neither a synthetic material nor enhanced mineral oil, as its continuous phase with water as the

dispersed phase. Oil-based drilling fluids are a subset of non-aqueous drilling fluids.
G - 6

Oil-based Pill: Mineral or diesel oil injected into the mud circulation system as a slug, for the purpose of

freeing stuck pipe.

Offshore Development Document: U.S. EPA, Development Document for Effluent Limitations

Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and

Gas Extraction Point Source Category, Final, EPA 821-R-93-003, January 1993.

Operator: The person or company responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing oil and gas

production equipment in a field; the operator is also responsible for maintaining accurate records of

the amount of oil or gas sold, and for reporting production information to state authorities.

PAH: Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon.

Poly Alpha Olefin (PAO): A mix mainly comprised of a hydrogenated decene dimer C20H62 (95%), with

lesser amounts of C30H62 (4.8%) and C10H22 (0.2%).

POTW: Publicly Owned Treatment Works.

ppm: parts per million.

PPA: Pollution Prevention Act of 1990.

Priority Pollutants: The 65 pollutants and classes of pollutants declared toxic under Section 307(a) of the

Act.

Produced Sand: Slurried particles used in hydraulic fracturing and the accumulated formation sands and

other particles that can be generated during production. This includes desander discharge from the

produced water waste stream and blowdown of the water phase from the produced water treating

system.

Produced Water: Water (brine) brought up from the hydrocarbon-bearing strata with the produced oil and

gas. This includes brines trapped with the oil and gas in the formation, injection water, and any

chemicals added downhole or during the oil/water separation process.

Produced Water Separation/Treatment Facilities: A “facility” is any group of tanks, pits, or other

apparatus that can be distinguished by location, e.g., on-site/off-site or wetland/upland and/or by

disposal stream (any produced water stream that is not recombined with other produced water

streams for further treatment or disposal, but is further treated and/or disposed of separately). The

facility may thus be, for example, an on-site tank battery, an off-site gathering center, or a commercial disposal operation. The primary focus is on treatment produced water, not on treating oil.

Production Facility: Any fixed or mobile facility that is used for active recovery of hydrocarbons from

producing formations. The production facility begins operations with the completion phase.

PSES: Pretreatment Standards for Existing Sources of indirect dischargers, under Section 307(b) of the Act.

psi: pounds per square inch.

psig: pounds per square inch gauge.

PSNS: Pretreatment Standards for New Sources of indirect dischargers, under Section 307(b) and (c) of

the Act.
G - 7

RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (Pub. L. 94-580) of 1976. Amendments to Solid Waste

Disposal Act.

Recompletion: When additional drilling occurs at an existing well after the initial completion of the well

and drilling waste is generated.

Reservoir: Each separate, unconnected body of a producing formation.

ROC: Retention (of drilling fluids) on cuttings.

Rotary Drilling: The method of drilling wells that depends on the rotation of a column of drill pipe with a

bit at the bottom. A fluid is circulated to remove the cuttings.

RPE: Reverse Phase Extraction.

RRC: Railroad Commission of Texas.

Sanitary Waste: Human body waste discharged from toilets and urinals located within facilities addressed

by this document.

scf: standard cubic feet.

Shut In: To close valves on a well so that it stops producing; said of a well on which the valves are closed.

SIC: Standard Industrial Classification.

SO2: Sulfur dioxide.

SPP: Suspended particulate phase.

SWD: Shallow-water development well.

SWE: Shallow-water exploratory well.

Synthetic-Based Drilling Fluid (SBF): A drilling fluid that has a synthetic material as its continuous phase

with water as the dispersed phase. Synthetic-based drilling fluids are a subset of non-aqueous

drilling fluids.

Territorial Seas: The belt of the seas measured from the line of ordinary low water along that portion of

the coast which is in direct contact with the open sea and the line marking the seaward limit of

inland waters, and extending seaward a distance of 3 miles.

THC: Total hydrocarbons.

TSP: Total suspended particulates.

TSS: Total Suspended Solids.

TWC: Treatment, workover, and completion.

UIC: Underground Injection Control.
G - 8

Upland Site: A site not located in a wetland area. May be an onshore site or a coastal site under the

Chapman Line definition.

U.S.C.: United States Code.

USCG: United States Coast Guard.

USDW: Underground Sources of Drinking Water.

USGS: United States Geological Survey.

Vegetable Ester: A monoester of 2-ethylhexanol and saturated fatty acids with chain lengths in the range

C8 - C16.

VOC: Volatile organic carbon

Water-Based Drilling Fluid (WBF): A drilling fluid in which water or a water miscible fluid is the

continuous phase and the suspending medium for solids, whether or not oil is present.

Workover: The performance of one or more of a variety of remedial operations on a producing oilwell to

try to increase production. Examples of workover jobs are deepening, plugging back, pulling and

resetting liners, and squeeze cementing.
A-1

APPENDIX VII-1

SBF/OBF Model Well Drilling Waste Volumes
WORKSHEET No. 22:

Shallow Water Development Model Well Data: Discharged Cuttings Compostion Calculations

BPT 10.20% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams from Prim. & Sec. Shakers & FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 656,659 916.8

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 66,979 239.2

SBF Water Discharged = 28,502 81.3

SBF Barite Discharged = 47,028 31.2

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 514,150 565.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 142,509 351.8

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 207 0.7

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 142,716 352.5

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 67,186 239.9

BAT/NSPS Option 1 4.03% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams From Cuttings Dryer and FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 562,370 684.0

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 22,664 80.9

SBF Water Discharged = 9,644 27.5

SBF Barite Discharged = 15,913 10.6

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 514,150 565.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 48,220 119.0

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 70 0.2

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 48,290 119.3

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 22,734 81.2

BAT/NSPS Option 2 3.82% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestream from Cuttings Dryer (Discharged) lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 545,499 660.2

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 20,838 74.4

SBF Water Discharged = 8,867 25.3

SBF Barite Discharged = 14,631 9.7

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 501,163 550.7

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 44,336 109.4

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 64 0.2

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 44,401 109.7

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 20,902 74.6

Wastestream from FRU (Not Discharged) lbs bbls

Total Cuttings Waste Not Discharged = 16,871 23.8

SBF Basefluid Not Discharged = 1,805 6.4

SBF Water Not Discharged = 768 2.2

SBF Barite Not Discharged = 1,267 0.8

Dry Drill Cuttings Not Discharged = 13,030 14.3

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings) = 3,841 9.5

Formation Oil (not discharged with cuttings) = 6 0.02

Whole SBF + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 3,846 9.50

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 1,811 6.5

A-2
WORKSHEET No. 23:

Shallow Water Exploratory Model Well Data: Discharged Cuttings Compostion Calculations

BPT 10.20% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams from Prim. & Sec. Shakers & FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 1,376,078 1,921.1

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 140,360 501.3

SBF Water Discharged = 59,728 170.4

SBF Barite Discharged = 98,551 65.4

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 1,077,440 1184.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 298,638 737.1

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 433 1.5

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 299,072 738.6

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 140,793 502.8

BAT/NSPS Option 1 4.03% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams From Cuttings Dryer and FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 1,178,489 1,433.4

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 47,493 169.6

SBF Water Discharged = 20,210 57.7

SBF Barite Discharged = 33,346 22.1

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 1,077,440 1184.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 101,049 249.4

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 147 0.5

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 101,196 249.9

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 47,640 170.1

BAT/NSPS Option 2 3.82% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestream from Cuttings Dryer (Discharged) lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 1,143,135 1,383.4

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 43,668 156.0

SBF Water Discharged = 18,582 53.0

SBF Barite Discharged = 30,660 20.4

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 1,050,224 1154.1

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 92,910 229.3

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 135 0.5

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 93,045 229.8

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 43,803 156.4

Wastestream from FRU (Not Discharged) lbs bbls

Total Cuttings Waste Not Discharged = 35,355 49.9

SBF Basefluid Not Discharged = 3,783 13.5

SBF Water Not Discharged = 1,610 4.6

SBF Barite Not Discharged = 2,656 1.8

Dry Drill Cuttings Not Discharged = 27,306 30.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings) = 8,049 19.9

Formation Oil (not discharged with cuttings) = 12 0.04

Whole SBF + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 8,061 19.91

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 3,795 13.6

A-3
WORKSHEET No. 24:

Deep Water Development Model Well Data: Discharged Cuttings Compostion Calculations

BPT 10.20% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams from Prim. & Sec. Shakers & FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 993,705 1,387.3

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 101,358 362.0

SBF Water Discharged = 43,131 123.1

SBF Barite Discharged = 71,166 47.3

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 778,050 855.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 215,655 532.3

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 313 1.1

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 215,968 533.4

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 101,671 363.1

BAT/NSPS Option 1 4.03% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams From Cuttings Dryer and FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 851,020 1,035.1

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 34,296 122.5

SBF Water Discharged = 14,594 41.6

SBF Barite Discharged = 24,080 16.0

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 778,050 855.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 72,970 180.1

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 106 0.4

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 73,076 180.5

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 34,402 122.8

BAT/NSPS Option 2 3.82% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestream from Cuttings Dryer (Discharged) lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 825,490 999.0

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 31,534 112.6

SBF Water Discharged = 13,419 38.3

SBF Barite Discharged = 22,141 14.7

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 758,397 833.4

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 67,093 165.6

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 97 0.3

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 67,190 165.9

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 31,631 113.0

Wastestream from FRU (Not Discharged) lbs bbls

Total Cuttings Waste Not Discharged = 25,531 36.0

SBF Basefluid Not Discharged = 2,732 9.8

SBF Water Not Discharged = 1,162 3.3

SBF Barite Not Discharged = 1,918 1.3

Dry Drill Cuttings Not Discharged = 19,718 21.7

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings) = 5,812 14.3

Formation Oil (not discharged with cuttings) = 8 0.03

Whole SBF + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 5,821 14.38

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 2,740 9.8

A-4
WORKSHEET No. 25:

Deep Water Exploratory Model Well Data: Discharged Cuttings Compostion Calculations

BPT 10.20% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams from Prim. & Sec. Shakers & FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 2,209,396 3,084.5

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 225,358 804.9

SBF Water Discharged = 95,897 273.6

SBF Barite Discharged = 158,230 105.1

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 1,729,910 1901.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 479,486 1183.5

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 696 2.4

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 480,182 1185.9

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 226,054 807.2

BAT/NSPS Option 1 4.03% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestreams From Cuttings Dryer and FRU lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 1,892,152 2,301.5

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 76,254 272.3

SBF Water Discharged = 32,448 92.6

SBF Barite Discharged = 53,540 35.6

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 1,729,910 1901.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 162,242 400.5

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 235 0.8

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 162,477 401.3

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 76,489 273.1

BAT/NSPS Option 2 3.82% Overall Cuttings Retention Number of Discharged Cuttings Waste

Wastestream from Cuttings Dryer (Discharged) lbs bbl

Total Cuttings Waste Discharged = 1,835,387 2,221.2

SBF Basefluid Discharged = 70,112 250.4

SBF Water Discharged = 29,835 85.1

SBF Barite Discharged = 49,227 32.7

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged = 1,686,213 1853.0

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (discharged with cuttings) = 149,174 368.2

Formation Oil (discharged with cuttings) = 217 0.7

Whole SBF + Formation Oil = 149,391 368.9

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil = 70,328 251.1

Wastestream from FRU (Not Discharged) lbs bbls

Total Cuttings Waste Not Discharged = 56,765 80.1

SBF Basefluid Not Discharged = 6,074 21.7

SBF Water Not Discharged = 2,585 7.4

SBF Barite Not Discharged = 4,265 2.8

Dry Drill Cuttings Not Discharged = 43,842 48.2

Adding formation oil to whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings):

lbs bbls

Whole SBF (not discharged with cuttings) = 12,923 31.9

Formation Oil (not discharged with cuttings) = 19 0.06

Whole SBF + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 12,942 31.96

SBF Basefluid Discharged + Formation Oil (not discharged) = 6,093 21.8

A-5
WORKSHEET No. 26:

Summary Model Well Volume Data

Shallow Water (1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Waste Component Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs

BPT

(10.20% Cuttings Retention)

SBF Basefluid Discharged 239.2 66,979 501.3 140,360 362.0 101,358 804.9 225,358

SBF Water Discharged 81.3 28,502 170.4 59,728 123.1 43,131 273.6 95,897

SBF Barite Discharged 31.2 47,028 65.4 98,551 47.3 71,166 105.1 158,230

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged 565.0 514,150 1184.0 1,077,440 855.0 778,050 1901.0 1,729,910

Dry Drill Cut. + SBF Discharged 916.8 656,659 1921.1 1,376,078 1387.3 993,705 3084.5 2,209,396

SBF Discharged 351.8 142,509 737.1 298,638 532.3 215,655 1183.5 479,486

Formation Oil Discharged 0.7 207 1.5 433 1.1 313 2.4 696

Total Discharge - Water * 836 628,364 1,752 1,316,784 1265.3 950,887 2813.3 2,114,195

BAT/NSPS Option 1

(4.03% Cuttings Retention)

SBF Basefluid Discharged 80.9 22,664 169.6 47,493 122.5 34,296 272.3 76,254

SBF Water Discharged 27.5 9,644 57.7 20,210 41.6 14,594 92.6 32,448

SBF Barite Discharged 10.6 15,913 22.1 33,346 16.0 24,080 35.6 53,540

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged 565.0 514,150 1184.0 1,077,440 855.0 778,050 1901.0 1,729,910

Dry Drill + SBF Discharged 684.0 562,370 1433.4 1,178,489 1035.1 851,020 2301.5 1,892,152

SBF Discharged 119.0 48,220 249.4 101,049 180.1 72,970 400.5 162,242

Formation Oil Discharged 0.2 70 0.5 147 0.4 106 0.8 235

Total Discharge - Water * 657 552,796 1,376 1,158,426 993.8 836,532 2209.7 1,859,939

* Used in "Regional Summary" and "NSPS Regional Summary" Worksheets

Shallow Water (1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Waste Component Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs bbls lbs

BAT/NSPS Option 2

(3.82% Cuttings Retention)

Discharge Wastes

SBF Basefluid Discharged 74.4 20,838 156.0 43,668 112.6 31,534 250.4 70,112

SBF Water Discharged 25.3 8,867 53.0 18,582 38.3 13,419 85.1 29,835

SBF Barite Discharged 9.7 14,631 20.4 30,660 14.7 22,141 32.7 49,227

Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged 550.7 501,163 1154.1 1,050,224 833.4 758,397 1853.0 1,686,213

Dry Drill + SBF Discharged 660.2 545,499 1383.4 1,143,135 999.0 825,490 2221.2 1,835,387

SBF Discharged 109.4 44,336 229.3 92,910 165.6 67,093 368.2 149,174

Formation Oil Discharged 0.2 64 0.5 135 0.3 97 0.7 217

Total Discharge - Water * 635 536,696 1,331 1,124,687 961.1 812,169 2136.8 1,805,769

Zero Discharge Wastes

SBF Basefluid Not Discharged 6.4 1,805 13.5 3,783 9.8 2,732 21.7 6,074

SBF Water Not Discharged 2.2 768 4.6 1,610 3.3 1,162 7.4 2,585

SBF Barite Not Discharged 0.8 1,267 1.8 2,656 1.3 1,918 2.8 4,265

Dry Drill Cuttings Not Disch. 14.3 13,030 30.0 27,306 21.7 19,718 48.2 43,842

Dry Drill + SBF Not Discharged 23.8 16,871 49.9 35,355 36.0 25,531 80.1 56,765

SBF Not Discharged 9.5 3,841 19.9 8,049 14.3 5,812 31.9 12,923

Formation Oil Not Discharged 0.0 6 0.0 12 0.0 8 0.1 19

* Used in "Regional Summary" and "NSPS Regional Summary" Worksheets

Total Discharge - Water *

SWD SWE DWD DWE

Baseline 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

BAT 1 552,796 1,158,426 836,532 1,859,939

BAT 2 536,696 1,124,687 812,169 1,805,769

BAT 3 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Summary Model Well Pollutant Data

% lbs % lbs % lbs % lbs

Priority metals (from barite) 24.7 51.8 0.0 0.0

Non-conventionals (from barite) 28,805 - - -

Priority organics (from SBF+oil) 1.002 0.000 0.000 0.000

Non-conventionals (from SBF+oil) 29.6 - - -

Priority metals 0.0856% 24.7 0.1793% 51.8 0.0000% - 0.0000% -

Priority organics 0.00347% 1.002 0.00000% - 0.00000% - 0.00000% -

Total Priority Pollutants 0.0890% 25.7 0.1793% 51.8 0.0000% - 0.0000% -

Non-conventionals 99.82% 28,835 0.00% - 0.00% - 0.00% -

Total 28,886 104 - -

A-6
A-7

APPENDIX VII-2

WBF Waste Volume and Characteristics
WORKSHEET No. B:

 ANALYSIS OF WBF PASS/FAIL PERMIT LIMITS (SHEEN; TOXICITY); FAILS HAULED TO ONSHORE DISPOSAL(a,b,c)

% Wells/region No lube No spot Proj'd Tox / Proj'd % Proj'd % Sum lubes(l)

Shallow/deep /lube /spot Sheen Limit Wells Fail Wells Pass spot(s), or l+s

% split % split % split Failure Rate Permit Lim Permit Lim that Pass

 Gulf of Mexico

shallow (51% GOM wells) = 51.00%

shallow, no lube (51% * 88% all wells) = 44.88%

shallow, no lube, no spot (44.88% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 35.01% 1.0% 0.350% 34.66%

shallow, no lube, + spot (44.88% * 22% all wells need spot) = 9.87% 33.0% 3.258% 6.62%

shallow, + lube (51% * 12% all wells) = 6.12%

shallow, + lube, no spot (6.12% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 4.77% 33.0% 1.575% 3.20%

shallow, + lube, + spot (6.12% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.35% 56.0% 0.754% 0.59% 10.41%

total % shallow wells 5.940% 45.06%

deep (49% GOM wells) = 49.00%

deep, OBF (no discharge) (15% of deep wells) = 7.35% 100% 7.35% 0.00%

deep, WBF (discharge) (85% of deep wells) = 41.65%

deep, no lube (49% * 88% all wells) = 36.65%

deep, no lube, no spot (43.12% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 28.59% 1.0% 0.286% 28.30%

deep, no lube, + spot (43.12% * 22% all wells need spot) = 8.06% 33.0% 2.661% 5.40%

deep, + lube (49% * 12% all wells) = 5.00%

deep, + lube, no spot (6.12% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 3.90% 33.0% 1.286% 2.61%

deep, + lube, + spot (6.12% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.10% 56.0% 0.616% 0.48% 8.50%

total % deep wells 41.65% 41.65% 12.20% 36.80%

 California

shallow (58% CA wells) = 58.00%

shallow, no lube (58% * 88% all wells) = 51.04%

shallow, no lube, no spot (51.04% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 39.81% 1.0% 0.398% 39.41%

shallow, no lube, + spot (51.04% * 22% all wells need spot) = 11.23% 33.0% 3.706% 7.52%

shallow, + lube (58% * 12% all wells) = 6.96%

shallow, + lube, no spot (6.96% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 5.43% 33.0% 1.792% 3.64%

shallow, + lube, + spot (6.96% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.53% 56.0% 0.857% 0.67% 11.83%

total % shallow wells 6.753% 51.25%

deep (42% CA wells) = 42.00%

deep, OBF (no discharge) (15% of deep wells) = 6.30% 100% 6.30% 0.00%

deep, WBF (discharge) (85% of deep wells) = 35.70%

deep, no lube (42% * 88% all wells) = 31.42%

deep, no lube, no spot (36.96% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 24.50% 1.0% 0.245% 24.26%

deep, no lube, + spot (36.96% * 22% all wells need spot) = 6.91% 33.0% 2.281% 4.63%

deep, + lube (42% * 12% all wells) = 4.28%

deep, + lube, no spot (3.93% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 3.34% 33.0% 1.103% 2.24%

deep, + lube, + spot (3.93% * 22% all wells need spot) = 0.94% 56.0% 0.528% 0.41% 7.28%

total % deep wells 35.70% 35.70% 10.46% 31.54%

 Alaska

shallow (41% AK wells) = 41.00%

shallow, no lube (41% * 88% all wells) = 36.08%

shallow, no lube, no spot (36.08% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 28.14% 1.0% 0.281% 27.86%

shallow, no lube, + spot (36.08% * 22% all wells need spot) = 7.94% 33.0% 2.619% 5.32%

shallow, + lube (41% * 12% all wells) = 4.92%

shallow, + lube, no spot (4.92% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 3.84% 33.0% 1.266% 2.57%

shallow, + lube, + spot (4.92% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.08% 56.0% 0.606% 0.48% 8.37%

total % shallow wells 4.773% 36.23%

deep (59% AK wells) = 59.00%

deep, OBF (no discharge) (15% of deep wells) = 8.85% 100% 8.85% 0.00%

deep, WBF (discharge) (85% of deep wells) = 50.15%

deep, no lube (59% * 88% all wells) = 44.13%

deep, no lube, no spot (51.92% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 34.42% 1.0% 0.344% 34.08%

deep, no lube, + spot (51.92% * 22% all wells need spot) = 9.71% 33.0% 3.204% 6.51%

deep, + lube (59% * 12% all wells) = 6.02%

deep, + lube, no spot (7.08% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 4.69% 33.0% 1.549% 3.15%

deep, + lube, + spot (7.08% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.32% 56.0% 0.741% 0.58% 10.23%

total % deep wells 50.15% 50.15% 14.69% 44.31%

(a) Percentage Distribution of Water-based Drilling Fluid Types, (no oil, +MO lube, +MO spot, or +MO lube & spot) 

(b) Cells shaded in blue are data input from ODD: Table XI-10, p XI-17; other percentages shown are derived from these input values)

(c) The terms "shallow" and "deep" as used in the offshore effluent limitaiton guideline do NOT have the same meaning as the same terms as used in the synthetics effluent guideline;

 these terms in the offshore rule refers to the relative target depth of the well, whereas in the synthetics rule they refer to the water depth in which operations occur.

A-8
WORKSHEET No. C: POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: WELL DEPTHS AND VOLUMES OF DISCHARGED CUTTINGS AND DRILLING FLUIDS

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

Shallow Well Deep Well

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4) well depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

cuttings discharged , bbl per well 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4) drilling fluids (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

 Current Well Counts, SBF Effluent Limitations Guideline (see "Well Count Input Sheet," this file)

 EXISTING SOURCES, WBF Wells NEW SOURCES, WBF Wells

Est'd % WBF > SBF GOM CA AK Subtotal GOM CA AK Subtotal Total

Baseline 0% 857.0 5 4 866 38 0 0 38 904

BAT 1 6% 803.0 5 4 812 35 0 0 35 847

BAT 2 6% 803.0 5 4 812 35 0 0 35 847

 WBF/Water Phase Composition/Contribution to Toxic/Non-conventional Pollutant Loadings, Offshore Record

( from ODD: Table XI-3, p XI-5 and Table XI-6, p XI-9) (fromODD, p XI-6)

Drilling Total nonC+toxics+Ba Composition, Cuttings

Fuids lbs/bbl

barite 98 384,792 mg/kg dry Density 543 lbs/bbl

kg/bbl tox+non-Conv 17.1 kg/bbl Adherent mud 5.0%

lb/bbl tox+non-Conv 37.7 lb/bbl Mud TSS 153 lb/bbl

mineral oil 9 2.9 lb/bbl Ad'nt mud TSS 7.7 lb/bbl

TSS 153 153.0 lb/bbl Total TSS per bbl cuttings 551 lb/bbl

 WBF/ Mineral Oil Phase Contribution to Toxic/Non-conventional Pollutant Loadings

( from ODD: Table XI-5, p XI-7) 461 : b/bbl mud

MO (9 lb/bbl) 30.51 mg nonconventionals/ml MO: 0.14700 kg/bbl non-conventional = 99.8% 11.0 : lb/gal mud

0.05 mg toxics/ml MO, 0.00024 kg/bbl toxics = 0.2% 2.1 : gal of 5% mud

kg toxic+Non-conventional Pollutants per bbl MO 0.147 kg/bbl 23.1 : wt of 5% mud

lbs toxic + Non-conventional Pollutants per bbl MO 0.324 lb/bbl 543 : lb/bbl cuttings

 566 : lb/bbl wet cuttings

A-9
A-10

APPENDIX VIII-1

Derivation of Supply Boat Transport Days
A-11

SUPPLY BOAT FREQUENCY WORKSHEET

(Zero discharge)

Assumptions:

1. Cuttings box capacity = 25 bbl

2. Dedicated supply boat capacity = 80 boxes

3. Regularly scheduled supply boat arrives at rig every 4 days

4. Regularly scheduled supply boat capacity = 12 boxes

5. Supply boat speed = 11.5 miles per hour

6. Platform/rig cuttings storage capacity = 12 boxes

7. Total roundtrip distance for dedicated supply boat = 277 miles

 (Port to rig = 100 mi.; rig to disposal terminal = 117 mi.; terminal to port = 60 mi.)

8. Incremental mileage for regularly scheduled supply boat = 77 miles

 (Total roundtrip - regular port to rig roundtrip = 277 - 200 = 77 mi.)

9. Supply boat maneuvering time at rig = 1hr per trip

10. Additional boat idling at rig due to potential delays = 1.6 hrs per trip

11. Supply boat in-port unloading time and demurrage = 24 hrs per trip

12. Truck capacity = 119 bbls

13. Roundtrip trucking distance from port to disposal facility = 20 miles

Deep Water Development Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 1,387.3 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 1387/25 = 56 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 7.9 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 dedicated trip

Number of days for supply boat:

(277 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (186.9 hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 237.59 hrs = 9.90 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 1387/119 = 12 trips

Total truck miles = 12 * 20 = 240 mi.

Deep Water Exploratory Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 3,084.5 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 3085/25 = 124 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 17.5 days

Number of supply boat trips = 2 dedicated trips; 1 regularly scheduled trip

Number of days for first dedicated supply boat:

(277 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (209.1 hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 259.79 hrs = 10.82 days

Number of days for regularly scheduled supply boat:
A-12

(77 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (4 hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 37.30 hrs = 1.55 days

Number of days for second dedicated supply boat:

(277 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (199.39 hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 250.08 hrs = 10.42 days

Supply boat days = 21.24 days for dedicated + 1.55 days for regularly scheduled = 22.79 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 3084.5/119 = 26 trips

Total truck miles = 26 * 20 = 520 mi.

Shallow Water Development Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 916.8 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 917/25 = 37 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 5.2 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 dedicated trip

Number of days for supply boat:

(277 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (124.8 hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 175.49 hrs = 7.31 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 917/119 = 8 trips

Total truck miles = 8 * 20 = 160 mi.

Shallow Water Exploratory Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 1,921.1 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 1921/25 = 77 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 10.9 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 dedicated trip; 1 regularly scheduled trip

Number of days for supply boat:

(277 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (252.43 hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 303.12 hrs = 12.63 days

Number of days for regularly scheduled supply boat:

(77 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (4hr loading) + (24 hr demurrage)

= 37.30 hrs = 1.55 days

Supply boat days = 12.63 days for dedicated + 1.55 days for regularly scheduled = 14.18 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 1921/119 = 17 trips

Total truck miles = 17 * 20 = 340 mi.

OFFSHORE CALIFORNIA

Assumptions:

1. Cuttings box capacity = 25 bbl
A-13

2. Dedicated supply boat capacity = 80 boxes

3. Supply boat speed = 11.5 miles per hour

4. Platform/rig cuttings storage capacity = 12 boxes

5. Total roundtrip distance for dedicated supply boat = 200 miles

 (Port to rig = 100 mi)

6. Supply boat maneuvering time at rig = 1hr per trip

7. Additional boat idling at rig due to potential delays = 1.6 hrs per trip

8. Supply boat in-port unloading time and demurrage = 24 hrs per trip

9. Truck capacity = 50 bbls

10. Roundtrip trucking distance from port to disposal facility = 300 miles

Deep Water Development Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 1,387.3 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 1387.3/25 = 56 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 7.9 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 dedicated trip

Number of days for supply boat:

(200 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (186.9hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 230.9 hrs = 9.62 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 1387.3/50 = 28 trips

Total truck miles = 28 * 300 = 8400 mi.

Shallow Water Development Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 916.8 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 917/25 = 37 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 5.2 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 dedicated trip

Number of days for supply boat:

(200 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (122hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 166.1 hrs = 6.92 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 917/50 = 19 trips

Total truck miles = 19 * 300 = 5700 mi.
A-14

SUPPLY BOAT FREQUENCY WORKSHEET

(Discharge cuttings with 3.82% SBF retention; zero discharge of fines)

GULF OF MEXICO

Assumptions:

1. Cuttings box capacity = 25 bbl

2. Dedicated supply boat capacity = 80 boxes

3. Regularly scheduled supply boat arrives at rig every 4 days

4. Regularly scheduled supply boat capacity = 12 boxes

5. Supply boat speed = 11.5 miles per hour

6. Platform/rig cuttings storage capacity = 12 boxes

7. Incremental mileage for regularly scheduled supply boat = 77 miles

 (Total roundtrip - regular port to rig roundtrip = 277 - 200 = 77 mi.)

8. Supply boat maneuvering time at rig = 1hr per trip

9. Additional boat idling at rig due to potential delays = 1.6 hrs per trip

10. Supply boat in-port unloading time and demurrage = 24 hrs per trip

11. Truck capacity = 119 bbls

12. Roundtrip trucking distance from port to disposal facility = 50 miles

Deep Water Development Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 23.8 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 23.8/25 = 1 box

Number of days to drill model well = 7.9 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 regularly scheduled trip

Number of days for supply boat:

(77 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (0.1 hrs loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 33.30 hrs = 1.40 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 23.8/119 = 1 trip

Total truck miles = 1 * 50 = 50 mi.

Deep Water Exploratory Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 49.9 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 49.9/25 = 2 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 17.5 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 regularly scheduled trip

Number of days for regularly scheduled supply boat:

(77 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (0.2hr loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 33.50 hrs = 1.40 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 49.9/119 = 1 trip

Total truck miles = 1 * 50 = 50 mi.
A-15

Shallow Water Development Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 36 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 36/25 = 2 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 5.2 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 regularly scheduled trip

Number of days for supply boat:

(77 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (0.2hr loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 33.50 hrs = 1.40 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 36/119 = 1 trip

Total truck miles = 1 * 50 = 50 mi.

Shallow Water Exploratory Model Wells

Waste volume generated = 80.1 bbl

Number of boxes of waste generated = 80.1/25 = 4 boxes

Number of days to drill model well = 10.9 days

Number of supply boat trips = 1 regularly scheduled trip

Number of days for regularly scheduled supply boat:

(77 mi/11.5 mi per hr) + (1 hr maneuvering) + (1.6 hrs add. idling at rig) + (0.4hr loading) + (24 hr

demurrage) = 33.70 hrs = 1.40 days

Number of truck roundtrips = 80.1/119 = 1 trip

Total truck miles = 1 * 50 = 50 mi.
A-16

APPENDIX VIII-2a

Cost (Savings) Analysis Worksheets

_______________________

a. Chapter VIII states:

C Worksheets 20 through 22 are WBF Zero Discharge baseline costs for the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and

Cook Inlet, Alaska, respectively, including costs for transport and land disposal and for onsite injection.

C Worksheets 20A and 22A are WBF Zero Discharge BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2 costs for the

Gulf of Mexico (costs for transport and land disposal and for onsite injection) and for Cook Inlet, Alaska (onsite

injection), respectively.

In this Appendix, the contents of these worksheets are as follows:

C Worksheets 20 and 21 are WBF Zero Discharge baseline costs for the Gulf of Mexico and offshore California,

respectively, including costs for transport and land disposal; Worksheet 22 has been deleted because land disposal is

not current waste management practice in Cook Inlet, Alaska.

C Worksheets 20A through 22A are WBF Zero Discharge BAT/NSPS Option 1 and BAT/NSPS Option 2 costs for

the Gulf of Mexico, offshore California, and Cook Inlet, Alaska for onsite injection, respectively.
WORKSHEET A: SBF Cost Model Input Data

MODEL WELL WASTE DATA

Waste DWD DWE SWD SWE

BPT (Retention = 9.42%; Volumes (bbl); Worksheets 1-3

Wet cuttings 1,387 3,085 917 1,921

DF Lost w/ Cuttings 532 1,184 352 737

BAT 1 (Retention =3.68%; Volumes (bbl); Worksheets 7-9

Wet cuttings 1,035 2,301 684 1,433

DF Lost w/ Cuttings 180 400 119 249

BAT 2 (Retention =3.48%; Volumes (bbl); Worksheets 7-9

Part A: 97% (vol) of Waste is Discharged Cuttings from Cuttings Dryer

Wet cuttings 999 2,221 660 1,383

DF Lost w/ Cuttings 166 368 109 229

Part B: 3% (vol) of Waste is Fines Retained for Zero Discharge

Wet cuttings 36 80 24 50

DF Lost w/ Fines 14 32 9 20

BAT-3 (Zero Discharge) Volumes (bbl): Worksheets 10-12

Wet cuttings 1,387 3,085 917 1,921

DF Lost w/ Cuttings 532 1,184 352 737

Length of SBF Drilling Program , in Days

All wastes 8 18 5 11

SBF Retention on Cuttings, % Wet Weight Cuttings

BPT (Baseline) 10.20% 10.20% 10.20% 10.20%

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Two Discharges): 4.03% 4.03% 4.03% 4.03%

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (One Discharge): 3.82% 3.82% 3.82% 3.82%

MISCELLANEOUS COST DATA

Geographic multiplier, CA::GOM = 1.6

Geographic multiplier, AK::GOM = 2.0

ENR CCI 1999$/1995$ Ratio = 1.108

SUMMARY OF SUPPLY BOAT INFORMATION (N. Orentas Memo, 2/23/00)

 BPT (CA & AK) and Zero Discharge (GOM) BAT Option 2B (ZD Fines)

DWD DWE SWD SWE DWD DWE SWD SWE

GULF OF MEXICO OPERATIONS

No. Supply Boat Trips

Dedicated trips 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0

Regularly-scheduled trip[s] 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1

Total Trips 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 1

No. days, supply boats hauling waste ashore 9.90 22.79 7.31 14.18 9.90 22.79 7.31 14.18

CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS

No. Supply Boat Trips

Dedicated trips 1 NA 1 NA 0 0 0 0

Regularly-scheduled trip[s] 0 NA 0 NA 1 NA 1 NA

Total Trips 1 NA 1 NA 1 0 1 0

No. days, supply boats hauling waste ashore 9.62 NA 6.92 NA 9.62 NA 6.92 NA

ALASKA (COOK INLET) OPERATIONS (No longer applicable)

No. Supply Boat Trips

Dedicated trips NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Regularly-scheduled trip[s] NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Total Trips NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

No. days, supply boats hauling waste ashore NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

A- 17
Zero Discharge GOM Disposal Inputs

BASELINE GULF OF MEXICO OPERATIONS DWD DWE SWD SWE

UNIT COSTS Container Rental $25 $25 $25 $25

Cost per bbl SBF $221.00 Boxes per well 59 131 39 82

Cost per bbl OBF $79.00

Cost per SBF Toxicity Test $575 Days to fill & haul 9.90 22.79 7.31 14.18

Cost per day, supply boat $8,500 23.508 23.550 23.513 23.427

Cost per day, onsite injection system $4,280

POLLUTION CONTROL SELECTION RATIOS

Wells currently using OBF: haul vs inject NA NA NA NA

Wells currently using OBF: convert to SBF vs remain OBF >>> NA NA NA NA

BASELINE CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS

UNIT COSTS

Disposal Cost $12.53 per bbl Vendor quote: $35.00 per ton and 917 lbs waste cuttings per bbl

Handling Cost $5.89 per bbl Basis: apply F125GOM handling costs = 47% of total GOM disposal costs

Container Rental $40.00 per box per day GOM vendor quote ($25 per day) times geographic area multiplier (CA:GOM = 1.6)

58 per DWD 39 per SWD

131 per DWE 82 per SWE

Supply Boat Cost $8,500 per day

Days to fill and haul 9.62 per DWD 6.92 days per SWD

Trucking Cost $355 per 2- box truck Truck rate ($65/hr x 300 mi r.t. @55mph) per 2-box truck load

OBF Lost Drilling Fluid (w/ Cuttings) Costs $126 per bbl $79 per bbl; industry quote

BASELINE ALASKA (COOK INLET) OPERATIONS

UNIT COSTS (No longer applicable) SWD

Cuttings Box Purchase Cost $135 Operator quotes of $125/box in 1995; ENR CCI ratio of 1998$/1995$ = 1.108

Capacity of Disposal Boxes 8 bbl per box

Cost of Disposal Boxes 540 Vendor quote of $500/box in 1995; ENR CCI ratio of 1998$/1995$ = 1.108

Supply Boat Cost $8,500 per day, vendors

Days rental NA

Trucking Cost $1,994 Vendor quote, $1,800 per 22-ton (8-box) truckload in 1995 * ENR CCI = 1.108

No. boxes per 22-ton truckload 8 ( ~8 boxes * 8 bbls/box * 704 lbs / bbl = 45,056 lbs)

Drilling Fluid Cost (lost with cuttings) $158 per bbl; from GOM vendor; Geographic Multiplier from Ofshore DD = 2.0

A- 18
BAT{NSPS} OPTION 1, GULF OF MEXICO OPERATIONS

UNIT COSTS DWD DWE SWD SWE

BAT Solids Control Equipment $2,400 per day, including all equipment, labor, and materials;

Drilling days (DWD; DWE; SWD; SWE) 0.4 7.9 17.5 5.2 10.9 data from industry

Cuttings dryer+FRU that reduces base fluid retention from 10.2% to 4.03% proportion drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time )

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $32,500 Installation is avg. of range; 

: Downtime $24,000 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg.) x 4 hrs; costs from Parker 1999

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $221 per bbl SBF; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; costs from vendor

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; DWE; SWD; SWE) 6,500 8,500 7,500 10,000

BAT{NSPS} OPTION 1, CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS

UNIT COSTS DWD DWE SWD SWE

BAT Solids Control Equipment $3,840 Includes equipment, labor, & materials; apply GOM costs *CA multiplier (1.6, from offshore DD)

Drilling days (DWD; SWD) 7.9 17.5 5.2 10.9 data from industry

 Cuttings dryer + FRU that reduces base fluid retention from 0.00% to 10.20% 0.4 proportion drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time )

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $52,000 Installation is avg. of GOM cost range; plus geographic multiplier

: Downtime $38,400 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg. GOM cost: Parker, 1999 x 4 hrs; plus geographic multiplier

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $354 per bbl SBF; GOM cost plus geographic multiplier; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; costs from vendor

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; SWD) 6,500 7,500

BAT{NSPS} OPTION 1, ALASKA (COOK INLET) OPERATIONS

UNIT COSTS (No longer applicable) SWD

BAT Solids Control Equipment $4,800 Includes equipment, labor, & materials; apply GOM costs *AK multiplier (2.0, from offshore DD)

Drilling days ( SWD) 5.2 data from industry

 Cuttings dryer + FRU that reduces base fluid retention from 0.00% to 10.20% 0.4 proportion drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time )

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $65,000 Installation is avg. of GOM cost range; plus geographic multiplier

: Downtime $48,000 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg. GOM cost: Parker, 1999 x 4 hrs; plus geographic multiplier

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $442 per bbl SBF; GOM cost plus geographic multiplier; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; costs from vendor

Footage Drilled with SBF (SWD) 7,500

A- 19
BAT{NSPS} OPTION 2, GULF OF MEXICO OPERATIONS

UNIT COSTS DWD DWE SWD SWE

BAT Solids Control Equipment $2,400 per day, including all equipment, labor, and materials;

Drilling days (DWD; SWD;) 7.9 17.5 5.2 10.9 data from industry

 Cuttings dryer + FRU that reduces base fluid retention from 0.00% to 10.20% 0.4 proportion drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time )

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $32,500 Installation is avg. of range; 

: Downtime $24,000 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg.) x 4 hrs; costs from Parker 1999

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling: 0.25 0.23 0.38 0.28

 Disposal Costs @ $10.13/bbl 10.13 See Worksheet 10

 Handling Cost @ $4.75/bbl 4.75 See Worksheet 10

 Container Rental @ $25/box/day $25 Orentas 2000

Number boxes 2 4 2 3

Number days to fil and haul 9.90 22.79 7.31 14.18

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $221 per bbl SBF; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; costs from vendor

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; DWE; SWD; SWE) 6,500 8,500 7,500 10,000

BAT{NSPS} OPTION 2, CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS DWD SWD

BAT Solids Control Equipment $3,840 Includes equipment, labor, & materials; apply GOM costs *CA multiplier (1.6, from offshore DD)

Drilling days (DWD; SWD) 7.9 5.2 data from industry

 Cuttings dryer + FRU that reduces base fluid retention from 0.00% to 10.20% 0.4 proportion drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time )

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $52,000 Installation is avg. of GOM cost range; plus geographic multiplier

: Downtime $38,400 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg. GOM cost: Parker, 1999 x 4 hrs; plus geographic multiplier

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling:

 Disposal Cost @ $16.05/bbl 12.41 see w/s 10 Vendor quote: $35.00 per ton and 704 lbs waste cuttings per bbl

 Handling Cost @ $7.54/bbl 5.83 see w/s 10

 Container Rental @ $40/box/day $40 Orentas 2000 GOM vendor quote ($25 per day) times geographic area multiplier (CA:GOM = 1.6)

 Trucking Cost @ $354/50-bbl truckload $354 per 50-bbl truck load Truck rate ($65/hr x 300 mi r.t. @55mph) per 2-box truck load

Number boxes (DWD; SWD) 3 2

Number days to fil and haul 9.62 6.92

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $354 per bbl SBF; GOM cost plus geographic multiplier; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; costs from vendor

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; SWD) 6,500 7,500

BAT{NSPS} OPTION 2, ALASKA (COOK INLET) OPERATIONS

UNIT COSTS (No longer applicable) SWD

BAT Solids Control Equipment $4,800 Includes equipment, labor, & materials; apply GOM costs *AK multiplier (2.0, from offshore DD)

Drilling days ( SWD) 5.2

 Cuttings dryer + FRU that reduces base fluid retention from 0.00% to 10.20% 0.4 proportion drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time )

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $65,000 Installation is avg. of GOM cost range; plus geographic multiplier

: Downtime $48,000 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg. GOM cost: Parker, 1999 x 4 hrs; plus geographic multiplier

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling: 

 Disposal Cost $540

 8-bbl Cuttings Box Purchase Cost @ $135/box $135

 Trucking Cost @ $1,944 per 8-box truckload $1,994

Number boxes 39

Number days NA

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $442 per bbl SBF; GOM cost plus geographic multiplier; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; costs from vendor

Footage Drilled with SBF (SWD) 7,500

A- 20
WORKSHEET B: Cost Analysis for OBF and SBF

Diesal Mineral

Oil Oil

a b c = a+b d = 1/c n n * D

x $70.00 $90.00

1/x 0.0143 0.0111 0.0254 39.3701 2 $78.74

LowVisc

IO V Estr V Estr

a b c d = a+b+c e = 1/d n n * D

x $160.00 $250.00 $300.00

1/x 0.0063 0.0040 0.0033 0.0136 73.6196 3 $220.86

Cost of WB-drilling fluid: $45.00 /bbl

A-21
WORKSHEET C: Well Count Projections, Baseline and all Options

BASELINE BAT OPT 2 

Existing Sources Existing Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE

857 WBF Gulf of Mexico 12 36 511 298 803 WBF Gulf of Mexico 11 34 479 279

201 SBF Gulf of Mexico 16 48 86 51 264 SBF Gulf of Mexico 17 49 124 74

67 OBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 42 25 1,125 40 OBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 25 15 1,107

5 WBF Offshore California 0 0 3 2 5 WBF Offshore California 0 0 3 2

0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0

2 OBF Offshore California 0 0 1 1 7 2 OBF Offshore California 0 0 1 1 7

4 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 3 1 4 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 3 1

0 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 1 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 1 0

2 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 1 1 6 1 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 1 6

1,138 1,120

New Sources New Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE

38 WBF Gulf of Mexico 11 0 27 0 35 WBF Gulf of Mexico 10 0 25 0

20 SBF Gulf of Mexico 15 0 5 0 24 SBF Gulf of Mexico 16 0 8 0

2 OBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 2 0 60 1 OBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 1 0 60

0 WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0

0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0

0 OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 0 OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0

0 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0

0 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0

0 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0 0 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0

Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60 Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60

BAT OPT 1 BAT OPT 3

Existing Sources Existing Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE

803 WBF Gulf of Mexico 11 34 479 279 877 WBF Gulf of Mexico 17 51 511 298 877

264 SBF Gulf of Mexico 17 49 124 74 11 SBF Gulf of Mexico 3 8 0 0

40 OBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 25 15 1,107 237 OBF Gulf of Mexico 8 25 128 76 1,125

5 WBF Offshore California 0 0 3 2 5 WBF Offshore California 0 0 3 2

0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0

2 OBF Offshore California 0 0 1 1 7 2 OBF Offshore California 0 0 1 1 7

4 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 3 1 4 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 3 1

1 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 1 0 0 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0

1 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 1 6 2 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 1 1 6

1,120 1,138

New Sources New Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE SBF/OBF/WBF Region DWD DWE SWD SWE

35 WBF Gulf of Mexico 10 0 25 0 42 WBF Gulf of Mexico 15 0 27 0

24 SBF Gulf of Mexico 16 0 8 0 3 SBF Gulf of Mexico 3 0 0 0

1 OBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 1 0 60 15 OBF Gulf of Mexico 8 0 7 0 60

0 WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0

0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0

0 OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0 0 OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 0

0 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0 WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0

0 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0 SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0

0 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0 0 OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 0

Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60 Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60

A-22
Worksheet No. 1

Compliance Cost Estimates ($1999): Baseline Current Practice (BPT)

Existing Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technologies: Discharge SBF cuttings via primary, secondary shakers & FRU; fractional SBF retention (wt:wt) determined as 10.2%

Zero discharge of OBF cuttings via haul & land-disposal or on-site grinding and injection 

Model Well Types: Four types: Deep- and Shallow-water, Development and Exploratory

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste SBF/OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Deep-water Exploratory: 3,085 bbls waste SBF/OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

1,184 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste SBF/OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Exploratory: 1,921 bbls waste SBF/OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

737 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD DWE SWD SWE SWD SWE TOTAL

SBF & OBF Discharge Costs

Drilling Fluid Costs,

Wells Currently Using SBF

SBF: (SBF@ $221/bbl ) $117,572 $261,664 $77,792 $162,877 --- ---

--- ---

OBF Cost/Well : Haul and Dispose --- --- --- --- $110,715 $236,406

OBF: Well: Grind and Inject --- --- --- --- $83,448 $174,853

Baseline Cost ($/well) $117,572 $261,664 $77,792 $162,877 $105,262 $224,096

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $85 $85 $85 $85 $115 $117

No. wells 16 48 86 51 42 25

No. Wells Discharge (OBF: haul) 16 48 86 51 34 20

No. wells (OBF: inject) 8 5

TOTAL ANNUAL ($) `

BASELINE GOM COST ($) $1,881,152 ########## $6,690,112 $8,306,727 $4,431,901 $5,602,395 $39,472,159

Subtotal for SBF Wells: $29,437,863

Subtotal for OBF Wells: $10,034,296

UNIT COSTS

 SBF @ $221 $/bbl lost w/ cuttings

SedTox Monitoring Test $575 $/test, once per well

WBF Upper Bound (10.73%) Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells (fail tox/sheen)

 Deep-Water Using WBF Shallow-Water Using WBF

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

WBF haul, $/well $906,022 $2,724,495 $627,810 $1,429,659

WBF inject, $/well $543,102 $1,235,566 $387,454 $768,992

No. WBF wells 12 36 511 298

% WBF fail sheen /tox (a) 10.73% 10.73% 10.73% 10.73%

No wells fail sheen/tox 1 4 55 32

No. haul 1 4 44 26

No. inject 11 6

No. discharge 11 32 456 266

$ haul $906,022 $10,897,980 27,623,640 37,171,134 $76,598,776

$ inject $4,261,994 $4,613,951 $8,875,945

Total $ $906,022 $10,897,980 $31,885,634 $41,785,085 $85,474,721

(a) Per ODD

A-23
Worksheet No. 2

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Baseline Current Practice (BPT)

Existing Sources; California (NOTE: Costs no longer applicable to SBF

reg analysis since no conversions to SBF are projected)

Technology: Zero-Discharge via Haul and Land-Dispose

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-water Development Wells

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Devel: 1,387 bbls waste OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Deep-water Explor: 3,085 bbls waste OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

1,184 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Devel: 917 bbls waste OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Explor.: 1,921 bbls waste OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

737 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item SWD SWE TOTAL

OBF Haul & Land Dispose

Disposal Cost ($12.53/bbl) $11,490 $24,070

Handling Cost ($5.89/bbl) $5,401 $11,315

Container Rental $15,007 $22,698

 ($40/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul)

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) $81,770 $58,820

Trucking Cost ($354/truck load) $7,091 $14,536

Drilling Fluid Costs $44,352 $92,862

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL OBF Cost / Model Well, Haul/Land Dispose $165,111 $224,301

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $180 $117

No. Wells 0 0

TOTAL CA OBF HAUL/LAND DISPOSAL COST ($) $0 $0 $0

UNIT COSTS

Disposal Cost $12.53 per bbl

Handling Cost $5.89 per bbl

Container Rental $40 per box per day

Boxes per well 39 82

Days to fill & haul 9.62 6.92

Trucking Cost $355 per 2- box truck load

Supply Boat Cost $8,500 per day

Days to fill & haul 9.62 6.92

OBF Lost Drilling Fluid (w/ Cuttings) Costs $126 per bbl

OBF Grind & Inject Disposal:

Onsite Injection System @ $4280/day $89,024 $186,608

x rental days x CA geographic multiplier 

Drilling Fluid Costs $44,493 $93,157

TOTAL CA OBF Cost per Model Well, Grind & Inject ($) $133,517 $279,765

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $146 $146

No. Wells 1 1

TOTAL CA OBF & GRIND & INJECT COST ($) $133,517 $279,765 $413,282

Unit Costs

Drilling days 5.2 10.9

Drilling days :Operating Days 0.4 0.4

Rental Days 13.0 27.3

Geographic multiplier 1.6 1.6

OBF Drilling Fluid $79.00 $79.00

A-24
Worksheet No. 3

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Baseline Current Practice (BPT)

Existing Sources; Cook Inlet, Alaska

Technology: Zero-Discharge via Haul and Land-Dispose

Model Well Types: Shallow-Water Development Wells

Per-Well Waste Volumes: SWD SWE

917 1,921 bbls waste OBF-cuttings ( 0.2% crude contamination)

352 737 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item SWD SWE

OBF Onsite Injection Costs Drilling days, SWD: SWE: 

5.2 10.9

Onsite Injection System @ $8560/day $111,280 $233,260 Drilling days: Days-to-Drill Fraction: 0.4

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus Days-to-Drill:

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days) 13.0 27.3

Injection unit cost from GOM vendor $4,280

Geographic Multiplier, Offshore DD 2

AK injection unit cost, $/day) $8,560

Drilling Fluid Cost $55,616 $116,446

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $158/bbl) Cost OBF ($/bbl), GOM ; $79.00

Geographic Multiplier, Offshore DD 2

AK OBF cost, $/bbl) $158.00

Total Cost per Model Well ($) $166,896 $349,706

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $182 $381

No. Wells 1 1

Total OBF Costs per Well Type, Cook Inlet ($) $166,896 $349,706 Per-well costs x 1 shallow-water development wells

Total Annual Baseline OBF Cook Inlet COST ($) $516,602

SBF Onsite Injection Costs

Onsite Injection System @ $8560/day $111,280 $233,260

Drilling Fluid Cost $155,584 $325,754 Cost from GOM vendor; Geographic 221

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $442/bbl) Multiplier from Offshore DD 2

442

Total Cost per Well $266,864 $559,014

A-25
Worksheet No. 4

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Cuttings Dryer & FRU Discharge (BAT/NSPS Option 1)

Existing Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Discharge via both an add-on drill cuttings "dryer" and a fines removal unit with an average fractional

retention value for base fluid on cuttings (wt:wt) = 4.03%

Model Well Types: Four types: Deep- and Shallow-water, Development and Exploratory

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,035 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

180 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Deep-water Exploratory: 2,301 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

400 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 684 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

119 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Exploratory: 1,433 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

249 bbls SBF/OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD DWE SWD SWE TOTAL

GOM Wells Projected to Use SBF (Current SBF plus 6%WBF & 40% OBF Wells Convert) and Discharging All Cuttings

BAT Solids Control Equipment @ $2400/day x rental days $47,400 $105,000 $31,200 $65,400 $249,000 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

Cuttings dryer + fines removal unit days of rental from industry

Installation and Downtime Costs $56,500 $56,500 $56,500 $56,500 $226,000 Installation costs ($32,500) plus

 ($32,500 inst + $24,000 dt) $6,000/hour (avg; Parker, 1999) x 4 hrs

Drilling Fluid Costs $39,780 $88,400 $26,299 $55,029 $209,508 Cost from vendor

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $180/bbl)

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 $50 $50 $50 $200 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $1,300 $1,700 $1,500 $2,000 $6,500 Retort run once/discharge/500 ft drilled;

 SedTox Monitoring Test $575 $575 $575 $575 one commingled discharge; cost from vendor

Unadjusted Cost Per Well ($) $145,605 $252,225 $116,124 $179,554

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $141 $110 $170 $125

No. SBF wells + WBF>SBF wells + OBF > SBF wells 17 49 124 74 264

Total Annual GOM Cost for SBF Wells ($) $2,475,285 $12,359,025 $14,399,376 $13,286,996 $42,520,682

Installation/Downtime Well / Structure Adj't Factor 2.2 1.6 2.2 1.6

Installation/Downtime Well per Structure ($523,909) ($1,038,188) ($3,821,455) ($1,567,875) ($6,951,426)

Total Cost Adjustment 

Total Adj'd Annual GOM Cost, SBF Wells $1,951,376 $11,320,838 $10,577,921 $11,719,121 $35,569,256

Avg Adjusted Total Cost per well type $114,787 $231,038 $85,306 $158,367

GOM Wells Retaining Use of OBF ( 0% Conversion)

Cost/Well : Haul and Dispose $110,715 $236,406

Cost/Well: Grind and Inject $83,448 $174,853

Weighted (80:20, haul:inject)Average Cost Per Well ($) $105,262 $224,096 $329,358

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $115 $117

No. Wells 25 15

No. Wells haul 20 12

No. Wells inject 5 3

TOT ANNUAL GOM COST (OBF Wells; $) 2,631,544 3,361,437 5,992,981

TOT Annual GOM Cost for SBF Improved Solids Control ($) 35,569,256

TOT Annual GOM Cost , SBF+OBF Wells 41,562,237

UNIT COSTS

Drilling days (DWD; DWE; SWD; SWE) 7.90 17.50 5.20 10.90

Proportion drilling time to operational (rental) time 0.40

BAT Solids Control Equipment (cuttings dryer+FRU ) $2,400 per day, including equipment, labor, and materials;

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $32,500 Installation is avg. of range; 

: Downtime $24,000 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg.) x 4 hrs; costs from Parker 1999

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $221 per bbl SBF; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; DWE; SWD; SWE) 6,500 8,500 7,500 10,000

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test 50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; costs from vendor

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test 50 Cost from vendor

 SedTox Monitoring Test 575

 * FRU: fines removal unit (i.e., decanting centrifuge or mud cleaner)

A-26
Worksheet No. 4-A

WBF Upper Bound (10.73%) Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells

Existing Sources; Gulf of Mexico

(Costs incurred only if WBF wells are projected to fail their toxicity or sheen limits)

BAT 1 & 2

WBF ANALYSIS: DWD DWE SWD SWE

(WBF > SBF Wells Only,

projected WBF Costs)

haul $906,022 $2,724,495 $627,810 $1,429,659 (see worksheet 20 for per well cost detail)

inject $543,102 $1,235,566 $387,454 $768,992 (see worksheet 20A for per well cost detail)

Total No. WBF>SBF Wells 1 2 32 19

% Fail sheen/tox 10.73% 10.73% 10.73% 10.73%

No. Wells Fail sheen/tox 0 0 3 2

No. haul 0 0 2 2

No. inject 1 0

Cost to haul $0 $0 $1,255,620 $2,859,318 $4,114,938

Cost to inject $0 $0 $387,454 $0 $387,454

Total WBF> SBF Haul+Inject Costs $0 $0 $1,643,074 $2,859,318 $4,502,392

BAT 1 & 2 DWD DWE SWD SWE

WBF ANALYSIS:

(Remaining WBF Wells)

WBF haul, $/well $906,022 $2,724,495 $627,810 $1,429,659

WBF inject, $/well $543,102 $1,235,566 $387,454 $768,992

No. WBF wells 11 34 479 279

% WBF fail sheen /tox (a) 10.73% 10.73% 10.73% 10.73%

No wells fail sheen/tox 1 4 51 30

No. haul 1 4 41 24

No. inject 10 6

$ haul $906,022 $10,897,980 25,740,210 34,311,816 $71,856,028

$ inject $3,874,540 $4,613,951 $8,488,491

Total $ $906,022 $10,897,980 $29,614,750 $38,925,767 $80,344,519

(a) Per ODD $84,846,911

Installation/Downtime Adjusted BAT 1 SBF Well Costs

DWD DWE SWD SWE Totals

Total Annnual GOM Disposal Cost for SBF Wells ($) $2,475,285 $12,359,025 $14,399,376 $13,286,996 $42,520,682

No. Wells 17 49 124 74 264

Average Cost per well type $145,605 $252,225 $116,124 $179,554 $161,063

Installation/Downtime Well/Structure Adjustment ($523,909) ($1,038,188) ($3,821,455) ($1,567,875) ($6,951,426)

TOTAL ADJ 'D ANNUAL GOM Cost, SBF Wells ($) $1,951,376 $11,320,838 $10,577,921 $11,719,121 $35,569,256

Average Adjusted Total Cost per well type 114,787 231,038 85,306 158,367

GOM-wide wtd avg per well $134,732

A-27
Worksheet No. 5 (see Baseline CA sheet (W/Ss 2 & 2-A) for SBF/OBF cost projections, all options)

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Discharge from Cuttings Dryer/FRUs (BAT/NSPS Option 1)

Existing Sources, California (Costs no longer applicable; 0% conversion to SBF projected)

Technology: Discharge via both an add-on drill cuttings "dryer" and a fines removal unit with an average fractional

retention of base fluid on cuttings (weight:weight) = 4.03%

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-Water Development Wells

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Shallow-water Explor.: 1,433 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

249 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 684 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

119 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item SWD SWE TOTAL

SBF Discharge

SBF Cost Estimate

BAT Solids Control Equipment @ $3840/day x rental days $75,840 $48,960 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials; Geographic Area

 Cuttings dryer + fines removal unit Cost Multiplier (1.6) from Offshore DD; rental days from industry data

Installation and Downtime Costs $90,400 $90,400 Installation is avg. of range; downtime is $6,000/hour (avg) x

 ($52,000 inst + $38,400 dt) 1.6 (area multiplier) x 4 hours; costs from Parker 1999

Drilling Fluid Costs $88,146 $42,126 Cost from vendor; Geographic Multiplier from Offshore DD

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $354/bbl)

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $1,300 $1,500 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled;

 SedTox Monitoring Test $575 $575 two discharge points; cost from vendor

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $256,311 $183,611

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $179 $268

No. Wells 0 0

TOTAL ANNUAL CA Cost ($) $0 $0 $0 Per-well costs x no. of wells

UNIT COSTS

Drilling days (DWD; SWD) 7.9 5.1 from industry

Proportion of drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time) 0.4

BAT Solids Control Equipment (cuttings dryer + fines removal unit) $3,840 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials; geographic multiplier (1.6) from offshore DD

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $52,000 Installation is avg. of GOM cost range; plus geographic multiplier

: Downtime $38,400 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg. GOM cost; Parker, 1999) x 4 hrs; plus geographic multiplier

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $354 per bbl SBF; GOM cost plus geographic multiplier; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; SWD) 6,500 7,500

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test 50 Retort once/discharge/500 ft drilled; 2 discharge points (cuttings dryer; FRU); vendor costs

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 SedTox Monitoring Test $575

CA Wells Currently Using OBF ( 0% Conversion Scenario)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $133,517 $279,765

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $180 $117

No. Wells 1 1 2

TOTAL ANNUAL BASELINE CA COST ($) $133,517 $279,765 $413,282

A-28
Worksheet No. 6

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Cuttings Dryer/FRU Discharge (BAT/NSPS Option 1)

Existing Sources; Cook Inlet, Alaska (NOTE: SBF disposal projected via onsite injection)

Technology: Discharge via both an add-on drill cuttings "dryer" and fines removal unit; 

average fractional retention of basefluid on cuttings (wt:wt) = 4.03%

Model Well Types: Shallow-Water Development Wells

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls SBF lost with cuttings [NOTE: volumes not the same 

Shallow-water Exploration: 1,921 as other BAT1 volumes -- current practice is to inject OBF;

737 will not upgrade ttmt system to reduce retention on cuttings. ]

Cost Item SWD SWE

AK WBF Wells: Grind & Onsite Injection (if applicable)

Onsite Injection System @ $8560/day $222,560 $466,520

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days)

Drilling Fluid Cost $27,302 $52,961 Cost from GOM vendor; Geographic $180

 (WBF lost with cuttings @ $90/bbl) Multiplier from Offshore DD 2

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $249,862 $519,481

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $178 $191

No. Wells Fail Limts 0 0

Total Annual Cook Inlet Cost per Well Type ($) $0 $0

TOTAL ANNUAL Cook Inlet Cost ($) $0

UNIT COSTS

BAT Solids Control Eqpt (cuttings dryer+fines removal unit) $4,800 Includes eqpt/labor/mat'l; geogr multiplier (1.6) from ODD

Drilling days (SWD) 5.2 10.9 from industry

Proportion drilling time to oper'l time (SCE rental time) $0

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $65,000 Install'n is avg. of GOM cost range; + geogr multiplier dwntime

: Downtime $48,000 =$6K/h (avg. GOM cost; Parker, 1999x4 h; + geogr multiplier

SBF Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $442 per bbl SBF; GOM cost + geogr multiplier; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort once/discharge/500 ft; 2 discharges 

Footage Drilled with SBF (SWD) $7,500 (cuttings dryer and FRU); costs from vendor

AK Well (n=1) Projected to Convert from OBF to SBF; Onsite Injection

SWD SWE

Cost Item

Onsite Injection System @ $8560/day $111,280 $233,260 see Baseline worksheet for details

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days)

Drilling Fluid Cost $155,584 $325,754 Cost from GOM vendor; Geographic $221

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $442/bbl) Multiplier from Offshore DD 2

Total Cost per Model Well ($) $266,864 $559,014

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $291 $291

No. Wells 1 0

Total OBF Costs per Well Type, Cook Inlet ($) $266,864 $0

Total Annual Baseline OBF Cook Inlet COST ($) $266,864

AK OBF Wells (n=2) Projected to Remain OBF; Onsite Injection 

Onsite Injection System @ $8560/day

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus $111,280 $233,260

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days)

Drilling Fluid Cost $55,616 $116,446 Cost from GOM vendor; Geographic $79

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $158/bbl) Multiplier from Offshore DD 2

Total Cost per Model Well ($) $166,896 $349,706

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $182 $182

No. Wells 0 1

Total OBF Costs per Well Type, Cook Inlet ($) $0 $349,706

Total Annual Baseline OBF Cook Inlet COST ($) $349,706

A-29
Worksheet No. 6-A BAT/NSPS Option 1, Alaska

WBF Upper Bound (10.73%) Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells

(Costs incurred only if WBF wells are projected to fail their

 toxicity or sheen limits)

SWD 1,404 bbls waste cuttings 

SWD 6,067 bbls WBF discharged

SWE 2,723 bbls waste cuttings 

SWE 11,769 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Disposal DWD DWE SWD SWE

Onsite Injection System NA NA $222,560 $466,520

 @$8560/day

Drilling Fluid Cost $27,302 $52,961

Total Cost / Model Well ($) $249,862 $519,481

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $178 $191

No Wells 3 1

No. Wells Fail Limits 0 0

Total Costs per Well Type, $0 $0

Total Annual Baseline $0

Cook Inlet Costs ($)

% WBF wells projected to fail toxicity and/or /sheen limitations 10.73%

5.00% adherent fluid

$90 per bbl, WBF

A-30
Worksheet No. 7

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Cuttings Dryer Discharge; Zero Discharge FRUs (BAT/NSPS Option 2)

Existing Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Discharge via both an add-on drill cuttings "dryer" and a fines removal unit with an

average fractonal retention of base fluid on cuttings (weight:weight) = 3.82%

Model Well Types: Four types: Deep- and Shallow-water, Development and Exploratory

Per-Well Waste Volumes (bbls):

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Waste Cuttings @ 3.82% Retention, bbl 999 2,221 660 1,383

SBF Lost with Cuttings, bbl 166 368 109 229

Waste Fines @ 10.2% Retention, bbl 36 80 24 50

SBF Lost with Fines. bbl 14 32 9 21

Cost Item DWD DWE SWD SWE TOTAL

GOM Wells Currently Using SBF and Discharging Cuttings

DISCHARGED PORTION, SBF FLUIDS AND CUTTINGS DRYER WASTE STREAM

BAT Solids Control Equipment @ $2400/day x rental days $47,400 $105,000 $31,200 $65,400 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

(Cuttings dryer + fines removal unit costs) days of rental from industry

Installation and Downtime Costs $56,500 $56,500 $56,500 $56,500 Installation is avg. of range; downtime is

 ($32,500 inst + $24,000 dt) $6,000/hour (avg.) x 4 hrs; costs from Parker 1999

Adjustment to Installation/Dopwntime Costs - Multiple Well Structures:

Projected No. Wells per Structure 2.2 1.6 2.2 1.6

Adjusted Cost per well for Installation and Downtime ($30,818) ($21,188) ($30,818) ($21,188)

Drilling Fluid Costs @ $221/bbl: SBF lost with cuttings $36,686 $81,328 $24,089 $50,609 Cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 $50 $50 $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $650 $850 $750 $1,000 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled;

 SedTox Monitoring Test $575 $575 $575 $575 cost from vendor

Costs per Well, Discharged Waste/Cuttings Dryer Portion $111,043 $223,116 $82,346 $152,947

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $111 $100 $125 $111

No. SBF wells + WBF>SBF wells + OBF > SBF wells 17 49 124 74

Annual GOM Cost for Cuttings Dryer Units/SBF Wells $1,887,728 $10,932,660 $10,210,881 $11,318,041 $34,349,310

DISCHARGED PORTION, ZERO DISCHARGE FINES REMOVAL WASTE STREAM

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling

 Disposal Costs @ $10.13/bbl $365 $810 $243 $507

 Handling Cost @ $4.75/bbl $171 $380 $114 $238

 Container Rental @ $25/box/day x no. bxx x days to fill and haul $495 $2,279 $366 $1,064

Drilling Fluid Costs @$221/bbl : SBF Lost with Fines

$3,094 $7,072 $1,989 $4,641

Costs per Well, Zero Discharge FRU Portion $4,125 $10,541 $2,712 $6,449

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $115 $132 $113 $129

No. SBF wells + WBF>SBF wells + OBF > SBF wells 17 49 124 74

Annual GOM Cost for Fines Removal Units/SBF Wells $70,119.56 $516,528.60 $336,240.88 $477,189.00 $1,400,078.04

TOTAL GOM SBF BAT 3 COSTS PER WELL $115,167.50 $233,656.90 $85,057.44 $159,395.00

TOTAL GOM SBF BAT 3 COSTS $1,957,847.56 $11,449,188.60 $10,547,121.88 $11,795,230.00 $35,749,388.04

A-31
GOM Wells Currently Using OBF ( 0% Conversion)

Cost/Well : Haul and Dispose $110,715 $236,406

Cost/Well: Grind and Inject $83,448 $174,853

Weighted (80:20, haul:inject)Average Cost Per Well ($) $105,262 $224,096

Unit Weighted Average Cost ($/bbl) $115 $117

No. Wells 25 15 40

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for OBF Wells ($) $2,631,544 $3,361,437 $5,992,981

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for SBF Improved Solids Control ($) $35,749,388

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost , SBF+OBF Wells $41,742,369

UNIT COSTS

BAT Solids Control Equipment (cuttings dryer + fines removal unit) $2,400 per day, including all equipment, labor, and materials;

Drilling days (DWD; DWE; SWD; SWE) 7.90 17.50 5.20 10.90 data from industry

Proportion of drilling time to total operational time (I.e., SCE rental time) 0.4

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $32,500 Installation is avg. of range; 

: Downtime $24,000 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg.) x 4 hrs; costs from Parker 1999

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling: 

 Disposal Costs @ $10.13/bbl $10.13 See Worksheet 10

 Handling Cost @ $4.75/bbl $4.75 See Worksheet 10

 Container Rental @ $25/box/day $25 Orentas 2000

Number boxes 2 4 2 3

Number days to fill and haul 9.90 22.79 7.31 14.18

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) $221 per bbl SBF; cost from vendor

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled; one disharge point (cuttings dryer) costs from vendor

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; DWE; SWD; SWE) 6500 8500 7500 10000

 SedTox Monitoring Test $575

Haul/Inject Disposal Costs for SBF Fines Only

Deep Water Deep Water Shallow Water Shallow Water

Devel. Well Explor. Well Devel. Well Explor. Well

 Disposal Costs @ $10.13/bbl $365 $810 $243 $507

 Handling Cost @ $4.75/bbl $171 $380 $114 $238

 Container Rental @ $25/bx/d $495 $2,279 $366 $1,064

 SBF lost with fines $3,094 $7,072 $1,989 $4,641

Total Cost Per Well ($) $4,125 $10,541 $2,712 $6,449

No. Wells 17 49 124 74

TOTAL GOM DISPOSAL COSTS $70,120 $516,529 $336,241 $477,189 $1,400,078

A-32
Worksheet No. 8 (see Baseline CA sheet (W/Ss 2 & 2-A) for SBF/OBF cost projections, all options)

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Cuttings Dryer Discharge; 

 Zero Discharge FRUs (BAT/NSPS Option 2)

Existing Sources, California (Costs no longer applicable; 0% conversion to SBF projected)

Technology: Discharge via both an add-on drill cuttings "dryer" and a fines removal unit with an average fractional `

retention of base fluid on cuttings (wt:wt) = 3.82%

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-Water Development Wells

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

SWE SWD

Waste Cuttings @ 3.48% Retention 1,383 660

SBF Lost with Cuttings 229 109

Waste Fines @ 9.42% Retention 50 24

SBF Lost with Fines 20 9

Cost Item SWE SWD TOTAL

SBF Discharge/Disposal

BAT Solids Control Equipment @ $3840/day x rental days $75,840 $49,920 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials; Geographic Area

Cuttings dryer + fines removal unit Cost Multiplier (1.6) from Offshore DD; rental days from industry

Installation and Downtime Costs $90,400 $90,400 Installation is avg. of range; downtime is $6,000/hour (avg) x

 ($52,000 inst + $38,400 dt) 1.6 (area multiplier) x 4 hours; costs from Parker 1999

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling

 Disposal Cost @ $12.41/bbl $0 $0

 Handling Cost @ $5.83/bbl $0 $0

 Container Rental @ $40/box/day $1,154 $554

 Trucking Cost @ $354/50-bbl truckload $354 $354

Drilling Fluid Costs @ $354/bbl Cost from vendor; Geographic Multiplier from Offshore DD

 SBF lost with cuttings $81,066 $38,586

 SBF lost with fines $7,080 $3,186

Monitoring Analyses

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $650 $750 Retort measured once per discharge per 500 ft drilled;

 SedTox Monitoring Test $575 $0 cost from vendor

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $256,815 $183,446

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $179 $268

No. Wells 0 0

TOTAL ANNUAL CA Cost ($) $0 $0 $0 Per-well costs x no. of wells

UNIT COSTS

Drilling days (DWD; SWD) 7.9 5.2 data from industry

Fraction of drilling time to total operational (I.e., rental) time 0.4

BAT Solids Control Equipment (cuttings dryer + FRU $3,840 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials; geographic multiplier (1.6) from offshore DD

Installation and Downtime Costs: Installation $52,000 Installation is avg. of GOM cost range; plus geographic multiplier

: Downtime $38,400 downtime = $6,000/hour (avg. GOM cost; Parker, 1999) x 4 hrs; plus geographic multiplier

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling: per bbl SBF; GOM cost plus geographic multiplier; cost from vendor

 Disposal Cost @ $12.32/bbl $0

 Handling Cost @ $5.79/bbl $0

 Container Rental @ $40/box/day $40

 Trucking Cost @ $354/50-bbl truckload $354 per 50-bbl truck load

Number boxes 3 2

Number days to fill and haul 9.62 6.92

Drilling Fluid Costs (lost with cuttings) 354

Monitoring Analyses

Footage Drilled with SBF (DWD; SWD) 6,500 7,500

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $50 Retort once/discharge/500 ft drilled; 1 disharge point (cuttings dryer) costs from vendor

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 Cost from vendor

 SedTox Monitoring Test $575

A-33
Worksheet No. 9

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Discharge from Cuttings Dryer; Zero Discharge of Fines

(BAT 2)Existing Sources; Cook Inlet, Alaska (NOTE: projected SBF disposal -- onsite injection)

Technology: Discharge via add-on drill cuttings "dryer" and fines removal unit; average fractional retention of base fluid

on cuttings (wt:wt) = 3.82%

Model Well Types: Shallow-Water Development Wells

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

SWD SWE

Waste Cuttings @ 3.48% Retention 917 1,921

SBF Lost with Cuttings 352 737 bbls SBF lost with cuttings [NOTE: the volumes are not the same 

Waste Fines @ 9.42% Retention NA NA as other BAT1 volumes because current practice is to inject OBF;

SBF Lost with Fines NA NA will not upgrade ttmt system to reduce retention on cuttings. ]

Cost Item SWD SWE

AK WBF Wells: Grind and Onsite Injection Costs (if applicable)

Onsite Injection System NA NA

 @$8560/day

Drilling Fluid Cost, WBF NA NA

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $0 $0

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $0 $0

No. Wells Fail Limits 0 0

TOTAL ANNUAL Cook Inlet Cost ($) $0 $0

0

UNIT COSTS

Drilling days 5.2 10.9

Proportion of drilling time to total operational (I.e., rental) time 0.4

 SBF Drilling Fluid Cost/bbl (lost with cuttings) $442 $442

AK Well (n=1) Projected to Convert from OBF to SBF; Onsite Injection

SWD SWE

Cost Item

Onsite Injection System @ $8560/day $111,280 $233,260 see Baseline worksheet for details

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days)

Drilling Fluid Cost $155,584 $325,754

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $442/bbl)

Total Cost per Model Well ($) $266,864 $559,014

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $291 $291

No. Wells 1 0

TotalAnnual Baseline OBF Cook Inlet COST ($) 266,864.00

AK OBF Well Projected to Remain OBF; Onsite Injection 

Total Cost per Model Well ($) $166,896 $349,706

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $182 $182

No. Wells 0 1

Total Annual Baseline OBF Cook Inlet COST ($) $349,706

A-34
Worksheet No. 9-A BAT/NSPS Option 2, Alaska

WBF Upper Bound (10.73% Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells

(Costs incurred only if WBF wells are projected to fail their

 toxicity or sheen limits)

WBF Disposal Analysis

 WBF Waste Volumes (per ODD Data)

SWD 1,404 bbls waste cuttings 

SWD 6,067 bbls WBF discharged

SWE 2,723 bbls waste cuttings 

SWE 11,769 bbls WBF discharged

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Onsite Injection System NA NA $222,560 $466,520

 @$8560/day

Drilling Fluid Cost $27,302 $52,961

Total Cost / Model Well ($) $249,862 $519,481

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $178 $191

No. Wells 3 1

No. Wells Fail Limts 0 0

Total Costs / Well Type $0 $0

Total Annual Cost $0

% WBF wells projected to fail toxicity and/or /sheen limitations 10.73%

5.00% adherent fluid

$90 per bbl, WBF

A-35
Worksheet No. 10

Per Well Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Zero Discharge (BAT 3)

Existing Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Zero-Discharge via Haul and Land-Dispose

Model Well Types: Four types: Deep- and Shallow-water, Development and Exploratory

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Deep-water Exploratory: 3,085 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

1,184 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Exploratory: 1,921 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

737 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD DWE SWD SWE

GOM OBF Wells Projected to Convert from SBF to OBF Under Zero Discharge

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $14,050 $31,251 $9,289 $19,460 Average of $9.50 and $10.75, quoted

from vendors 

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $6,588 $14,654 $4,356 $9,125 Vendor quote, includes

crains, labor, trucks to landfill, etc.

Container Rental $14,603 $74,637 $7,127 $29,069 Vendor 

 ($25/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul)

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) x days to fill and haul $84,150 $193,715 $62,135 $120,530 Vendors 

Drilling Fluid Costs $42,028 $93,536 $27,808 $58,223 Vendor quote 

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $161,419 $407,793 $110,715 $236,406

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/bbl) $116 $132 $121 $123

GOM SBF Wells Projected to Remain as SBF Wells Under Zero Discharge

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $14,050 $31,251 $9,289 $19,460 Average of $9.50 and $10.75, quoted

from vendors 

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $6,588 $14,654 $4,356 $9,125 Vendor quote, includes

crains, labor, trucks to landfill, etc.

Container Rental $14,603 $74,637 $7,127 $29,069 Vendor 

 ($25/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul)

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) x days to fill and haul $84,150 $193,715 $62,135 $120,530 Vendors 

Drilling Fluid Costs $117,572 $261,664 $77,792 $162,877 Vendor and operator quotes 

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $221/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $236,963 $575,921 $160,699 $341,060

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/bbl) $171 $187 $175 $178

For SBF > OBF Wells Under Zero Discharge

Drilling Fluid Costs

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl) $42,028 $93,536

Other Unchanged Costs $119,391 $314,257

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $161,419 $407,793

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/bbl) $116 $132

A-36
Worksheet No. 11

Per Well Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Zero Discharge (BAT 3)

Existing Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Zero-Discharge via On-site Grinding and Injection

Model Well Types: Four types: Deep- and Shallow-water, Development and Exploratory

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Deep-water Exploratory: 3,085 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

1,184 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls OBF lost with cuttings ``

Shallow-water Exploratory: 1,921 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

737 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD DWE SWD SWE

GOM OBF Wells Projected to Convert from SBF to OBF Under Zero Discharge

Onsite Injection System @ $4280/day --- --- $55,640 $116,630 Includes all equipment, labor, and services; 

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus vacuum system used to transport cuttings

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days)

Drilling Fluid Costs --- --- $27,808 $58,223

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) --- --- $83,448 $174,853

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/bbl) --- --- $91 $91

GOM SBF Wells Projected to Remain as SBF Wells Under Zero Discharge

Onsite Injection System @ $4280/day $84,530 $187,250 --- --- Includes all equipment, labor, and services; 

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus vacuum system used to transport cuttings

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days)

Drilling Fluid Costs $117,572 $261,664 --- --- Drilling Fluid Costs

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $221/bbl) (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $202,102 $448,914 --- ---

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/bbl) $146 $146 --- ---

A-37
Worksheet No. 12

Zero Discharge (BAT 3) Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$)

Existing Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: 100% Deep- and 80% Shallow-water Wells Haul & Land-Dispose; 20% Shallow-water Wells Inject

Model Well Types: Four types: Deep- and Shallow-water, Development and Exploratory

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Deep-water Exploratory: 3,085 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

1,184 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Exploratory: 1,921 bbls waste SBF-cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

737 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD DWE SWD SWE TOTAL

GOM OBF Wells Projected to Convert from SBF to OBF Under Zero Discharge

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) $161,419 $407,793 $110,715 $236,406

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) --- --- $83,448 $174,853

Per Well Cost for Zero Discharge ($/well) --- --- $105,262 $224,096

No. Wells 8 25 86 51 170

SUBTOTAL ANNUAL GOM ZD COST ($) $1,291,352 $10,194,826 $31,910,282 $11,428,885 $54,825,346

GOM SBF Wells Projected to Remain as SBF Wells Under Zero Discharge

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) $236,963 $575,921 --- ---

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) --- --- --- ---

Per Well Cost for Zero Discharge ($/well) $236,963 $575,921 --- ---

No. Wells 3 8 0 0

SUBTOTAL ANNUAL GOM ZD COST ($) $710,889 $4,607,368 --- --- $5,318,258

Total Annual GOM Costs for Zero Discharge ($) $60,143,603

GOM OBF Wells Projected to Continue as OBF Wells

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) $110,715 $236,406

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) $83,448 $174,853

Weighted Average Unit Disposal Cost ($/well) $105,262 $224,096

Number of Wells 34 20 54

Total Cost per Well Type $3,578,900 $4,481,916

Total Cost $8,060,816

Total Annual GOM Costs for Zero Discharge ($) 68,204,419

GOM Wells Using SBF Assumed to Switch to WBF Under Zero Discharge and Fail WBF Sheen/Tox Limits

Per Well Cost for Zero Discharge ($/well) $161,419 $407,793 $105,262 $224,096

No. Wells 1 2 0 0

SUBTOTAL ANNUAL GOM ZD COST ($) $161,419 $815,586 $0 $0 $977,005

WBF Disposal Analysis: Remaining WBF

Wells + 49 SBF > WBF Discharging Wells)

DWD DWE SWD SWE TOTAL

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) $906,022 $2,724,495 $627,810 $1,429,659

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) $543,102 $1,235,566 $387,454 $768,992

No. Wells, Total 16 49 511 298

Projected % Wells to Fail Sheen/Tox Limitations 10.73% 10.73% 10.73% 10.73%

Projected No. Wells to Fail Sheen/Tox Limitations 2 5 55 32 94

No. Wells Projected to Haul & Land Dispose 2 5 44 26

80%

No. Wells Projected to Grind & Inject Onsite 0 0 11 6

20%

Total Cost to Haul & Land Dispose $1,812,044 $13,622,475 $27,623,640 $37,171,134 $80,229,293

Total Cost to Grind & Inject $0 $0 $4,261,994 $4,613,951 $8,875,945

Total Cost of Disposal, WBF Wells $1,812,044 $13,622,475 $31,885,634 $41,785,085 $89,105,238

Total GOM Cost of Disposal, $158,286,662

A-38
Summary Compliance Costs for Management of Large Volume SBF Wastes,

Existing Sources ('40% OBF Wells, 6% WBF Wells Convert'), 1999$

 Lower (0%) WBF Failure Rate Boundary

Baseline Costs: Total Annual

Total

Baseline Technology(a) GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technology NOTES

Discharge with 10.2% retention of base fluid 29,437,863 0 0 Worksheet No. 1

 on cuttings from SBF wells 29,437,863

Zero Discharge--current OBF users Worksheet No.s 1, 2, and 3

10,034,296 413,282 516,602 10,964,179

Zero Discharge--current WBF users

0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 39,472,159 413,282 516,602 40,402,042

Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option(b) GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1 Discharges from Cuttings Dryer and FRUs 35,569,256 0 266,864 Worksheet No.s 4, 5, and 6

(ROC = 4.03%); SBF wells 35,836,120

Discharges from Cuttings Dryer and FRUs

(ROC = 4.03%); OBF wells 5,992,981 413,282 349,706 6,755,969

Discharges from Cuttings Dryer and FRUs

(ROC = 4.03%); WBF wells 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 41,562,237 413,282 616,570 42,592,088

BAT-2 Discharges from Cuttings Dryer only (ROC = 35,749,388 0 266,864 Worksheet No.s 7, 8, and 9

3.82%); Zero Discharge FRUs; SBF wells 36,016,252

Discharges from Cuttings Dryer only (ROC =

3.82%); Zero Discharge FRUs; OBF wells 5,992,981 413,282 349,706 6,755,969

Discharges from Cuttings Dryer only (ROC =

3.82%); Zero Discharge FRUs; WBF wells 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 41,742,369 413,282 616,570 42,772,221

BAT-3 Zero Discharge: SBF wells 0 Worksheet No.s 10, 11, and 12

5,318,258 0 5,318,258

Zero Discharge: OBF wells

62,886,162 413,282 516,602 63,816,045

Zero Discharge: WBF wells

0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 68,204,419 413,282 516,602 69,134,303

Incremental Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-1 compliance cost ::

 Fines Removal Unit 2,090,078 0 99,968 2,190,046 total baseline cost differential

BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-2 compliance cost ::

 Zero Discharge of Fines 2,270,210 0 99,968 2,370,178 total baseline cost differential

Zero Discharge BAT-3 (ZD) compliance cost ::

28,732,260 0 0 28,732,260 GOM baseline cost differential

WBF-related Costs (Savings)

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: ROP-related rig cost savings (33,280,000) 0 0 (48,832,540)

 Discharged WBF cost savings (15,552,540) 0 0

 Zero discharge cost savings 0 0 0

BAT-2: ROP-related rig cost savings (33,280,000) 0 0 (48,832,540)

 Discharged WBF cost savings (15,552,540) 0 0

 Zero discharge cost savings 0 0 0

NET Incremental Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-1 compliance cost ::

 Fines Removal Unit (46,742,462) 0 99,968 (46,642,494) total baseline cost differential

BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-2 compliance cost ::

 Zero Discharge of Fines (46,562,330) 0 99,968 (46,462,362) total baseline cost differential

Zero Discharge** BAT-3 (ZD) compliance cost ::

28,732,260 0 0 28,732,260 total baseline cost differential

(a) GOM: 857 WBF, 201 SBF wells, 67 OBF wells; CA: 5 WBF, 2 OBF wells; AK 4 WBF, 2 OBF wells

(b) BAT 1: GOM: 803 WBF, 264 SBF wells, 40 OBF wells; CA: 5 WBF, 2 OBF wells; AK 4 WBF, 1 SBF, 1 OBF wells

 BAT 2: GOM: 803 WBF, 264 SBF wells, 40 OBF wells; CA: 5 WBF, 2 OBF wells; AK 4 WBF, 1 SBF, 1 OBF wells

 BAT 3: GOM: 877 WBF, 11 SBF wells, 237 OBF wells; CA: 5 WBF, 2 OBF wells; AK 4 WBF, 2 OBF wells

A-39
Worksheet No. 13

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Baseline Current Practice (BPT)

New Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technologies: Discharge of SBF cuttings, add-on cuttings dryer, avg. ret'n= 10.2% (wt) base fluid on cuttings

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-water Development 

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste SBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste SBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD DWE TOTAL

Drilling Fluid Costs for Wells Currently Using SBF

 (SBF@ $221/bbl lost w/ cuttings) $117,572 $77,792 Cost from vendor

Average cost for full analysis

Per Well Baseline Cost ($/well) $117,572 $77,792

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $85 $85

No. Wells 15 5

TOTAL ANNUAL BASELINE GOM SBF COST ($) $1,763,580 $388,960 $2,152,540 Per-well costs x no. of wells

Drilling Fluid Costs for Wells Currently Using OBF

 (OBF@ $79/bbl lost w/ cuttings) Cost from vendor

Per Well Baseline Cost ($/well) $161,419 $110,715

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $116 $115

No. Wells 0 2

TOTAL ANNUAL BASELINE GOM OBF COST ($) $0 $221,430 $221,430

Drilling Fluid Costs for Wells Currently Using WBF

 (WBF@ $45/bbl lost w/ cuttings) Cost from vendor

$906,022 $627,810 haul

Per Well Baseline Cost ($/well) $387,454 inject

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $91 $86

No. Wells Fail Limits 1 3

No. Wells 11 27

TOTAL ANNUAL BASELINE GOM WBF COST ($) $906,022 $1,643,075 $2,549,097

TOTAL ANNUAL BASELINE GOM COST ($) $4,923,067

A-40
Summary Compliance Costs for Management of Large Volume SBF Wastes,

New + Existing Sources ( '40% OBF Wells, 6% WBF Wells Convert'), 1999$

 Lower (0%) WBF Failure Rate Boundary

Baseline Costs: Total Annual

Total

Baseline Technology GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

Discharge with 9.42% retention of base fluid 31,590,403 0 0 Worksheet No. 1

 on cuttings (__xxx___ SBF wells in GOM) 31,590,403

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only Worksheet No.s 1, 2, and 3

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 10,255,726 413,282 516,602 11,185,610

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 41,846,129 413,282 516,602 42,776,013

Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1 BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and 37,471,928 0 266,864 Worksheet No.s 4, 5, and 6

 Fines Removal Unit (R = 3.68%)* 37,738,792

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 6,103,696 413,282 349,706 6,866,684

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 43,575,624 413,282 616,570 44,605,476

BAT-2 BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer 37,656,164 0 266,864 Worksheet No.s 7, 8, and 9

 (R = 3.48%) and Zero Discharge of Fines* 37,923,028

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 6,103,696 413,282 349,706 6,866,684

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 43,759,860 413,282 616,570 44,789,712

BAT-3 BAT 3 Zero Discharge Worksheet No.s 10, 11, and 12

 (xxxx current SBF wells) 6,029,147 0 0 6,029,147

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 64,925,253 413,282 516,602 65,855,137

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 70,954,400 413,282 516,602 71,884,284

Incremental Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-1 compliance cost ::

 Fines Removal Unit 1,729,495 0 99,968 1,829,463 total baseline cost differential

BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-2 compliance cost ::

 Zero Discharge of Fines 1,913,731 0 99,968 2,013,699 total baseline cost differential

Zero Discharge** BAT-3 (ZD) compliance cost ::

29,108,271 0 0 29,108,271 GOM baseline cost differential

WBF-related Costs (Savings)

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: ROP-related rig cost savings (34,720,000) 0 0 (50,956,045)

 Discharged WBF cost savings (16,236,045) 0 0

 Zero discharge cost savings 0 0 0

BAT-2: ROP-related rig cost savings (34,720,000) 0 0 (50,956,045)

 Discharged WBF cost savings (16,236,045) 0 0

 Zero discharge cost savings 0 0 0

NET Incremental Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-1 compliance cost ::

 Fines Removal Unit (49,226,550) 0 99,968 (49,126,582) total baseline cost differential

BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-2 compliance cost ::

 Zero Discharge of Fines (49,042,314) 0 99,968 (48,942,346) total baseline cost differential

Zero Discharge** BAT-3 (ZD) compliance cost ::

29,108,271 0 0 29,108,271 total baseline cost differential

A-41
Summary Compliance Costs for Management of Large Volume SBF Wastes,

New Sources ( '40% OBF Wells, 6% WBF Wells Convert'), 1999$

 Lower (0%) WBF Failure Rate Boundary

Baseline Costs: Total Annual

Total

Baseline Technology GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

Discharge with 9.42% retention of base fluid 2,152,540 0 0 Worksheet No. 1

 on cuttings (__xxx___ SBF wells in GOM) 2,152,540

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only Worksheet No.s 1, 2, and 3

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 221,430 0 0 221,430

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 2,373,970 0 0 2,373,970

Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1 BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and 1,902,672 0 0 Worksheet No.s 4, 5, and 6

 Fines Removal Unit (R = 3.68%)* 1,902,672

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 110,715 0 0 110,715

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 2,013,387 0 0 2,013,387

BAT-2 BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer 1,906,776 0 0 Worksheet No.s 7, 8, and 9

 (R = 3.48%) and Zero Discharge of Fines* 1,906,776

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 110,715 0 0 110,715

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 2,017,491 0 0 2,017,491

BAT-3 BAT 3 Zero Discharge 0 0 Worksheet No.s 10, 11, and 12

 (xxxx current SBF wells) 710,889 710,889

Zero Discharge--current OBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 2,039,092 0 0 2,039,092

Zero Discharge--current WBF users only

 (xxxx GOM wells; xxxx CA wells; xxxx AK well) 0 0 0 0

TOTAL Per Region 2,749,981 0 0 2,749,981

Incremental Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-1 compliance cost ::

 Fines Removal Unit (360,583) 0 0 (360,583) total baseline cost differential

BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-2 compliance cost ::

 Zero Discharge of Fines (356,479) 0 0 (356,479) total baseline cost differential

Zero Discharge** BAT-3 (ZD) compliance cost ::

376,011 0 0 376,011 GOM baseline cost differential

WBF-related Costs (Savings)

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: ROP-related rig cost savings (1,440,000) 0 0 (2,123,505)

 Discharged WBF cost savings (683,505) 0 0

 Zero discharge cost savings 0 0 0

BAT-2: ROP-related rig cost savings (1,440,000) 0 0 (2,123,505)

 Discharged WBF cost savings (683,505) 0 0

 Zero discharge cost savings 0 0 0

NET Incremental Compliance Costs: Total Annual

Total

Technology Option GOM CA AK(CI) Per Technol NOTES

BAT-1: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-1 compliance cost ::

 Fines Removal Unit (2,484,088) 0 0 (2,484,088) total baseline cost differential

BAT-2: Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and BAT-2 compliance cost ::

 Zero Discharge of Fines (2,479,984) 0 0 (2,479,984) total baseline cost differential

Zero Discharge** BAT-3 (ZD) compliance cost ::

376,011 0 0 376,011 total baseline cost differential

A-42
Worksheet No. 14

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and FRUs

(BAT 1 Technology) New Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Discharge via add-on drill cuttings "dryer;" fines removal unit, avg retention 4.03% (wt) base fluid on cuttings

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-water Development

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,035 bbls waste SBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

180 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 684 bbls waste SBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

119 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD SWD TOTAL

GOM Wells Currently Using SBF and Discharging Cuttings

BAT Solids Control Equipment @ $2400/day x rental days $47,400 $31,200 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

 (Cuttings dryer plus fines removal unit that reduces days of rental from industry

 base fluid retention from 10.2% to 4.03%)

Drilling Fluid Costs $39,780 $26,299 Cost from vendor

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $221/bbl)

Monitoring Analyses

 SedTox Test $575 $575

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $1,300 $1,500 Retort measured once per both discharge points/ 500 ft

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $89,105 $59,624

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $86 $87

No. Wells 16 8

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for SBF Wells ($) $1,425,680 $476,992 $1,902,672

GOM Wells Currently Using OBF and Zero Discharge

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $9,289 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

days of rental from industry

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $4,356

Container Rental NA Cost from vendor

 ($25/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul) $7,127

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day x days to fill and haul) $62,135

Drilling Fluid Costs $27,808

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $110,715

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $121

No. Wells 0 1

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for OBF Wells ($) $0 $110,715 $110,715 Per-well costs x no. of wells

GOM Wells Currently Using WBF and Zero Discharge

Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

days of rental from industry

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) $906,022 $627,810

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) $543,102 $387,454 Cost from vendor

Wtd Avg TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $833,438 $579,739

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $91 $86

No. Wells Fail Limits 1 3

No. Wells 10 25

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for WBF Wells ($) $906,022 $1,643,075 $2,549,097

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for Wells ($) $4,562,484

A-43
Worksheet No. 15

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Discharge from Cuttings Dryer and FRUs

(BAT 2 Technology) New Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Discharge via add-on drill cuttings "dryer," avg retention 3.82% (wt) base fluid on cuttings; zero discharge of fines

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-water Development

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

DWD SWD

Waste Cuttings @ 3.82% Retention, bbl 999 660

SBF Lost with Cuttings, bbl 166 109

Waste Fines @ 10.2% Retention, bbl 36 24

SBF Lost with Fines, bbl 14 9

Cost Item DWD SWD TOTAL

GOM Wells Currently Using SBF and Discharging Cuttings: Discharged Portion, Cuttings Dryer

BAT Solids Control Equipment @ $2400/day x rental days $47,400 $31,200 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

 (Cuttings dryer plus fines removal unit that reduces days of rental from industry

 base fluid retention from 10.2 to 4.03%)

Drilling Fluid Costs $36,686 $24,089

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $221/bbl)

Monitoring Analyses

 SedTox Test $575 $575

 Crude Contamination of Drilling Fluid @ $50/test $50 $50 Cost from vendor

 Retention of Base Fluids by Retort @ $50/test $650 $750 Retort measured once / single discharge point/ 500 ft drilled;

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $85,361 $56,664

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $85 $86

No. Wells 16 8

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for SBF Wells ($) $1,365,776 $453,312 1,819,088 Per-well costs x no. of wells

Zero Discharge Fines Portion

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling

 Disposal Costs @ 10.13/bbl $365 $243 See Worksheet 4

 Handling Costs @ 4.75/bbl $171 $114 See Worksheet 4

 Container Rental @ $25/box/day x days to fill $495 $366 Orentas 2000

Drilling Fluid Costs @ $221/bbl $3,094 $1,989 Cost from vendor

 SBF lost with fines

Total Cost per Well, Fines Portion $4,125 $2,712

No. Wells 16 8

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for SBF Wells ($) $65,995 $21,693 87,688

GOM Wells Currently Using OBF and Zero Discharge

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $9,289 Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

days of rental from industry

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $4,356

Container Rental NA Cost from vendor

 ($25/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul) $7,127

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) $62,135

Drilling Fluid Costs $27,808

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $110,715

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $121

No. Wells 0 1

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for OBF Wells ($) $0 $110,715 $110,715 Per-well costs x no. of wells

GOM Wells Currently Using WBF and Zero Discharge

Includes all equipment, labor, and materials;

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) $906,022 $627,810 days of rental from industry

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) $543,102 $387,454 Cost from vendor

Wtd Avg TOTAL Cost Per Well ($) $833,438 $579,739

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $91 $86

No. Wells Fail Limits 1 3

No. Wells 10 25

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for WBF Wells ($) $906,022 $1,643,075 $2,549,097 Per-well costs x no. of wells

TOTAL ANNUAL GOM Cost for Wells ($) $4,566,588

Percentage WBF Wells Projected to Fail Sheen/Toxicity Limit and Have a Zero Discharge Restriction: 10.73%

Zero Discharge of Fines via Hauling: 

 Disposal Costs @ $10.13/bbl 10.13 See Worksheet 10

 Handling Cost @ $4.75/bbl 4.75 See Worksheet 10

 Container Rental @ $25/box/day 25 Orentas 2000

Number boxes 2 2

Number days to fil and haul 9.90 7.31

 SedTox Test 575

A-44
Worksheet No. 16

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Zero Discharge (BAT 3 Technology)

New Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Zero-Discharge via Haul and Land-Dispose

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-water Development

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste SBF (OBF) cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF (OBF) lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste OBF (SBF) cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls OBF (SBF) lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD SWD

GOM Wells Using SBF Assumed to Switch to OBF Under Zero Discharge

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $14,050 $9,289 Average of $9.50 and $10.75, quoted

from vendors

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $6,588 $4,356 Vendor quote; includes crains, labor, trucks

to landfill, etc.

Container Rental

 ($25/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul) $14,603 $7,127 Vendor cost estimate; 39 boxes estimated capacity required

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) $84,150 $62,135 Vendors

Drilling Fluid Costs $42,028 $27,808 Vendor quote

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $161,419 $110,715

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/bbl) $176 $121

GOM Wells Using SBF Assumed to Retain SBF Under Zero Discharge

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $14,050 $9,289 Average of $9.50 and $10.75, quoted

from vendors

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $6,588 $4,356 Vendor quote; includes crains, labor, trucks

to landfill, etc.

Container Rental Vendor cost estimate; 39 boxes estimated capacity required

 ($25/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul) $14,603 $7,127

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) $84,150 $62,135 Vendors

Drilling Fluid Costs $117,572 $77,792 Vendor quote

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $221/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $236,963 $160,699

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/bbl) $171 $175

GOM Wells Using WBF Assumed to Retain WBF Under Zero Discharge

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $102,495 $75,681 Average of $9.50 and $10.75, quoted

from vendors

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $48,061 $35,487 Vendor quote; includes crains, labor, trucks

to landfill, etc.

Container Rental Vendor cost estimate; 39 boxes estimated capacity required

 ($25/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul) $213,124 $116,198

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) $168,300 $124,270 Vendors

Drilling Fluid Costs $374,042 $276,174 Vendor quote

 (WBF lost with cuttings @ $45/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $906,022 $627,810

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/bbl) $90 $84

A-45
Worksheet No. 17

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Zero Discharge (BAT 3 Technology)

New Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Zero-Discharge via On-site Grinding and Injection

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-water Development

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste SBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste OBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD SWD Information below is detailed in

GOM Wells Using SBF Assumed to Switch to OBF Under Zero Discharge

Onsite Injection System @ $4280/day $ 55,640 Includes all equipment, labor, and services; vacuum

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig, thus system used to transport cuttings

 rental days = 2.5 x drilling days) NA

Drilling Fluid Costs $ 27,808 Cost from vendor

 (OBF lost with cuttings @ $79/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $ 83,448

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/bbl) $ 91

GOM Wells Using SBF Assumed to Retain SBF Under Zero Discharge

Onsite Injection System @ $4280/day $ 55,640 Includes all equipment, labor, and services; vacuum

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig) system used to transport cuttings

NA

Drilling Fluid Costs $ 77,792 Cost from vendor

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $221/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $ 133,432

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/bbl) $ 146

GOM Wells Using WBF Assumed to Retain WBF Under Zero Discharge

Onsite Injection System @ $4280/day $ 169,060 $ 111,280 Includes all equipment, labor, and services; vacuum

 (drilling days = 40% of time on rig) system used to transport cuttings

Drilling Fluid Costs $ 374,042 $ 276,174 Cost from vendor

 (SBF lost with cuttings @ $45/bbl)

TOTAL Cost per Model Well ($) $ 543,102 $ 387,454

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/bbl) $ 54 $ 52

Drilling days 7.9 5.2

 drilling days = 40% of time on rig 0.4 0.4

Onsite Injection System, /day 4280 4280

A-46
Worksheet No. 18

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$): Zero Discharge (BAT 3 Technology)

New Sources; Gulf of Mexico

Technology: Deep- and 80% Shallow-water Wells Haul & Land-Dispose; 20% Shallow Inject

Model Well Types: Deep- and Shallow-water Development

Per-Well Waste Volumes:

Deep-water Development: 1,387 bbls waste SBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

532 bbls SBF lost with cuttings

Shallow-water Development: 917 bbls waste OBF cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

352 bbls OBF lost with cuttings

Cost Item DWD SWD TOTAL Notes

GOM Wells Using SBF Assumed to Switch to OBF Under Zero Discharge

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) 161,419 110,715 From Worksheet No. 3

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) NA 83,448 From Worksheet No. 4

Weighted Average Per Well Cost ($/well) 161,419 105,262 Assumes 80% of shallow water sells haul,

Weighted Average Unit Cost ($/bbl) 116 115

No. Wells 8 7

SUBTOTAL ANNUAL GOM ZD COST ($) 1,291,352 747,739 2,039,092

GOM Wells Using SBF Assumed to Retain SBF Under Zero Discharge

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) 236,963 160,699 From Worksheet No. 3

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) NA 133,432

Weighted Average Per Well Cost ($/well) 236,963 155,246 Assumes 100% of deep water wells haul

Weighted Average Unit Cost ($/bbl) 171 146

No. Wells 3 0

SUBTOTAL ANNUAL GOM ZD COST ($) 710,889 0 710,889

GOM Wells Using WBF Assumed to Retain WBF Under Zero Discharge

Unit Cost to Haul and Dispose ($/well) 906,022 627,810 From Worksheet No. 3

Unit Cost to Grind and Inject ($/well) 543,102 387,454

Weighted Average Per Well Cost ($/well) 833,438 579,739 Assumes 100% of deep water wells haul

Weighted Average Unit Cost ($/bbl) 91 86

No. Wells Fail Limits 2 3

No. Wells 15 27

SUBTOTAL ANNUAL GOM ZD COST ($) 1,812,044 1,643,075 3,455,119

Total Annual GOM Costs for Zero Discharge ($) 6,205,100

A-47
Worksheet No. 19

Compliance Cost Estimates (1999$), Small Volume SBF Wastes

BAT Option (Zero Discharge)

[ Estimated Small-Volume Waste Amount per well = 75 bbls ]

Existing Sources New Sources Total Existing & New Sources

BAT BAT BAT

Cost Item Cost Baseline 1 & 2 BAT 3 Baseline 1 & 2 BAT 3 Baseline 1 & 2 BAT 3

GOM

(Costs from Wksht No. 10)

Disposal cost @ $10.13/bbl $760

Handling cost @ 4.75/bbl $356

Container rental @ $25/25-bbl box/day $105

Cost Per Well $1,221

Total Number of Wells 201 264 11 20 24 3 221 288 14

Total Regional Cost $245,421 $322,344 $13,431 $24,420 $29,304 $3,663 $269,841 $351,648 $17,094

CALIFORNIA

(no longer applicable: no SBF wells)

Disposal cost @ $12.47/bbl $935

Handling cost @ $5.86/bbl $440

Container Rental @ $40/25-bbl box/day $120

Trucking cost @ $354/50-bbl truckload $708

Cost Per Well $2,203

Total Number of Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total Regional Cost $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

COOK INLET (not applicable; wastes

 injected onsite, no add'l cost)

Disposal cost @ $540 per 8-bbl box $5,400

8-bbl box purchase cost @ $135/box $1,350

Trucking cost @ $1,944 per 8-box truckload $3,888

Cost Per Well $10,638

Total Number of Wells 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total Regional Cost $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

 Total Annual Cost $245,421 $322,344 $13,431 $24,420 $29,304 $3,663 $269,841 $351,648 $17,094

A-48
Worksheet No. 20:

WBF Upper Bound (10.73%) Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells

(Costs incurred only if WBF wells are projected to fail toxicity of sheen limits)

WBF Disposal Analysis

 WBF Waste Volumes (per ODD data)

Deep-water Devel 1,901 bbls cuttings 

8,217 bbls WBF discharged

Deep-water Explor 4,376 bbls cuttings 

18,916 bbls WBF discharged

Shallow-water Develop 1,404 bbls cuttings 

6,067 bbls WBF discharged

Shallow-water Explor 2,723 bbls cuttings 

11,769 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Disposal Analysis

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Disposal Cost ($10.13/bbl) $102,495 $235,948 $75,681 $146,804

Handling Cost ($4.75/bbl) $48,061 $110,637 $35,487 $68,837

Container Rental $213,124 $1,129,414 $116,198 $437,227

x WBF days to fill and haul

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day) $168,300 $387,430 $124,270 $241,060

x WBF days to fill and haul

Drilling Fluid Costs $374,042 $861,066.00 $276,174 $535,732

TOTAL Cost / Model Well ($) $906,022 $2,724,495 $627,810 $1,429,659

5.00% adherent drilling fluid

$45.00 per bbl, WBF

A-49
Worksheet No. 21: Baseline Current Practice (BPT), Existing Sources, California

WBF Upper Bound (10.73%) Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells

(Costs incurred only if WBF wells are projected to fail their toxicity or sheen limits)

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) DWD 1,901 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) DWD 8,217 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) DWE 4,376 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) DWE 18,916 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) SWD 1,404 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) SWD 6,067 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) SWE 2,723 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) SWE 11,769 bbls WBF discharged

% WBF wells projected to fail toxicity and/or /sheen limitations 10.73%

WBF HAUL & LAND DISPOSE COSTS DWD DWE SWD SWE

Disposal Cost ($ 8.41/bbl) $85,123 $195,957 $62,855 $121,922

Handling Cost ($ 3.95/bbl) $40,008 $92,100 $29,542 $57,304

Container Rental $341,352 $1,804,968 $186,551 $703,328

 ($40/box/day * "x" boxes* "y" days to fill & haul)

Supply Boat Cost ($8,500/day x days to fill and haul) $168,300 $387,430 $124,270 $241,060

Trucking Cost ($354/truck load) $76,582 $175,855 $56,727 $109,909

Drilling Fluid Costs $728,496 $1,677,024 $537,912 $1,043,424

 (WBF lost with cuttings @ $72/bbl)

No. Wells 0 0 3 2

Total Cost / WBF Well (Haul) $1,439,861 $4,333,333 $997,860 $2,276,949

No. Wells Fail Limits 0 0 0 0

TOTAL CA WBF Haul & Land Dispose Costs $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Unit Costs DWD DWE SWD SWE

bbl waste,OBF 1,387 3,085 917 1,921

no. bxx waste,OBF 59 131 39 82

bbl/bx 23.5 23.5 23.5 23.4

bbl WBF, tot 10,118 23,292 7,471 14,492

bxx WBF 431 990 319 620

Days to fill & haul , WBF 19.8 45.58 14.62 28.36

Container Rental $40 $40 $40 $40

bx/trk 2 2 2 2

no trks 216 496 160 310

cost/truck $355 $355 $355 $355

WBF cost (+CA multiplier, 1.6) $72.00 $72.00 $72.00 $72.00

A-50
Worksheet No. 21A: Baseline Current Practice (BPT), Existing Sources, California

WBF Upper Bound (10.73%) Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells

(Costs incurred only if WBF wells are projected to fail their toxicity or sheen limits)

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) DWD 1,901 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) DWD 8,217 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) DWE 4,376 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) DWE 18,916 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) SWD 1,404 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) SWD 6,067 bbls WBF discharged

WBF Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) SWE 2,723 bbls waste cuttings 

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/well (from ODD) SWE 11,769 bbls WBF discharged

% WBF wells projected to fail toxicity and/or /sheen limitations 10.73%

WBF GRIND & INJECT COSTS DWD DWE SWD SWE

Onsite Injection System @ $4280/day $299,600 $135,248 $89,024 $186,608

x rental days x CA geographic multiplier 

Drilling Fluid Costs $728,496 $1,677,024 $537,912 $1,043,424

Total Cost / WBF Well (Grind & Inject) $1,028,096 $1,812,272 $626,936 $1,230,032

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $102 $78 $84 $0

No. Wells Fail Limits 0 0 0 0

No. Wells 0 0 1 1

TOTAL CA WBF Grind & Inject Costs $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Unit Costs DWD DWE SWD SWE

Onsite Inject System $4,280 $4,280 $4,280 $4,280

Drilling days 17.5 7.9 5.2 10.9

Drilling days :Operating Days 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

Rental Days 43.8 19.8 13.0 27.3

Geographic multiplier 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6

WBF Drilling Fluid $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00

bbl WBF Lost to Disposal 10,118 23,292 7,471 14,492

lb/bbl wet cuttings (cuttings + 5% df) 566

lb/bbl WBF 461

Disposal Cost ($ 8.41/bbl) $85,123 $195,957 $62,855 $121,922

WBDrilling Fluid + Cuttings, bbl/well (from ODD) 10,118 23,292 7,471 14,492

A-51
Worksheet No. 22A: BPT, Existing Sources, Alaska

WBF Upper Bound (10.73%) Analysis for Zero Discharge Wells

(Costs incurred only if WBF wells are projected to fail their toxicity or sheen limits)

WBDrilling Fluid, bbl/day (from ODD) 

SWD 1,404 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

SWD 6,067 bbls WBF discharged

SWE 2,723 bbls waste cuttings (0.2% crude contamination)

SWE 11,769 bbls WBF discharged

WBF DISPOSAL ANALYSIS

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Onsite Injection System NA NA $222,560 $466,520 2x factor for 

 @ $8560/day increased drilling 

time for WBF 

compared to

OBF/SBF

Drilling Fluid Cost $27,302 $52,961

Total Cost / Model Well $249,862 $519,481

Unit Cost ($/bbl) $178 $191

No. Wells 3 1

No. Wells Fail Limts 0 0

Onsite Injection System $0 $0

 @ $8560/day

Total Annual Baseline WBF $0

Cook Inlet Cost($)

5.00% adherent fluid

$90.00 /bbl, AK WBF

GOM WBF $45.00

AK:GOM multiplier 2

% WBF wells projected to fail toxicity and/or /sheen limitations 10.73%

A-52
WORKSHEET 23: 

WBF COST ADJUSTMENTS TO BAT 1 AND BAT 2 EXISTING SOURCE OPTIONS

REDUCTION IN RIG TIME-ASSOCIATED COSTS

DWD DWE SWD SWE Totals

No. days, SBF interval 7.9 17.5 5.2 10.9

WBF-to-SBF drilling efficiency 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

Estimated days to drill, WBF 15.8 35.0 10.4 21.8

Additional days required to drill, WBF 7.9 17.5 5.2 10.9

Projected no. WBF > SBF wells (BAT 1,2) 1 2 32 19

Estimated drilling day reductions 8 35 166 207

Estimated average daily rig cost $80,000 $80,000 $80,000 $80,000

Estimated rig-time cost reductions, per well type $640,000 $2,800,000 $13,280,000 $16,560,000

Total estimated WBF zero discharge disposal costs, per well type $33,280,000

COST OF DISCHARGED WBF

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Estimated days to drill, WBF 15.8 35.0 10.4 21.8

Average daily WBF discharge rate, bbl /day 415 415 415 415

Projected no. WBF > SBF wells (BAT 1,2) 1 2 32 19

Estimated drilling day reductions 15.8 70 332.8 414.2

Average daily WBF discharge rate, bbl /day 415 415 415 415

Estimated WBF discharge, bbl 6,557 29,050 138,112 171,893

Estimated average WBF cost, per bbl $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00

Estimated WBF discharge costs, per well type $295,065 $1,307,250 $6,215,040 $7,735,185

Total estimated WBF zero discharge disposal cost $15,552,540

ZERO DISCHARGE COSTS, WBF WELLS PROJECTED TO FAIL

PERMIT LIMITS AND REQUIRE ZERO DISCHARGE

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Projected no. WBF > SBF wells (BAT 1,2) 1 2 32 19

% WBF wells failing permit limits 10.73% 10.73% 10.73% 10.73%

Estimated WBF wells requiring zero discharge 0 0 3 2

haul 0 0 2 2

inject 0 0 1 0

Estimated zero discharge cost per well

haul $906,022 $2,724,495 $627,810 $1,429,659

inject $543,102 $1,235,566 $387,454 $768,992

Estimated zero discharge cost per well hauled $0 $0 $1,255,620 $2,859,318

Estimated zero discharge cost per well injected $0 $0 $387,454 $0

Estimated WBF zero discharge disposal costs, per well type $0 $0 $1,643,074 $2,859,318

Total estimated WBF zero discharge disposal costs, $4,502,392

Total estimated WBF cost adjustments $53,334,932

A-53
WORKSHEET 23A: 

WBF COST ADJUSTMENTS TO BAT 1 AND BAT 2 NEW SOURCE OPTIONS

REDUCTION IN RIG TIME-ASSOCIATED COSTS

DWD DWE SWD SWE Totals

No. days, SBF interval 7.9 17.5 5.2 10.9

WBF-to-SBF drilling efficiency 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

Estimated days to drill, WBF 15.8 35.0 10.4 21.8

Additional days required to drill, WBF 7.9 17.5 5.2 10.9

Projected no. WBF > SBF wells (BAT 1,2) 1 0 2 0

Estimated drilling day reductions 8 0 10 0

Estimated average daily rig cost $80,000 $80,000 $80,000 $80,000

Estimated rig-time cost reductions, per well type $640,000 $0 $800,000 $0

Total estimated WBF zero discharge disposal costs, per well type $1,440,000

COST OF DISCHARGED WBF

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Estimated days to drill, WBF 15.8 35.0 10.4 21.8

Average daily WBF discharge rate, bbl /day 415 415 415 415

Projected no. WBF > SBF wells (BAT 1,2) 1 0 2 0

Estimated drilling day reductions 15.8 0 20.8 0

Average daily WBF discharge rate, bbl /day 415 415 415 415

Estimated WBF discharge, bbl 6,557 0 8,632 0

Estimated average WBF cost, per bbl $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00

Estimated WBF discharge costs, per well type $295,065 $0 $388,440 $0

Total estimated WBF zero discharge disposal cost $683,505

ZERO DISCHARGE COSTS, WBF WELLS PROJECTED TO FAIL

PERMIT LIMITS AND REQUIRE ZERO DISCHARGE

DWD DWE SWD SWE

Projected no. WBF > SBF wells (BAT 1,2) 1 0 2 0

% WBF wells failing permit limits 10.73% 10.73% 10.73% 10.73%

Estimated WBF wells requiring zero discharge 0 0 0 0

haul 0 0 0 0

inject 0 0 0 0

Estimated zero discharge cost per well

haul $906,022 $2,724,495 $627,810 $1,429,659

inject $543,102 $1,235,566 $387,454 $768,992

Estimated zero discharge cost per well hauled $0 $0 $0 $0

Estimated zero discharge cost per well injected $0 $0 $0 $0

Estimated WBF zero discharge disposal costs, per well type $0 $0 $0 $0

Total estimated WBF zero discharge disposal costs, $0

Total estimated WBF cost adjustments $2,123,505

A-54
A-55

APPENDIX VIII-3

(Deleted)
A-56

APPENDIX VIII-4

Pollutant Loadings (Removals) Worksheets
WORKSHEET No. 1:

Deep Water Development Model Well

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: DWD Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 778,050

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 533

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per DWD 

Model OBF Well

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 101,357.9 0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 313.0 0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 101,670.9 0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 71,166.2 0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 778,050.0 0

TSS (total) 849,216.2 0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 950,887.1 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.5347 0

Fluorene 0.2916 0

Phenanthrene 0.6917 0

Phenol 0.0019 0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 1.5199 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0783 0

Mercury 0.0071 0

Antimony 0.4056 0

Arsenic 0.5053 0

Berylium 0.0498 0

Chromium 17.0799 0

Copper 1.3308 0

Lead 2.4979 0

Nickel 0.9607 0

Selenium 0.0783 0

Silver 0.0498 0

Thallium 0.0854 0

Zinc 14.2688 0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 37.3978 0.0

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: DWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per DWD 

Model OBF Well

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 645.4704 0

Barium 41845.7278 0

Iron 1091.9956 0

Tin 1.0390 0

Titanium 6.2270 0

Alkylated benzenes 3.0099 0

Alkylated naphthalenes 28.2970 0

Alkylated fluorenes 3.4063 0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 4.3036 0

Alkylated phenols 0.0166 0

Total biphenyls 5.5936 0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.2384 0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 43,635.3 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 994,561.4 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-57
BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: DWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 778,050

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 180.5

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 34,296.1 67,061.8 (34,296.1)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 105.9 207.1 (105.9)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 34,402.0 67,268.9 (34,402.0)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 24,080.3 47,085.9 (24,080.3)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 778,050.0 0.0 (778,050.0)

TSS (total) 802,130.3 47,085.9 (802,130.3)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 836,532.3 114,354.8 (836,532.3)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.1809 0.3537 (0.1809)

Fluorene 0.0987 0.1930 (0.0987)

Phenanthrene 0.2341 0.4576 (0.2341)

Phenol 0.0006 0.0012 (0.0006)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.5143 1.0056 (0.5143)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0265 0.0518 (0.0265)

Mercury 0.0024 0.0047 (0.0024)

Antimony 0.1373 0.2684 (0.1373)

Arsenic 0.1710 0.3343 (0.1710)

Berylium 0.0169 0.0330 (0.0169)

Chromium 5.7793 11.3006 (5.7793)

Copper 0.4503 0.8805 (0.4503)

Lead 0.8452 1.6527 (0.8452)

Nickel 0.3251 0.6357 (0.3251)

Selenium 0.0265 0.0518 (0.0265)

Silver 0.0169 0.0330 (0.0169)

Thallium 0.0289 0.0565 (0.0289)

Zinc 4.8281 9.4407 (4.8281)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 12.6542 24.7437 (12.6542)

BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: DWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 218.4055 427.0648 (218.4055)

Barium 14159.1918 27,686.5360 (14,159.1918)

Iron 369.4947 722.5009 (369.4947)

Tin 0.3516 0.6875 (0.3516)

Titanium 2.1070 4.1200 (2.1070)

Alkylated benzenes 1.0185 1.9914 (1.0185)

Alkylated naphthalenes 9.5756 18.7214 (9.5756)

Alkylated fluorenes 1.1527 2.2536 (1.1527)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 1.4563 2.8473 (1.4563)

Alkylated phenols 0.0056 0.0110 (0.0056)

Total biphenyls 1.8928 3.7007 (1.8928)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.0807 0.1577 (0.0807)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 14,764.7 28,870.6 (14,764.7)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 851,310.2 143,251.2 (851,310.2)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-58
BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: DWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 758,397

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 165.9

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 31,533.7 69,824.2 (31,533.7)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 97.4 215.6 (97.4)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 31,631.1 70,039.8 (31,631.1)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 22,140.7 49,025.5 (22,140.7)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 758,396.9 19,653.1 (758,396.9)

TSS (total) 780,537.6 68,678.7 (780,537.6)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 812,168.6 138,718.5 (812,168.6)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.1663 0.3684 (0.1663)

Fluorene 0.0907 0.2009 (0.0907)

Phenanthrene 0.2151 0.4766 (0.2151)

Phenol 0.0006 0.0013 (0.0006)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.4727 1.0472 (0.4727)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0244 0.0539 (0.0244)

Mercury 0.0022 0.0049 (0.0022)

Antimony 0.1262 0.2794 (0.1262)

Arsenic 0.1572 0.3481 (0.1572)

Berylium 0.0155 0.0343 (0.0155)

Chromium 5.3138 11.7661 (5.3138)

Copper 0.4140 0.9168 (0.4140)

Lead 0.7771 1.7208 (0.7771)

Nickel 0.2989 0.6618 (0.2989)

Selenium 0.0244 0.0539 (0.0244)

Silver 0.0155 0.0343 (0.0155)

Thallium 0.0266 0.0588 (0.0266)

Zinc 4.4392 9.8296 (4.4392)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 11.6349 25.8 (11.6349)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: DWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 200.8139 444.6565 (200.8139)

Barium 13018.7269 28,827.0009 (13,018.7269)

Iron 339.7334 752.2622 (339.7334)

Tin 0.3233 0.7158 (0.3233)

Titanium 1.9373 4.2897 (1.9373)

Alkylated benzenes 0.9362 2.0738 (0.9362)

Alkylated naphthalenes 8.8010 19.4959 (8.8010)

Alkylated fluorenes 1.0594 2.3468 (1.0594)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 1.3385 2.9651 (1.3385)

Alkylated phenols 0.0052 0.0114 (0.0052)

Total biphenyls 1.7397 3.8538 (1.7397)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.0741 0.1642 (0.0741)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 13575.5 30,059.8 (13,575.5)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 825,756.2 168,805.1 (825,756.2)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-59
Zero Discharge Option Model Well: DWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 778,050

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 533.4

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 0 101,357.9 0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 0 313.0 0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 0 101,670.9 0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 0 71,166.2 0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 0 778,050.0 0

TSS (total) 0 849,216.2 0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 0.0 950,887.1 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0 0.5347 0

Fluorene 0 0.2916 0

Phenanthrene 0 0.6917 0

Phenol 0 0.0019 0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.0 1.5199 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0 0.0783 0

Mercury 0 0.0071 0

Antimony 0 0.4056 0

Arsenic 0 0.5053 0

Berylium 0 0.0498 0

Chromium 0 17.0799 0

Copper 0 1.3308 0

Lead 0 2.4979 0

Nickel 0 0.9607 0

Selenium 0 0.0783 0

Silver 0 0.0498 0

Thallium 0 0.0854 0

Zinc 0 14.2688 0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 0.0 37.4 0.0

Zero Discharge Option Model Well: DWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 0 645.4704 0

Barium 0 41,845.7278 0

Iron 0 1,091.9956 0

Tin 0 1.0390 0

Titanium 0 6.2270 0

Alkylated benzenes 0 3.0099 0

Alkylated naphthalenes 0 28.2970 0

Alkylated fluorenes 0 3.4063 0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 0 4.3036 0

Alkylated phenols 0 0.0166 0

Total biphenyls 0 5.5936 0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0 0.2384 0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 0.0 43,635.3 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 0.0 994,561.4 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-60
WORKSHEET No. 2:

Deep Water Exploratory Model Well

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: DWE Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,729,910

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 1186

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 225,358.4 0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 695.9 0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 226,054.3 0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 158,230.4 0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 1,729,910.0 0

TSS (total) 1,888,140.4 0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 2,114,194.6 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 1.1887 0

Fluorene 0.6484 0

Phenanthrene 1.5379 0

Phenol 0.0042 0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 3.3792 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.1741 0

Mercury 0.0158 0

Antimony 0.9019 0

Arsenic 1.1234 0

Berylium 0.1108 0

Chromium 37.9753 0

Copper 2.9589 0

Lead 5.5539 0

Nickel 2.1361 0

Selenium 0.1741 0

Silver 0.1108 0

Thallium 0.1899 0

Zinc 31.7252 0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 83.1501 0.0

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: DWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 1435.1335 0

Barium 93039.4487 0

Iron 2427.9340 0

Tin 2.3102 0

Titanium 13.8452 0

Alkylated benzenes 6.6919 0

Alkylated naphthalenes 62.9122 0

Alkylated fluorenes 7.5731 0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 9.5682 0

Alkylated phenols 0.0369 0

Total biphenyls 12.4361 0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.5300 0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 97,018.4 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 2,211,299.6 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-61
BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: DWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,729,910

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 401.3

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 76,253.7 149,104.7 (76,253.7)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 235.5 460.4 (235.5)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 76,489.2 149,565.1 (76,489.2)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 53,539.8 104,690.5 (53,539.8)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 1,729,910.0 0.0 (1,729,910.0)

TSS (total) 1,783,449.8 104,690.5 (1,783,449.8)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 1,859,939.0 254,255.6 (1,859,939.0)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.4023 0.7865 (0.4023)

Fluorene 0.2194 0.4290 (0.2194)

Phenanthrene 0.5204 1.0175 (0.5204)

Phenol 0.0014 0.0028 (0.0014)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 1.1435 2.2357 (1.1435)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0589 0.1152 (0.0589)

Mercury 0.0054 0.0105 (0.0054)

Antimony 0.3052 0.5967 (0.3052)

Arsenic 0.3801 0.7433 (0.3801)

Berylium 0.0375 0.0733 (0.0375)

Chromium 12.8496 25.1257 (12.8496)

Copper 1.0012 1.9577 (1.0012)

Lead 1.8792 3.6746 (1.8792)

Nickel 0.7228 1.4133 (0.7228)

Selenium 0.0589 0.1152 (0.0589)

Silver 0.0375 0.0733 (0.0375)

Thallium 0.0642 0.1256 (0.0642)

Zinc 10.7347 20.9904 (10.7347)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 28.1352 55.0149 (28.1352)

BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: DWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 485.6011 949.5324 (485.6011)

Barium 31481.4312 61,558.0175 (31,481.4312)

Iron 821.5315 1,606.4025 (821.5315)

Tin 0.7817 1.5285 (0.7817)

Titanium 4.6847 9.1604 (4.6847)

Alkylated benzenes 2.2645 4.4274 (2.2645)

Alkylated naphthalenes 21.2890 41.6232 (21.2890)

Alkylated fluorenes 2.5627 5.0104 (2.5627)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 3.2378 6.3304 (3.2378)

Alkylated phenols 0.0125 0.0244 (0.0125)

Total biphenyls 4.2083 8.2278 (4.2083)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.1793 0.3506 (0.1793)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 32,827.8 64,190.6 (32,827.8)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 1,892,796.1 318,503.5 (1,892,796.1)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-62
BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: DWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,686,213

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 368.9

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 70,111.8 155,246.6 (70,111.8)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 216.5 479.4 (216.5)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 70,328.3 155,726.0 (70,328.3)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 49,227.4 109,002.9 (49,227.4)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 1,686,213.4 43,696.6 (1,686,213.4)

TSS (total) 1,735,440.8 152,699.6 (1,735,440.8)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 1,805,769.1 308,425.5 (1,805,769.1)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.3698 0.8190 (0.3698)

Fluorene 0.2017 0.4467 (0.2017)

Phenanthrene 0.4784 1.0595 (0.4784)

Phenol 0.0013 0.0029 (0.0013)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 1.0512 2.3280 (1.0512)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0542 0.1199 (0.0542)

Mercury 0.0049 0.0109 (0.0049)

Antimony 0.2806 0.6213 (0.2806)

Arsenic 0.3495 0.7739 (0.3495)

Berylium 0.0345 0.0763 (0.0345)

Chromium 11.8146 26.1607 (11.8146)

Copper 0.9206 2.0384 (0.9206)

Lead 1.7279 3.8260 (1.7279)

Nickel 0.6646 1.4715 (0.6646)

Selenium 0.0542 0.1199 (0.0542)

Silver 0.0345 0.0763 (0.0345)

Thallium 0.0591 0.1308 (0.0591)

Zinc 9.8701 21.8551 (9.8701)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 25.8690 57.3 (25.8690)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: DWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 446.4879 988.6456 (446.4879)

Barium 28945.7308 64,093.7179 (28,945.7308)

Iron 755.3605 1,672.5735 (755.3605)

Tin 0.7187 1.5914 (0.7187)

Titanium 4.3074 9.5378 (4.3074)

Alkylated benzenes 2.0817 4.6102 (2.0817)

Alkylated naphthalenes 19.5702 43.3420 (19.5702)

Alkylated fluorenes 2.3558 5.2173 (2.3558)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 2.9764 6.5918 (2.9764)

Alkylated phenols 0.0115 0.0254 (0.0115)

Total biphenyls 3.8685 8.5676 (3.8685)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.1649 0.3651 (0.1649)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 30183.6 66,834.8 (30,183.6)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 1,835,979.7 375,319.9 (1,835,979.7)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-63
Zero Discharge Option Model Well: DWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,729,910

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 1185.9

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 0 225,358.4 0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 0 695.9 0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 0 226,054.3 0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 0 158,230.4 0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 0 1,729,910.0 0

TSS (total) 0 1,888,140.4 0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 0.0 2,114,194.6 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0 1.1887 0

Fluorene 0 0.6484 0

Phenanthrene 0 1.5379 0

Phenol 0 0.0042 0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.0 3.3792 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0 0.1741 0

Mercury 0 0.0158 0

Antimony 0 0.9019 0

Arsenic 0 1.1234 0

Berylium 0 0.1108 0

Chromium 0 37.9753 0

Copper 0 2.9589 0

Lead 0 5.5539 0

Nickel 0 2.1361 0

Selenium 0 0.1741 0

Silver 0 0.1108 0

Thallium 0 0.1899 0

Zinc 0 31.7252 0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 0.0 83.2 0.0

Zero Discharge Option Model Well: DWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

DWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per DWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 0 1,435.1335 0

Barium 0 93,039.4487 0

Iron 0 2,427.9340 0

Tin 0 2.3102 0

Titanium 0 13.8452 0

Alkylated benzenes 0 6.6919 0

Alkylated naphthalenes 0 62.9122 0

Alkylated fluorenes 0 7.5731 0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 0 9.5682 0

Alkylated phenols 0 0.0369 0

Total biphenyls 0 12.4361 0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0 0.5300 0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 0.0 97,018.4 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 0.0 2,211,299.6 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-64
WORKSHEET No. 3:

Shallow Water Development Model Well

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: SWD Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 514,150

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 353

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per SWD 

Model OBF Well

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 66,979.2 0.0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 206.8 0.0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 67,186.0 0.0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 47,028.0 0.0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 514,150.0 0.0

TSS (total) 561,178.0 0.0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 628,364.0 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.3533 0.0

Fluorene 0.1927 0.0

Phenanthrene 0.4571 0.0

Phenol 0.0012 0.0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 1.0045 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0517 0.0

Mercury 0.0047 0.0

Antimony 0.2681 0.0

Arsenic 0.3339 0.0

Berylium 0.0329 0.0

Chromium 11.2867 0.0

Copper 0.8794 0.0

Lead 1.6507 0.0

Nickel 0.6349 0.0

Selenium 0.0517 0.0

Silver 0.0329 0.0

Thallium 0.0564 0.0

Zinc 9.4291 0.0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 24.71 0.0

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: SWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per SWD 

Model OBF Well

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 426.5 0.0

Barium 27,652 0.0

Iron 721.6 0.0

Tin 0.6866 0.0

Titanium 4.1149 0.0

Alkylated benzenes 1.9891 0.0

Alkylated naphthalenes 18.7002 0.0

Alkylated fluorenes 2.2510 0.0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 2.8441 0.0

Alkylated phenols 0.0110 0.0

Total biphenyls 3.6965 0.0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.1575 0.0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 28,835 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 628,364 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-65
BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: SWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 514,150

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 119.3

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 22,663.5 44,315.7 (22,663.5)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 70.0 136.8 (70.0)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 22,733.5 44,452.5 (22,733.5)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 15,912.7 31,115.3 (15,912.7)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 514,150.0 0.0 (514,150.0)

TSS (total) 530,062.7 31,115.3 (530,062.7)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this value 

used in subsequent eng./nwqi/ea/econ. 

modeling) 552,796.2 75,567.8 (552,796.2)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.1196 0.2338 (0.1196)

Fluorene 0.0652 0.1275 (0.0652)

Phenanthrene 0.1547 0.3024 (0.1547)

Phenol 0.0004 0.0008 (0.0004)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.3399 0.6645 (0.3399)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0175 0.0342 (0.0175)

Mercury 0.0016 0.0031 (0.0016)

Antimony 0.0907 0.1774 (0.0907)

Arsenic 0.1130 0.2209 (0.1130)

Berylium 0.0111 0.0218 (0.0111)

Chromium 3.8190 7.4677 (3.8190)

Copper 0.2976 0.5819 (0.2976)

Lead 0.5585 1.0921 (0.5585)

Nickel 0.2148 0.4201 (0.2148)

Selenium 0.0175 0.0342 (0.0175)

Silver 0.0111 0.0218 (0.0111)

Thallium 0.0191 0.0373 (0.0191)

Zinc 3.1905 6.2386 (3.1905)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 8.3621 16.3511 (8.3621)

BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: SWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 144.3265 282.2124 (144.3265)

Barium 9356.6589 18,295.7811 (9,356.6589)

Iron 244.1690 477.4421 (244.1690)

Tin 0.2323 0.4543 (0.2323)

Titanium 1.3924 2.7226 (1.3924)

Alkylated benzenes 0.6732 1.3159 (0.6732)

Alkylated naphthalenes 6.3289 12.3713 (6.3289)

Alkylated fluorenes 0.7618 1.4892 (0.7618)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 0.9625 1.8815 (0.9625)

Alkylated phenols 0.0037 0.0073 (0.0037)

Total biphenyls 1.2511 2.4455 (1.2511)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.0533 0.1042 (0.0533)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 9,756.8 19,078.2 (9,756.8)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 552,796.2 94,663.1 (562,561.7)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-66
BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: SWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 501,163

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 109.7

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 20,838.1 46,141.1 (20,838.1)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 64.3 142.5 (64.3)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 20,902.4 46,283.6 (20,902.4)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 14,631.0 32,397.0 (14,631.0)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 501,162.8 12,987.2 (501,162.8)

TSS (total) 515,793.8 45,384.1 (515,793.8)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this value 

used in subsequent eng./nwqi/ea/econ. 

modeling) 536,696.2 91,667.8 (536,696.2)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.1100 0.2434 (0.1100)

Fluorene 0.0600 0.1328 (0.0600)

Phenanthrene 0.1423 0.3149 (0.1423)

Phenol 0.0004 0.0009 (0.0004)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.3126 0.6919 (0.3126)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0161 0.0356 (0.0161)

Mercury 0.0015 0.0032 (0.0015)

Antimony 0.0834 0.1847 (0.0834)

Arsenic 0.1039 0.2300 (0.1039)

Berylium 0.0102 0.0227 (0.0102)

Chromium 3.5114 7.7753 (3.5114)

Copper 0.2736 0.6058 (0.2736)

Lead 0.5135 1.1371 (0.5135)

Nickel 0.1975 0.4374 (0.1975)

Selenium 0.0161 0.0356 (0.0161)

Silver 0.0102 0.0227 (0.0102)

Thallium 0.0176 0.0389 (0.0176)

Zinc 2.9335 6.4956 (2.9335)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 7.6886 17.0 (7.6886)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: SWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 132.7016 293.8373 (132.7016)

Barium 8603.0184 19,049.4217 (8,603.0184)

Iron 224.5022 497.1089 (224.5022)

Tin 0.2136 0.4730 (0.2136)

Titanium 1.2802 2.8347 (1.2802)

Alkylated benzenes 0.6190 1.3701 (0.6190)

Alkylated naphthalenes 5.8196 12.8806 (5.8196)

Alkylated fluorenes 0.7005 1.5505 (0.7005)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 0.8851 1.9590 (0.8851)

Alkylated phenols 0.0034 0.0076 (0.0034)

Total biphenyls 1.1504 2.5462 (1.1504)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.0490 0.1085 (0.0490)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 8970.9 19,864.1 (8,970.9)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 545,675.2 111,549.6 (545,675.2)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-67
Zero Discharge Option Model Well: SWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 514,150

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 352.5

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 0 66,979.2 0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 0 206.8 0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 0 67,186.0 0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 0 47,028.0 0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 0 514,150.0 0

TSS (total) 0 561,178.0 0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this value 

used in subsequent eng./nwqi/ea/econ. 

modeling) 0.0 628,364.0 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0 0.3533 0

Fluorene 0 0.1927 0

Phenanthrene 0 0.4571 0

Phenol 0 0.0012 0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.0 1.0045 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0 0.0517 0

Mercury 0 0.0047 0

Antimony 0 0.2681 0

Arsenic 0 0.3339 0

Berylium 0 0.0329 0

Chromium 0 11.2867 0

Copper 0 0.8794 0

Lead 0 1.6507 0

Nickel 0 0.6349 0

Selenium 0 0.0517 0

Silver 0 0.0329 0

Thallium 0 0.0564 0

Zinc 0 9.4291 0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 0.0 24.7 0.0

Zero Discharge Option Model Well: SWD

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWD Model OBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option 

Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 0 426.5389 0

Barium 0 27,652.4400 0

Iron 0 721.6111 0

Tin 0 0.6866 0

Titanium 0 4.1149 0

Alkylated benzenes 0 1.9891 0

Alkylated naphthalenes 0 18.7002 0

Alkylated fluorenes 0 2.2510 0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 0 2.8441 0

Alkylated phenols 0 0.0110 0

Total biphenyls 0 3.6965 0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0 0.1575 0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 0.0 28,835.0 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 0.0 657,224.8 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-68
WORKSHEET No. 4:

Shallow Water Exploratory Model Well

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: SWE Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,077,440

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 739

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 140,360.0 0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 433.4 0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 140,793.4 0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 98,550.6 0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 1,077,440.0 0

TSS (total) 1,175,990.6 0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 1,316,784.0 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.7404 0

Fluorene 0.4038 0

Phenanthrene 0.9578 0

Phenol 0.0026 0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 2.1046 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.1084 0

Mercury 0.0099 0

Antimony 0.5617 0

Arsenic 0.6997 0

Berylium 0.0690 0

Chromium 23.6522 0

Copper 1.8429 0

Lead 3.4591 0

Nickel 1.3304 0

Selenium 0.1084 0

Silver 0.0690 0

Thallium 0.1183 0

Zinc 19.7594 0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 51.7884 0.0

BPT Baseline Loadings Model Well: SWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 10.20% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 893.8443 0

Barium 57947.7681 0

Iron 1512.1904 0

Tin 1.4388 0

Titanium 8.6232 0

Alkylated benzenes 4.1678 0

Alkylated naphthalenes 39.1829 0

Alkylated fluorenes 4.7166 0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 5.9592 0

Alkylated phenols 0.0230 0

Total biphenyls 7.7454 0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.3301 0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 60,426.0 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 1,377,263.9 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-69
BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: SWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,077,440

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 249.9

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 47,493.1 92,866.9 (47,493.1)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 146.7 286.8 (146.7)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 47,639.8 93,153.6 (47,639.8)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 33,346.2 65,204.4 (33,346.2)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 1,077,440.0 0.0 (1,077,440.0)

TSS (total) 1,110,786.2 65,204.4 (1,110,786.2)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 1,158,426.0 158,358.0 (1,158,426.0)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.2505 0.4899 (0.2505)

Fluorene 0.1366 0.2672 (0.1366)

Phenanthrene 0.3241 0.6338 (0.3241)

Phenol 0.0009 0.0017 (0.0009)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.7121 1.3926 (0.7121)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0367 0.0717 (0.0367)

Mercury 0.0033 0.0065 (0.0033)

Antimony 0.1901 0.3717 (0.1901)

Arsenic 0.2368 0.4630 (0.2368)

Berylium 0.0233 0.0456 (0.0233)

Chromium 8.0031 15.6491 (8.0031)

Copper 0.6236 1.2193 (0.6236)

Lead 1.1705 2.2887 (1.1705)

Nickel 0.4502 0.8803 (0.4502)

Selenium 0.0367 0.0717 (0.0367)

Silver 0.0233 0.0456 (0.0233)

Thallium 0.0400 0.0782 (0.0400)

Zinc 6.6859 13.0735 (6.6859)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 17.5234 34.2649 (17.5234)

BAT/NSPS Option 1 Loadings Model Well: SWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 4.03% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 302.4470 591.3974 (302.4470)

Barium 19607.5826 38,340.1855 (19,607.5826)

Iron 511.6745 1,000.5158 (511.6745)

Tin 0.4869 0.9520 (0.4869)

Titanium 2.9178 5.7054 (2.9178)

Alkylated benzenes 1.4102 2.7577 (1.4102)

Alkylated naphthalenes 13.2572 25.9256 (13.2572)

Alkylated fluorenes 1.5958 3.1208 (1.5958)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 2.0163 3.9430 (2.0163)

Alkylated phenols 0.0078 0.0152 (0.0078)

Total biphenyls 2.6206 5.1248 (2.6206)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.1117 0.2184 (0.1117)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 20,446.1 39,979.9 (20,446.1)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 1,178,890.4 198,373.6 (1,178,890.4)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-70
BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: SWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,050,224

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 229.8

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 43,667.7 96,692.2 (43,667.7)

Total Oil as Formation Oil 134.8 298.6 (134.8)

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 43,802.6 96,990.8 (43,802.6)

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 30,660.3 67,890.3 (30,660.3)

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 1,050,224.4 27,215.6 (1,050,224.4)

TSS (total) 1,080,884.7 95,105.9 (1,080,884.7)

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 1,124,687.3 192,096.7 (1,124,687.3)

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0.2304 0.5100 (0.2304)

Fluorene 0.1256 0.2782 (0.1256)

Phenanthrene 0.2980 0.6598 (0.2980)

Phenol 0.0008 0.0018 (0.0008)

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.6548 1.4498 (0.6548)

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0.0337 0.0747 (0.0337)

Mercury 0.0031 0.0068 (0.0031)

Antimony 0.1748 0.3870 (0.1748)

Arsenic 0.2177 0.4820 (0.2177)

Berylium 0.0215 0.0475 (0.0215)

Chromium 7.3585 16.2937 (7.3585)

Copper 0.5733 1.2695 (0.5733)

Lead 1.0762 2.3829 (1.0762)

Nickel 0.4139 0.9165 (0.4139)

Selenium 0.0337 0.0747 (0.0337)

Silver 0.0215 0.0475 (0.0215)

Thallium 0.0368 0.0815 (0.0368)

Zinc 6.1474 13.6120 (6.1474)

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 16.1120 35.7 (16.1120)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 Loadings Model Well: SWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Discharge Assuming 3.82% (wt) Retention on Discharged Cuttings and

0.2% (vol.) Crude Contamination

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 278.0861 615.7582 (278.0861)

Barium 18028.2721 39,919.4960 (18,028.2721)

Iron 470.4613 1,041.7291 (470.4613)

Tin 0.4476 0.9912 (0.4476)

Titanium 2.6828 5.9404 (2.6828)

Alkylated benzenes 1.2967 2.8711 (1.2967)

Alkylated naphthalenes 12.1909 26.9919 (12.1909)

Alkylated fluorenes 1.4675 3.2492 (1.4675)

Alkylated phenanthrenes 1.8541 4.1051 (1.8541)

Alkylated phenols 0.0071 0.0158 (0.0071)

Total biphenyls 2.4098 5.3356 (2.4098)

Total dibenzothiophenes 0.1027 0.2274 (0.1027)

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 18799.3 41,626.7 (18,799.3)

Total Pollutant Loadings * 1,143,503.4 233,760.5 (1,143,503.4)

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-71
Zero Discharge Option Model Well: SWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Dry Cuttings Generated per Well (lbs) = 1,077,440

Whole Drilling Fluid Discharged per Well (bbl) = 738.6

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Conventional Pollutants

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 0 140,360.0 0

Total Oil as Formation Oil 0 433.4 0

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 0 140,793.4 0

TSS (associated with discharged SBF) 0 98,550.6 0

TSS (associated with dry cuttings) 0 1,077,440.0 0

TSS (total) 0 1,175,990.6 0

Total Conventional Pollutants (this 

value used in subsequent 

eng./nwqi/ea/econ. modeling) 0.0 1,316,784.0 0.0

Priority Pollutant Organics

Naphthalene 0 0.7404 0

Fluorene 0 0.4038 0

Phenanthrene 0 0.9578 0

Phenol 0 0.0026 0

Total Organic Priority Pollutants 0.0 2.1046 0.0

Priority Pollutants, Metals

Cadmium 0 0.1084 0

Mercury 0 0.0099 0

Antimony 0 0.5617 0

Arsenic 0 0.6997 0

Berylium 0 0.0690 0

Chromium 0 23.6522 0

Copper 0 1.8429 0

Lead 0 3.4591 0

Nickel 0 1.3304 0

Selenium 0 0.1084 0

Silver 0 0.0690 0

Thallium 0 0.1183 0

Zinc 0 19.7594 0

Total Metals Priority Pollutants 0.0 51.8 0.0

Zero Discharge Option Model Well: SWE

Existing Sources

Technology = Zero Discharge of All Cuttings Wastes (assuming 10.20% (wt) retention on zero discharged cuttings)

Pollutant Name

Annual Pollutant 

Loadings (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per 

SWE Model SBF Well 

[BPT Load-Option Load]

Annual Pollutant 

Reductions (lbs.) per SWE 

Model OBF Well [BPT 

Load-Option Load]

Non-Conventional Pollutants

Aluminum 0 893.8443 0

Barium 0 57,947.7681 0

Iron 0 1,512.1904 0

Tin 0 1.4388 0

Titanium 0 8.6232 0

Alkylated benzenes 0 4.1678 0

Alkylated naphthalenes 0 39.1829 0

Alkylated fluorenes 0 4.7166 0

Alkylated phenanthrenes 0 5.9592 0

Alkylated phenols 0 0.0230 0

Total biphenyls 0 7.7454 0

Total dibenzothiophenes 0 0.3301 0

Total Non-Conventional Pollutants 0.0 60,426.0 0.0

Total Pollutant Loadings * 0.0 1,377,263.9 0.0

* Sum Total of Conventional, Priority, and Non-Conventional Pollutants

A-72
WORKSHEET 5:

 Gulf of Mexico: Zero Discharge Summary, Existing Sources

Baseline: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 86 51 16 48 201

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 54,039,305 67,155,986 15,214,194 101,481,343 237,890,828

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 42 25 0 0 67

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 26,391,288 32,919,601 0 0 59,310,889

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 5,278,258 6,583,920 0 0 11,862,178

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 21,113,031 26,335,681 0 0 47,448,711

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 86 51 16 48 202

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 2,125 1,260 395 1,186 4,967

Total Toxics Discharge 2,212 1,312 411 1,234 5,169

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 2,479,814 1,470,587 461,361 1,384,082 5,795,843

BAT 1: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 124 74 17 49 264

Loadings/well (lbs) 552,796 1,158,426 836,532 1,859,939

Total Loadings, Discharge 68,546,728 85,723,524 14,221,049 91,137,013 259,628,314

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 25 15 0 0 40

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 15,709,100 19,751,761 0 0 35,460,861

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 3,141,820 3,950,352 0 0 7,092,172

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 12,567,280 15,801,409 0 0 28,368,689

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 42 25 6 17 90

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 1,037 619 142 410 2,208

Total Toxics Discharge 1,079 644 148 426 2,297

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 1,209,845 722,004 165,866 478,084 2,575,799

A-73
(Gulf of Mexico) BAT 2: Onshore Disposal

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 124 74 17 49 264

Loadings/well (lbs) 16,100 33,739 24,364 54,170

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 1,996,395 2,496,661 414,182 2,654,327 7,561,565

Total Loadings, Discharge 66,550,333 83,226,863 13,806,867 88,482,686 252,066,749

Onsite Injection (0%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (100%S:100%D) 1,996,395 2,496,661 414,182 2,654,327 7,561,565

No. wells, OBF 25 15 0 0 40

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 15,709,100 19,751,761 0 0 35,460,861

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 3,141,820 3,950,352 0 0 7,092,172

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 12,567,280 15,801,409 0 0 28,368,689

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 38.76 23 5 15 83

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 953 569 131 377 2,030

Total Toxics Discharge 992 592 136 392 2,112

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 1,112,397 663,850 152,506 439,576 2,368,329

BAT 3: Onshore Disposal

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 3 8 11

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 2,852,661 16,913,557 19,766,219

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 2,852,661 16,913,557 19,766,219

No. wells, OBF 128 76 8 25 237

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 80,430,593 100,075,587 7,607,097 52,854,866 240,968,143

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 16,086,119 20,015,117 0 0 36,101,236

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 64,344,474 80,060,470 7,607,097 52,854,866 204,866,907

Total SBF+OBF Zero Discharge Loadings:

Total Zero Disharge Injection Loadings 16,086,119 20,015,117 0 0 36,101,236

Total Zero Discharge Onshore Loadings 64,344,474 80,060,470 10,459,758 69,768,423 224,633,126

A-74
WORKSHEET 6:

 California : Zero Discharge Summary, Existing Sources

Baseline: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 1 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

BAT 1: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 552,796 1,158,426 836,532 1,859,939

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 1 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

A-75
California BAT 2: Onshore Disposal

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 16,100 33,739 24,364 54,170

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 1 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0.00 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

BAT 3: Onshore Disposal

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 1 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total SBF+OBF Zero Discharge Loadings:

Total Zero Disharge Injection Loadings 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Total Zero Discharge Onshore Loadings 0 0 0 0 0

A-76
WORKSHEET 7:

 Alaska : Zero Discharge Summary, Existing Sources

Baseline: Zero Discharge Loadings

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 1 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onsite Injection (100%) 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

BAT 1: Zero Discharge Loadings

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 1 0 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 552,796 1,158,426 836,532 1,859,939

Total Loadings, Discharge 552,796 0 0 0 552,796

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 1 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 1,316,784 0 0 1,316,784

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 1,316,784 0 0 1,316,784

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 8 0 0 0 8

Total Toxics Discharge 9 0 0 0 9

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 9,757 0 0 0 9,757

A-77
Alaska BAT 2: Onshore Disposal

Onshore Disposal Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 1 0 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 16,100 33,739 24,364 54,170

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 16,100 0 0 0 16,100

Total Loadings, Discharge 536,696 0 0 0 536,696

Onsite Injection (100%) 16,100 0 0 0 16,100

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 1 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 1,316,784 0 0 1,316,784

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 1,316,784 0 0 1,316,784

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0.31 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 8 0 0 0 8

Total Toxics Discharge 8 0 0 0 8

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 8,971 0 0 0 8,971

BAT 3: Onshore Disposal

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 1 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onsite Injection (100%) 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total SBF+OBF Zero Discharge Loadings:

Total Zero Disharge Injection Loadings 628,364 1,316,784 0 0 1,945,148

Total Zero Discharge Onshore Loadings 0 0 0 0 0

A-78
WORKSHEET 8:

 Gulf of Mexico: Zero Discharge Summary, New Sources

Baseline: Zero Discharge Loadings

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 5 0 15 0 20

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 3,141,820 0 14,263,307 0 17,405,127

Total Wells, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 2 0 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 1,256,728 0 0 0 1,256,728

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 1,256,728 0 0 0 1,256,728

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 5 0 15 0 20

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 124 0 371 0 494

Total Toxics Discharge 129 0 386 0 514

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 144,175 0 432,526 0 576,701

NSPS 1: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 8 0 16 0 24

Loadings/well (lbs) 552,796 1,158,426 836,532 1,859,939

Total Loadings, Discharge 4,422,370 0 13,384,517 0 17,806,886

Total Wells, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (20%S:0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Haul/Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 0 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

Onsite Injection (20%S:0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Haul/Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 3 0 5 0 8

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 67 0 134 0 201

Total Toxics Discharge 70 0 139 0 209

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 78,055 0 156,109 0 234,164

A-79
Gulf of Mexico NSPS 2 Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Onshore Disposal Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 8 0 16 0 24

Loadings/well (lbs) 16,100 33,739 24,364 54,170

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 128,800 0 389,818 0 518,618

Total Loadings, Discharge 4,293,570 0 12,994,698 0 17,288,268

Onsite Injection (0%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (100%S:100%D) 128,800 0 389,818 0 518,618

No. wells, OBF 1 0 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 2.50 0 5 0 8

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 62 0 123 0 185

Total Toxics Discharge 64 0 128 0 192

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 71,768 0 143,535 0 215,303

NSPS 3: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 3 0 3

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 2,852,661 0 2,852,661

Total Loadings Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 950,887 0 950,887

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 1,901,774 0 1,901,774

No. wells, OBF 7 0 8 0 15

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 4,398,548 0 7,607,097 0 12,005,645

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 628,364 0 1,901,774 0 2,530,138

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 3,770,184 0 5,705,323 0 9,475,507

Total SBF+OBF Zero Discharge Loadings:

Total Zero Disharge Injection Loadings 628,364 0 2,852,661 0 3,481,025

Total Zero Discharge Onshore Loadings 3,770,184 0 7,607,097 0 11,377,281

A-80
WORKSHEET 9:

 California : Zero Discharge Summary, New Sources

Baseline: Zero Discharge Loadings

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

NSPS 1: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 552,796 1,158,426 836,532 1,859,939

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

A-81
California NSPS 2 Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 16,100 33,739 24,364 54,170

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0.00 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

NSPS 3: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (80%; 0%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (20%; 100%DWE) 0 0 0 0 0

Total SBF+OBF Zero Discharge Loadings:

Total Zero Disharge Injection Loadings 0 0 0 0 0

Total Zero Discharge Onshore Loadings 0 0 0 0 0

A-82
WORKSHEET 10:

 Cook Inlet, Alaska : Zero Discharge Summary, New Sources

Baseline: Zero Discharge Loadings

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

NSPS 1: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 552,796 1,158,426 836,532 1,859,939

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

A-83
Alaska NSPS 2 Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Onshore Disposal Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 16,100 33,739 24,364 54,170

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings, Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Organics Discharge 0.00 0 0 0 0

Total Toxic Metals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Toxics Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Non-conventionals Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

NSPS 3: Zero Discharge

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Total Loadings Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 0 0 0 0 0

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (100%) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal ( 0%) 0 0 0 0 0

Total SBF+OBF Zero Discharge Loadings:

Total Zero Disharge Injection Loadings 0 0 0 0 0

Total Zero Discharge Onshore Loadings 0 0 0 0 0

A-84
WORKSHEET No. 11:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED CUTTINGS, EXISTING SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED CUTTINGS Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

 (Conventionals) GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

well depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

no. wells , total by region (from Exh. 2) 857 5 4 857 5 4 866

% WBF (total-OBF) wells discharging (from Exh. 1) 45.06% 51.25% 36.23% 36.80% 31.54% 44.31%

no. wells discharging cuttings, by region 386 3 1 315 2 2 709

cuttings discharged , bbl per well 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

CUTTINGS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl (from Exh. 3) 551 551 551 551 551 551

lbs TSS per well 812,209 683,907 814,962 1,353,498 791,284 1,328,718

total lbs TSS 313,512,578 2,051,722 814,962 426,351,776 1,582,568 2,657,437 746,971,042

Gulf of Mexico 739,864,353

California 3,634,290

Alaska 3,472,399

total volume cuttings, bbl 569,350 3,726 1,480 774,270 2,874 4,826 1,356,526

Gulf of Mexico 1,343,620

California 6,600

Alaska 6,306

CUTTINGS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells , by type and region (from Exh. 1) 51.00% 58.00% 41.00% 49.00% 42.00% 59.00%

total no. wells, by region (from Exh. 2) 857 5 4 857 5 4 866

no. wells, by type and region 437 3 2 420 2 2 866

% wells using MO spot or lube & discharging (from Exh. 1) 10.41% 11.83% 8.37% 8.50% 7.28% 10.23%

no. wells using MO and discharging 45 - - 36 - - 81

cuttings discharged per well, bbl 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

fraction adherent fluid (from Exh. 3) 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%

volume adherent fluid, per well, bbl 74 62 74 123 72 121

MO, lbs per bbl (from Exh. 3) 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 666 558 666 1,107 648 1,089

total lbs MO 29,970 - - 39,852 - - 69,822

Gulf of Mexico 69,822

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 3,330 - - 4,428 - - 7,758

Gulf of Mexico 7,758

California -

Alaska -

TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 313,542,548 2,051,722 814,962 426,391,628 1,582,568 2,657,437 747,040,864

Gulf of Mexico 739,934,175

California 3,634,290

Alaska 3,472,399

bbl conventional pollutants discharged 572,680 3,726 1,480 778,698 2,874 4,826 1,364,284

Gulf of Mexico 1,351,378

California 6,600

Alaska 6,306

A-85
WORKSHEET No. 12:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUID, EXISTING SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUIDS

 (Conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

well depth, TD (from Exh. 5A) 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

no. wells , total (from Exh. 2) 857 5 4 857 5 4 866

no. wells discharging fluids (from Exh. 5A) 386 3 1 315 2 2 709

drilling fluids (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl (from Exh. 3) 153 153 153 153 153 153

lbs TSS per well 1,061,514 908,667 1,065,339 1,492,056 1,036,881 1,447,074

total lbs TSS 409,744,404 2,726,001 1,065,339 469,997,640 2,073,762 2,894,148 888,501,294

Gulf of Mexico 879,742,044

California 4,799,763

Alaska 3,959,487

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 2,678,068 17,817 6,963 3,071,880 13,554 18,916 5,807,198

Gulf of Mexico 5,749,948

California 31,371

Alaska 25,879

WB FLUIDS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, discharging (from Exh. 1) 10.41% 11.83% 8.37% 8.50% 7.28% 10.23%

no. wells using MO and discharging (from Exh. 5A) 45 - - 36 - - 81

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

MO, lbs per bbl (from Exh. 3) 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 62,442 53,451 62,667 87,768 60,993 85,122 85,122

total lbs MO 2,809,890 - - 3,159,648 - - 5,969,538

Gulf of Mexico 5,969,538

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 9,421 - - 10,593 - - 20,014

Gulf of Mexico 423,935 - - 381,363 - - 805,299

California -

Alaska -

 TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 412,554,294 2,726,001 1,065,339 473,157,288 2,073,762 2,894,148 894,470,832

Gulf of Mexico 885,711,582

California 4,799,763

Alaska 3,959,487

bbl conventional pollutants discharged 2,687,489 17,817 6,963 3,082,473 13,554 18,916 5,827,212

Gulf of Mexico 5,769,962

California 31,371

Alaska 25,879

Avg GOM drilling fluid discharged, bbl/day (20-day drilling program) 347 297 348 488 339 473

Avg adherent fluid (5%) on cuttings discharged GOM, bbl/day 4 3 4 6 4 6

Total avg per well GOM drilling fluid discharged, bbl/day 351 300 352 494 342 479 2,318

no. wells discharging fluids 386 315 701

Total GOM drilling fluid discharges, bbl/day 135,327 155,530 290,856

GOM-wide wtd avg drilling fluid discharges, bbl/day 415

A-86
WORKSHEET No. 13:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS

 FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUID, EXISTING SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUIDS

 (Toxics & Non-conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

 TOXICS GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

Well Depth, TD (from Exh. 5A) 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

No. wells , total (from Exh. 2) 857 5 4 857 5 4 866

No. wells discharging cuttings (from Exh. 5A) 386 3 1 315 2 2 709

Drilling fluidsDischarged (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

lbs toxics/non-conventionals/ bbl (from Exh. 3) 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7

lbs toxics/non-conventionals per well 261,629 223,957 262,572 367,744 255,558 356,657

total lbs toxics/non-conventionals 100,988,785 671,871 262,572 115,839,265 511,115 713,314 218,986,922

Gulf of Mexico 216,828,049

California 1,182,987

Alaska 975,886

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 2,678,068 17,817 6,963 3,071,880 13,554 18,916 5,807,198

Gulf of Mexico 5,749,948

California 31,371

Alaska 25,879

WB FLUIDS MINERAL OIL TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, discharging (from Exh. 1) 10.41% 11.83% 8.37% 8.50% 7.28% 10.23%

no. wells using MO and discharging (from Exh. 5A) 45 - - 36 - - 81

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

mineral oil toxics, lb / bbl (from Exh. 3) 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324

mineral oil toxics, lbs / well 2,247 1,924 2,256 3,159 2,195 3,064 14,845

total lbs mineral oil toxics 101,134 - - 113,722 - - 214,856

Gulf of Mexico 214,856

California -

Alaska -

TOTAL TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 101,089,918 671,871 262,572 115,952,987 511,115 713,314 219,201,778

Gulf of Mexico 217,042,905

California 1,182,987

Alaska 975,886

A-87
WORKSHEET No. 14:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED CUTTINGS, NEW SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED CUTTINGS Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

 (Conventionals) GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

well depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

no. wells , total by region (from Exh. 2) 38 - - 38 - - 38

% WBF (total-OBF) wells discharging (from Exh. 1) 45.06% 51.25% 36.23% 36.80% 31.54% 44.31%

no. wells discharging cuttings, by region 17 0 0 14 0 0 31

cuttings discharged , bbl per well 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

CUTTINGS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl (from Exh. 3) 551 551 551 551 551 551

lbs TSS per well 812,209 683,907 814,962 1,353,498 791,284 1,328,718

total lbs TSS 13,807,549 0 0 18,948,968 0 0 32,756,517

Gulf of Mexico 32,756,517

California -

Alaska -

total volume cuttings, bbl 25,075 0 0 34,412 0 0 59,487

Gulf of Mexico 59,487

California -

Alaska -

CUTTINGS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells , by type and region (from Exh. 1) 51.00% 58.00% 41.00% 49.00% 42.00% 59.00%

total no. wells, by region (from Exh. 2) 38 - - 38 - - 38

no. wells, by type and region 19 0 0 19 0 0 19

% wells using MO spot or lube & discharging (from Exh. 1) 10.41% 11.83% 8.37% 8.50% 7.28% 10.23%

no. wells using MO and discharging 2 0 0 2 0 0 4

cuttings discharged per well, bbl 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

fraction adherent fluid (from Exh. 3) 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%

volume adherent fluid, per well, bbl 74 62 74 123 72 121

MO, lbs per bbl (from Exh. 3) 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 666 558 666 1,107 648 1,089

total lbs MO 1,332 0 0 2,214 0 0 3,546

Gulf of Mexico 3,546

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 148 0 0 246 0 0 394

Gulf of Mexico 394

California -

Alaska -

TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 13,808,881 0 0 18,951,182 0 0 32,760,063

Gulf of Mexico 32,760,063

California -

Alaska -

bbl conventional pollutants discharged 25,223 0 0 34,658 0 0 59,881

Gulf of Mexico 59,881

California -

Alaska -

A-88
WORKSHEET No. 15:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUID, NEW SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUIDS

 (Conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

well depth, TD (from Exh. 5A) 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

no. wells , total (from Exh. 2) 38 - - 38 - - 38

no. wells discharging fluids (from Exh. 5A) 17 0 0 14 0 0 31

drilling fluids (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl (from Exh. 3) 153 153 153 153 153 153

lbs TSS per well 1,061,514 908,667 1,065,339 1,492,056 1,036,881 1,447,074

total lbs TSS 18,045,738 - - 20,888,784 - - 38,934,522

Gulf of Mexico 38,934,522

California -

Alaska -

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 117,946 - - 136,528 - - 254,474

Gulf of Mexico 254,474

California -

Alaska -

WB FLUIDS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, discharging (from Exh. 1) 10.41% 11.83% 8.37% 8.50% 7.28% 10.23%

no. wells using MO and discharging (from Exh. 5A) 2 - - 2 - - 4

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

MO, lbs per bbl (from Exh. 3) 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 62,442 53,451 62,667 87,768 60,993 85,122 85,122

total lbs MO 124,884 - - 175,536 - - 300,420

Gulf of Mexico 300,420

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 419 - - 589 - - 1,007

Gulf of Mexico 837 - - 1,177 - - 2,014

California -

Alaska -

 TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 18,170,622 - - 21,064,320 - - 39,234,942

Gulf of Mexico 39,234,942

California -

Alaska -

bbl conventional pollutants discharged 118,365 - - 137,117 - - 255,481

Gulf of Mexico 255,481

California -

Alaska -

Avg GOM drilling fluid discharged, bbl/day (20-day drilling program) 347 297 348 488 339 473

Avg adherent fluid (5%) on cuttings discharged GOM, bbl/day - - - - - -

Total avg per well GOM drilling fluid discharged, bbl/day 347 297 348 488 339 473 2,291

no. wells discharging fluids 17 14 31

Total GOM drilling fluid discharges, bbl/day 5,897 6,826 12,724

GOM-wide wtd avg drilling fluid discharges, bbl/day 410

A-89
WORKSHEET No. 16:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHAREGD DRILLING FLUID, NEW SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUIDS

 (Toxics & Non-conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

 TOXICS GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

Well Depth, TD (from Exh. 5A) 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

No. wells , total (from Exh. 2) 38 - - 38 - - 38

No. wells discharging cuttings (from Exh. 5A) 17 0 0 14 0 0 31

Drilling fluidsDischarged (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

lbs toxics/non-conventionals/ bbl (from Exh. 3) 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7

lbs toxics/non-conventionals per well 261,629 223,957 262,572 367,744 255,558 356,657

total lbs toxics/non-conventionals 4,447,693 - - 5,148,412 - - 9,596,104

Gulf of Mexico 9,596,104

California -

Alaska -

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 117,946 - - 136,528 - - 254,474

Gulf of Mexico 254,474

California -

Alaska -

WB FLUIDS MINERAL OIL TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, discharging (from Exh. 1) 0 0 0 0 0 0

no. wells using MO and discharging (from Exh. 5A) 2 - - 2 - - 4

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

mineral oil toxics, lb / bbl (from Exh. 3) 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324

mineral oil toxics, lbs / well 2,247 1,924 2,256 3,159 2,195 3,064 14,845

total lbs mineral oil toxics 4,495 - - 6,318 - - 10,813

Gulf of Mexico 10,813

California -

Alaska -

TOTAL TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 4,452,187 - - 5,154,730 - - 9,606,917

Gulf of Mexico 9,606,917

California -

Alaska -

A-90
A-91

APPENDIX VIII-5

Pollutant Loadings (Removals)

Supporting Worksheets
WORKSHEET A:

 Input Data for Model Wells -- Base Fluid Retention and Drill Cuttings Volume Calculations,

 Synthetic-based Fluid Analyses

Densities for SBF Components and Drill Cuttings:

SBF Base fluid (lbs/bbl): 280.0 Equations Used to Calculate Loadings

SBF Barite (lbs/bbl): 1,506.0

SBF Water (lbs/bbl): 350.5 Total Cuttings Waste Discharged (lbs) = (DC)/(1-(1/SF)*CRN)

Dry Formation Cuttings (lbs/bbl): 910.0 SBF Basefluid Discharged (lbs) = CRN * TW

Formation Oil (as diesel) (lbs/bbl): 294.0 SBF Water Discharged (lbs) = (WF/SF)*(CRN *TW)

SBF Barite Discharged (lbs) = (BF/SF)*(CRN *TW)

SBF Fraction Data:

Basefluid Fraction of Standard SBF (wt./wt.): 47% where:

Barite Fraction of Standard SBF (wt./wt.): 33% TW = Total Cuttings Waste Discharged (lbs)

Water Fraction of Standard SBF (wt./wt.): 20% DC = Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged (lbs)

CRN = SBF Basefluid Fraction on TW (Cuttings Retention Number) (wt./wt.)

SBF Formulation Density (lbs./gal.): 9.65 SF = SBF Basefluid Fraction (wt./wt.) in Drilling Fluid Formulation

WF = SBF Water Fraction (wt./wt.) in Drilling Fluid Formulation

Model Well Volume Data: BF = SBF Barite Fraction (wt./wt.) in Drilling Fluid Formulation

Shallow Water, Exploratory (barrels): 1,184.0 SBFV = Whole Synthetic Based Fluid Volume

Deep Water, Exploratory (barrels): 1,901.0

Shallow Water, Development (barrels): 565.0 Notes:

Deep Water, Development (barrels): 855.0 * Assume SF + WF + BF = 1

* DC is calculated from model well size

Formation Oil Contamination: 0.20% * SBFV is the sum total of SBF basefluid, barite, and water (in bbl) discharged

* Total Cuttings Waste Discharged in BAT/NSPS Option 2 is equivalent to the volume

Base Fluid Fraction of Wet Cuttings (W/W) for Solids Control Equipment: fraction of total cuttings waste discharged from cuttings dryer multiplied against

Primary Shale Shakers: 9.32% the total cuttings waste calculated in BAT/NSPS Option 1

Secondary Shale Shakers: 13.80% * Total Cuttings Waste Not Discharged in BAT/NSPS Option 2 is equivalent to the volume

Cuttings Dryer: 3.82% fraction of total cuttings waste discharged from the fines removal unit (FRU) 

Fines Removal Unit: 10.70% multiplied against the total cuttings waste calculated in BAT/NSPS Option 1

* Dry Drill Cuttings Discharged in BAT/NSPS Option 2 is equivalent to the arithmetric

Fraction of Total Wet Cuttings Discharge (V/V) for SolidsControl Equipment difference between the BAT/NSPS Option 2 Total Cuttings Waste Discharged and

Various BPT and BAT/NSPS Options: the BAT/NSPS Option 2 SBF (Basefluid, Barite, Water) Discharged

BPT Primary Shale Shakers: 78.5% * Dry Drill Cuttings Not Discharged in BAT/NSPS Option 2 is equivalent to the arithmetric

Secondary Shale Shakers: 18.5% difference between the BAT/NSPS Option 2 Total Cuttings Waste Not Discharged and

Fines Removal Unit: 3.0% the BAT/NSPS Option 2 SBF (Basefluid, Barite, Water) Not Discharged

BAT/NSPS Option 1 Cuttings Dryer: 97.0%

Fines Removal Unit: 3.0%

BAT/NSPS Option 2 Cuttings Dryer: 100.0%

Base Fluid Fraction of Discharged Wet Cuttings (W/W) for BAT/NSPS Options:

BPT: 10.20%

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Two Discharges): 4.03%

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (One Discharge): 3.82%

A-92
WORKSHEET No. B:

 ANALYSIS OF WBF PASS/FAIL PERMIT LIMITS (SHEEN; TOXICITY); FAILS HAULED TO ONSHORE DISPOSAL(a,b,c)

% Wells/region No lube No spot Proj'd Tox / Proj'd % Proj'd % Sum lubes(l)

Shallow/deep /lube /spot Sheen Limit Wells Fail Wells Pass spot(s), or l+s

% split % split % split Failure Rate Permit Lim Permit Lim that Pass

 Gulf of Mexico

shallow (51% GOM wells) = 51.00%

shallow, no lube (51% * 88% all wells) = 44.88%

shallow, no lube, no spot (44.88% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 35.01% 1.0% 0.350% 34.66%

shallow, no lube, + spot (44.88% * 22% all wells need spot) = 9.87% 33.0% 3.258% 6.62%

shallow, + lube (51% * 12% all wells) = 6.12%

shallow, + lube, no spot (6.12% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 4.77% 33.0% 1.575% 3.20%

shallow, + lube, + spot (6.12% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.35% 56.0% 0.754% 0.59% 10.41%

total % shallow wells 5.940% 45.06%

deep (49% GOM wells) = 49.00%

deep, OBF (no discharge) (15% of deep wells) = 7.35% 100% 7.35% 0.00%

deep, WBF (discharge) (85% of deep wells) = 41.65%

deep, no lube (49% * 88% all wells) = 36.65%

deep, no lube, no spot (43.12% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 28.59% 1.0% 0.286% 28.30%

deep, no lube, + spot (43.12% * 22% all wells need spot) = 8.06% 33.0% 2.661% 5.40%

deep, + lube (49% * 12% all wells) = 5.00%

deep, + lube, no spot (6.12% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 3.90% 33.0% 1.286% 2.61%

deep, + lube, + spot (6.12% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.10% 56.0% 0.616% 0.48% 8.50%

total % deep wells 41.65% 41.65% 12.20% 36.80%

 California

shallow (58% CA wells) = 58.00%

shallow, no lube (58% * 88% all wells) = 51.04%

shallow, no lube, no spot (51.04% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 39.81% 1.0% 0.398% 39.41%

shallow, no lube, + spot (51.04% * 22% all wells need spot) = 11.23% 33.0% 3.706% 7.52%

shallow, + lube (58% * 12% all wells) = 6.96%

shallow, + lube, no spot (6.96% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 5.43% 33.0% 1.792% 3.64%

shallow, + lube, + spot (6.96% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.53% 56.0% 0.857% 0.67% 11.83%

total % shallow wells 6.753% 51.25%

deep (42% CA wells) = 42.00%

deep, OBF (no discharge) (15% of deep wells) = 6.30% 100% 6.30% 0.00%

deep, WBF (discharge) (85% of deep wells) = 35.70%

deep, no lube (42% * 88% all wells) = 31.42%

deep, no lube, no spot (36.96% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 24.50% 1.0% 0.245% 24.26%

deep, no lube, + spot (36.96% * 22% all wells need spot) = 6.91% 33.0% 2.281% 4.63%

deep, + lube (42% * 12% all wells) = 4.28%

deep, + lube, no spot (3.93% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 3.34% 33.0% 1.103% 2.24%

deep, + lube, + spot (3.93% * 22% all wells need spot) = 0.94% 56.0% 0.528% 0.41% 7.28%

total % deep wells 35.70% 35.70% 10.46% 31.54%

 Alaska

shallow (41% AK wells) = 41.00%

shallow, no lube (41% * 88% all wells) = 36.08%

shallow, no lube, no spot (36.08% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 28.14% 1.0% 0.281% 27.86%

shallow, no lube, + spot (36.08% * 22% all wells need spot) = 7.94% 33.0% 2.619% 5.32%

shallow, + lube (41% * 12% all wells) = 4.92%

shallow, + lube, no spot (4.92% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 3.84% 33.0% 1.266% 2.57%

shallow, + lube, + spot (4.92% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.08% 56.0% 0.606% 0.48% 8.37%

total % shallow wells 4.773% 36.23%

deep (59% AK wells) = 59.00%

deep, OBF (no discharge) (15% of deep wells) = 8.85% 100% 8.85% 0.00%

deep, WBF (discharge) (85% of deep wells) = 50.15%

deep, no lube (59% * 88% all wells) = 44.13%

deep, no lube, no spot (51.92% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 34.42% 1.0% 0.344% 34.08%

deep, no lube, + spot (51.92% * 22% all wells need spot) = 9.71% 33.0% 3.204% 6.51%

deep, + lube (59% * 12% all wells) = 6.02%

deep, + lube, no spot (7.08% * 78% all wells do not use spot) = 4.69% 33.0% 1.549% 3.15%

deep, + lube, + spot (7.08% * 22% all wells need spot) = 1.32% 56.0% 0.741% 0.58% 10.23%

total % deep wells 50.15% 50.15% 14.69% 44.31%

(a) Percentage Distribution of Water-based Drilling Fluid Types, (no oil, +MO lube, +MO spot, or +MO lube & spot) 

(b) Cells shaded in blue are data input from ODD: Table XI-10, p XI-17; other percentages shown are derived from these input values)

(c) The terms "shallow" and "deep" as used in the offshore effluent limitaiton guideline do NOT have the same meaning as the same terms as used in the synthetics effluent guideline;

 these terms in the offshore rule refers to the relative target depth of the well, whereas in the synthetics rule they refer to the water depth in which operations occur.

A-93
WORKSHEET No. C: POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: WELL DEPTHS AND VOLUMES OF DISCHARGED CUTTINGS AND DRILLING FLUIDS

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

Shallow Well Deep Well

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4) well depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

cuttings discharged , bbl per well 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4) drilling fluids (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

 Current Well Counts, SBF Effluent Limitations Guideline (see "Well Count Input Sheet," this file)

 EXISTING SOURCES, WBF Wells NEW SOURCES, WBF Wells

Est'd % WBF > SBF GOM CA AK Subtotal GOM CA AK Subtotal Total

Baseline 0% 857.0 5 4 866 38 0 0 38 904

BAT 1 6% 803.0 5 4 812 35 0 0 35 847

BAT 2 6% 803.0 5 4 812 35 0 0 35 847

 WBF/Water Phase Composition/Contribution to Toxic/Non-conventional Pollutant Loadings, Offshore Record

( from ODD: Table XI-3, p XI-5 and Table XI-6, p XI-9) (fromODD, p XI-6)

Drilling Total nonC+toxics+Ba Composition, Cuttings

Fuids lbs/bbl

barite 98 384,792 mg/kg dry Density 543 lbs/bbl

kg/bbl tox+non-Conv 17.1 kg/bbl Adherent mud 5.0%

lb/bbl tox+non-Conv 37.7 lb/bbl Mud TSS 153 lb/bbl

mineral oil 9 2.9 lb/bbl Ad'nt mud TSS 7.7 lb/bbl

TSS 153 153.0 lb/bbl Total TSS per bbl cuttings 551 lb/bbl

 WBF/ Mineral Oil Phase Contribution to Toxic/Non-conventional Pollutant Loadings

( from ODD: Table XI-5, p XI-7) 461 : b/bbl mud

MO (9 lb/bbl) 30.51 mg nonconventionals/ml MO: 0.14700 kg/bbl non-conventional = 99.8% 11.0 : lb/gal mud

0.05 mg toxics/ml MO, 0.00024 kg/bbl toxics = 0.2% 2.1 : gal of 5% mud

kg toxic+Non-conventional Pollutants per bbl MO 0.147 kg/bbl 23.1 : wt of 5% mud

lbs toxic + Non-conventional Pollutants per bbl MO 0.324 lb/bbl 543 : lb/bbl cuttings

 566 : lb/bbl wet cuttings

A-94
WORKSHEET No. D:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM ZERO DISCHARGE CUTTINGS

 (INJECTED ONSITE OR HAULED FOR ONSHORE DISPOSAL) DUE TO PROJECTED SHEEN OR TOXICITY TEST FAILURES, EXISTING SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM CUTTINGS HAULED OR INJECTED

(Coventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

well depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

no. wells , total by region (from Exh. 2) 857 5 4 857 5 4 866

% WBF (total - OBF) wells failing permit limits (from Exh. 1) 5.94% 6.75% 4.77% 4.85% 4.16% 5.84%

No. WBF wells zero discharge cuttings 51 0 0 42 0 0 93

Cuttings (bbl) per well 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

CUTTINGS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl (from Exh. 3) 551 551 551 551 551 551

lbs TSS per well 812,209 683,907 814,962 1,353,498 791,284 1,328,718

total lbs TSS 41,349,547 - - 56,846,903 - - 98,196,451

Gulf of Mexico 98,196,451

California -

Alaska -

total volume cuttings, bbl 75,092 - - 103,236 - - 178,328

Gulf of Mexico 178,328

California -

Alaska -

CUTTINGS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells , by type and region (from Exh. 1) 51.00% 58.00% 41.00% 49.00% 42.00% 59.00%

total no. wells, by region (from Exh. 2) 857 5 4 857 5 4

no. wells, by type and region 437 3 2 420 2 2 866

% wells using MO spot or lube, zero discharge 5.59% 6.75% 4.77% 4.56% 4.16% 5.84%

no. wells zero discharge 48 0 0 39 0 0 87

cuttings per well, bbl 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

fraction adherent fluid 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%

volume adherent fluid, per well, bbl 74.0 62 74 123 72 121

MO, lbs per bbl 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 666 558 666 1,107 648 1,089

total lbs MO 31,968 - - 43,173 - - 75,141

Gulf of Mexico 75,141

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 3,552 - - 4,797 - - 8,349

Gulf of Mexico 8,349

California -

Alaska -

TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS

lbs conventional pollutants zero discharge 41,381,515 - - 56,890,076 - - 98,271,592

Gulf of Mexico 98,271,592

California -

Alaska -

% injected onsite onsite 20% 20% 100% 0% 0% 100%

% hauled onshore onshore 80% 80% 0% 100% 100% 0%

lbs pollutants injected 8,276,303 - - - - - 8,276,303

lbs pollutants disposed onshore 33,105,212 - - 56,890,076 - - 89,995,289

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 8,276,303

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 89,995,289

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

bbl conventional pollutants zero discharged 78,644 - - 108,033 - - 186,677

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 15,729

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 170,948

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

A-95
WORKSHEET No. E:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM DRILLING FLUIDS ZERO DISCHARGED

 (INJECTED ONSITE OR HAULED FOR ONSHORE DISPOSAL) DUE TO PROJECTED SHEEN OR TOXICITY TEST FAILURES,EXISTING SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DRILLING FLUIDS HAULED OR INJECTED

 (Conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

Well Depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

No. wells , total 857 5 4 857 5 4 866

No. wells hauling fluids 51 0 0 42 0 0 93

Drilling fluids (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl 153 153 153 153 153 153

lbs TSS per well 1,061,514 908,667 1,065,339 1,492,056 1,036,881 1,447,074

total lbs TSS 54,041,678 - - 62,666,352 - - 116,708,030

Gulf of Mexico 116,708,030

California -

Alaska -

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 353,214 - - 409,584 - - 762,798

Gulf of Mexico 762,798

California -

Alaska -

WB FLUIDS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, hauling 5.59% 6.75% 4.77% 4.56% 4.16% 5.84%

no. wells using hauling 48 - - 39 - - 87

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

MO, lbs per bbl 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 62,442 53,451 62,667 87,768 60,993 85,122 85,122

total lbs MO 2,997,216 - - 3,422,952 - - 6,420,168

Gulf of Mexico 6,420,168

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 10,049 - - 11,476 - - 21,525

Gulf of Mexico 482,344 - - 447,572 - - 929,916

California -

Alaska -

 TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants zero discharge 57,038,894 - - 66,089,304 - - 123,128,198

Gulf of Mexico 123,128,198

California -

Alaska -

% injected onsite onsite 20% 20% 100% 0% 0% 100%

% hauled onshore onshore 80% 80% 0% 100% 100% 0%

lbs pollutants injected 11,407,779 - - - - - 11,407,779

lbs pollutants disposed onshore 45,631,115 - - 66,089,304 - - 111,720,419

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 11,407,779

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 111,720,419

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

 123,128,198

bbl conventional pollutants zero discharged 363,262 - - 421,060 - - 784,323

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 72,652

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Alaska disposed onshore -

A-96
WORKSHEET No. F:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM ZERO DISCHARGE

 DRILLING FLUIDS (INJECTED ONSITE OR HAULED FOR ONSHORE DISPOSAL) DUE TO SHEEN/TOXICITY TEST FAILURES, EXISTING SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUIDS

 (Toxics & Non-conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

 TOXICS HAULED GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

Well Depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

No. wells , total 857 5 4 857 5 4 866

No. wells discharging cuttings 51 0 0 42 0 0 93

Drilling fluidsDischarged (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

lbs toxics/non-conventionals/ bbl (from Exh. 3) 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7

lbs toxics/non-conventionals per well 261,629 223,957 262,572 367,744 255,558 356,657

total lbs toxics/non-conventionals 13,319,531 - - 15,445,235 - - 28,764,766

Gulf of Mexico 28,764,766

California -

Alaska -

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 353,214 - - 409,584 - - 762,798

Gulf of Mexico 762,798

California -

Alaska -

WB FLUIDS MINERAL OIL TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, discharging (from Exh. 1) 5.59% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

no. wells using MO and discharging (from Exh. 5A) 48 - - 39 - - 87

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

mineral oil toxics, lb / bbl (from Exh. 3) 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324 0.324

mineral oil toxics, lbs / well 2,247 1,924 2,256 3,159 2,195 3,064 14,845

total lbs mineral oil toxics 107,876 - - 123,199 - - 231,075

Gulf of Mexico 231,075

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 362 - - 413 - - 775

Gulf of Mexico 17,361 - - 16,109 - - 33,470

California -

Alaska -

 TOTAL TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 13,427,407 - - 15,568,434 - - 28,995,841

Gulf of Mexico 28,995,841

California -

Alaska -

% injected onsite onsite 20% 20% 100% 0% 0% 100%

% hauled onshore onshore 80% 80% 0% 100% 100% 0%

lbs pollutants injected 2,685,481 - - - - - 2,685,481

lbs pollutants disposed onshore 10,741,926 - - 15,568,434 - - 26,310,360

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 2,685,481

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 26,310,360

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

 28,995,841

bbl conventional pollutants discharged 353,575 - - 409,997 - - 763,572

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 70,715

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 692,857

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

A-97
WORKSHEET G:

Baseline (WBF) Existing Sources - Lower Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 838,205,767 3,634,290 3,472,399 845,312,456

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 1,008,839,780 4,799,763 3,959,487 1,017,599,030

Toxics + Non-conventionals 246,038,746 1,182,987 975,886 248,197,619

Total Drilling Fluids 1,254,878,526 5,982,750 4,935,373 1,265,796,649

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 2,093,084,293 9,617,040 8,407,772 2,111,109,104

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals - - - -

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals - - - -

Toxics + Non-conventionals - - - -

Total Drilling Fluids - - - -

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS - - - -

Onsite Injection - - - -

Haul/Onshore Disposal - - - -

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 2,093,084,293 9,617,040 8,407,772 2,111,109,104

BAT 1 & 2 (WBF) Existing Sources - Lower Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 786,319,752 3,634,290 3,472,399 793,426,441

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 946,379,702 4,799,763 3,959,487 955,138,952

Toxics + Non-conventionals 230,802,429 1,182,987 975,886 232,961,301

Total Drilling Fluids 1,177,182,130 5,982,750 4,935,373 1,188,100,253

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 1,963,501,883 9,617,040 8,407,772 1,981,526,694

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals - - - -

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals - - - -

Toxics + Non-conventionals - - - -

Total Drilling Fluids - - - -

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS - - - -

Onsite Injection - - - -

Haul/Onshore Disposal - - - -

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 1,963,501,883 9,617,040 8,407,772 1,981,526,694

A-98
WORKSHEET G:

BAT 3 (WBF) Existing Sources - Lower Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 858,659,743 3,634,290 3,472,399 865,766,432

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 1,033,437,358 4,799,763 3,959,487 1,042,196,608

Toxics + Non-conventionals 252,024,882 1,182,987 975,886 254,183,755

Total Drilling Fluids 1,285,462,241 5,982,750 4,935,373 1,296,380,363

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 2,144,121,984 9,617,040 8,407,772 2,162,146,796

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals - - - -

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals - - - -

Toxics + Non-conventionals - - - -

Total Drilling Fluids - - - -

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS - - - -

Onsite Injection - - - -

Haul/Onshore Disposal - - - -

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 2,144,121,984 9,617,040 8,407,772 2,162,146,796

DISCHARGE S >>> - 2,111,109,104 total toxic/non-conv: baseline 248,197,619 total conventionals: baseline 1,862,911,486

 - 1,981,526,694 BAT 1 & 2 232,961,301 BAT 1 & 2 1,748,565,393

 - 2,162,146,796 BAT 3 254,183,755 BAT 3 1,907,963,040

Incr BAT 1 &2 (15,236,318) Incr BAT 1 &2 (114,346,092)

Incr BAT 3 5,986,136 Incr BAT 3 45,051,555

A-99
WORKSHEET H:

Baseline (WBF) Existing Sources - Upper Bound WBF Failure Rate (10.73%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 739,934,175 3,634,290 3,472,399 747,040,864

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 885,711,582 4,799,763 3,959,487 894,470,832

Toxics + Non-conventionals 217,042,905 1,182,987 975,886 219,201,778

Total Drilling Fluids 1,102,754,487 5,982,750 4,935,373 1,113,672,610

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 1,842,688,662 9,617,040 8,407,772 1,860,713,474

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 98,271,592 - - 98,271,592

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 123,128,198 - - 123,128,198

Toxics + Non-conventionals 28,995,841 - - 28,995,841

Total Drilling Fluids 152,124,039 - - 152,124,039

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS 250,395,631 - - 250,395,631

Onsite Injection 22,369,563 - - 22,369,563

Haul/Onshore Disposal 228,026,068 - - 228,026,068

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 2,093,084,293 9,617,040 8,407,772 2,111,109,104

BAT 1 & 2 (WBF) Existing Sources - Upper Bound WBF Failure Rate (10.73%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 694,720,056 3,634,290 3,472,399 701,826,745

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 831,497,994 4,799,763 3,959,487 840,257,244

Toxics + Non-conventionals 203,762,708 1,182,987 975,886 205,921,580

Total Drilling Fluids 1,035,260,702 5,982,750 4,935,373 1,046,178,824

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 1,729,980,757 9,617,040 8,407,772 1,748,005,569

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 91,599,697 0 0 91,599,697

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 114,881,708 0 0 114,881,708

Toxics + Non-conventionals 27,039,721 0 0 27,039,721

Total Drilling Fluids 141,921,429 0 0 141,921,429

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS 233,521,125 0 0 233,521,125

Onsite Injection 20,959,454 0 0 20,959,454

Haul/Onshore Disposal 212,561,671 0 0 212,561,671

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 1,963,501,883 9,617,040 8,407,772 1,981,526,694

A-100
WORKSHEET H:

BAT 3 (WBF) Existing Sources - Upper Bound WBF Failure Rate (10.73%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 758,074,474 3,634,290 3,472,399 765,181,163

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 907,414,308 4,799,763 3,959,487 916,173,558

Toxics + Non-conventionals 222,347,169 1,182,987 975,886 224,506,042

Total Drilling Fluids 1,129,761,477 5,982,750 4,935,373 1,140,679,600

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 1,887,835,951 9,617,040 8,407,772 1,905,860,763

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 100,585,269 - - 100,585,269

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 126,023,050 - - 126,023,050

Toxics + Non-conventionals 29,677,713 - - 29,677,713

Total Drilling Fluids 155,700,764 - - 155,700,764

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS 256,286,033 - - 256,286,033

Onsite Injection 22,886,577 - - 22,886,577

Haul/Onshore Disposal 233,399,455 - - 233,399,455

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 2,144,121,984 9,617,040 8,407,772 2,162,146,796

DISCHARGE S >>> - 1,860,713,474 total toxic/non-conv: baseline 219,201,778 total conventionals: baseline 1,641,511,696

 - 1,748,005,569 BAT 1 & 2 205,921,580 BAT 1 & 2 1,542,083,989

 - 1,905,860,763 BAT 3 224,506,042 BAT 3 1,681,354,721

Incr BAT 1 &2 (13,280,197) Incr BAT 1 &2 (99,427,707)

Incr BAT 3 5,304,264 Incr BAT 3 39,843,025

A-101
WORKSHEET AA: SUMMARY OF EXISTING SOURCE DRILLING FLUID DISPOSAL LOADINGS BY REGION, OPTION, FLUID TYPE, AND LOCATION

Gulf of Mexico -- Lower Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media Net Loadings (Reductions), lbs

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore Disposal Pollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 2,093,084,293 0 0 2,093,084,293

sbf 237,890,828 0 0 237,890,828

obf 0 11,862,178 47,448,711 59,310,889

total 2,330,975,121 11,862,178 47,448,711 2,390,286,010

BAT 1

wbf 1,963,501,883 0 0 1,963,501,883

sbf 259,628,314 0 0 259,628,314

obf 0 7,092,172 28,368,689 35,460,861

total 2,223,130,197 7,092,172 28,368,689 2,258,591,058 -107,844,924 -23,850,028 -131,694,952

BAT 2

wbf 1,963,501,883 0 0 1,963,501,883

sbf 252,066,749 0 7,561,565 259,628,314

obf 0 7,092,172 28,368,689 35,460,861

total 2,215,568,632 7,092,172 35,930,254 2,258,591,058 -115,406,489 -16,288,463 -131,694,952

BAT 3

wbf 2,144,121,984 0 0 2,144,121,984

sbf 0 0 19,766,219 19,766,219

obf 0 36,101,236 204,866,907 240,968,143

total 2,144,121,984 36,101,236 224,633,126 2,404,856,346 -186,853,137 201,423,473 14,570,336

California -- Lower Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media Net Loadings (Reductions), lbs

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore Disposal Pollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188

BAT 1

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188 0 0 -

BAT 2

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188 0 0 -

BAT 3

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188 0 0 -

A-102
WORKSHEET AA: SUMMARY OF EXISTING SOURCE DRILLING FLUID DISPOSAL LOADINGS BY REGION, OPTION, FLUID TYPE, AND LOCATION

Cook Inlet, Alaska -- Lower Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media Net Loadings (Reductions), lbs

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore Disposal Pollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 8,407,772 1,945,148 0 10,352,920

BAT 1

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 552,796 0 0 552,796

obf 0 1,316,784 0 1,316,784

total 8,960,568 1,316,784 0 10,277,352 552,796 -628,364 -75,568

BAT 2

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 536,696 16,100 0 552,796

obf 0 1,316,784 0 1,316,784

total 8,944,468 1,332,884 0 10,277,352 536,696 -612,264 -75,568

BAT 3

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 8,407,772 1,945,148 0 10,352,920 0 0 -

TOTAL -- Lower Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media Net Loadings (Reductions), lbs

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore Disposal Pollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 2,111,109,104 0 0 2,111,109,104

sbf 237,890,828 0 0 237,890,828

obf 0 15,752,474 47,448,711 63,201,185

total 2,348,999,932 15,752,474 47,448,711 2,412,201,117

BAT 1

wbf 1,981,526,694 0 0 1,981,526,694

sbf 260,181,110 0 0 260,181,110

obf 0 10,354,104 28,368,689 38,722,793

total 2,241,707,804 10,354,104 28,368,689 2,280,430,597 -107,292,128 -24,478,392 -131,770,520

BAT 2

wbf 1,981,526,694 0 0 1,981,526,694

sbf 252,603,445 16,100 7,561,565 260,181,110

obf 0 10,354,104 28,368,689 38,722,793

total 2,234,130,139 10,370,204 35,930,254 2,280,430,597 -114,869,793 -16,900,727 -131,770,520

BAT 3

wbf 2,162,146,796 0 0 2,162,146,796

sbf 0 0 19,766,219 19,766,219

obf 0 39,991,532 204,866,907 244,858,439

total 2,162,146,796 39,991,532 224,633,126 2,426,771,454 -186,853,137 201,423,473 14,570,336

A-103
WORKSHEET AA: SUMMARY OF EXISTING SOURCE DRILLING FLUID DISPOSAL LOADINGS BY REGION, OPTION, FLUID TYPE, AND LOCATION

INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS) Existing Sources

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore Disposal Pollutant Loadings

Baseline

wbf

sbf

obf

total

BAT 1

wbf -129,582,410 0 0 -129,582,410

sbf 22,290,282 0 0 22,290,282

obf 0 -5,398,370 -19,080,022 -24,478,392

total -107,292,128 -5,398,370 -19,080,022 -131,770,520

BAT 2

wbf -129,582,410 0 0 -129,582,410

sbf 14,712,617 16,100 7,561,565 22,290,282

obf 0 -5,398,370 -19,080,022 -24,478,392

total -114,869,793 -5,382,270 -11,518,457 -131,770,520

BAT 3

wbf 51,037,691 0 0 51,037,691

sbf -237,890,828 0 19,766,219 -218,124,609

obf 0 24,239,058 157,418,196 181,657,254

total -186,853,137 24,239,058 177,184,415 14,570,336

SUMMARY TOTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS) Existing Sources

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore Disposal Pollutant Loadings

Baseline total 2,348,999,932 15,752,474 47,448,711 2,412,201,117

BAT 1 total 2,241,707,804 10,354,104 28,368,689 2,280,430,597

BAT 2 total 2,234,130,139 10,370,204 35,930,254 2,280,430,597

BAT 3 total 2,162,146,796 39,991,532 224,633,126 2,426,771,454

SUMMARY INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS) Existing Sources

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore Disposal Pollutant Loadings

Baseline NA NA NA NA

BAT 1 total -107,292,128 -5,398,370 -19,080,022 -131,770,520

BAT 2 total -114,869,793 -5,382,270 -11,518,457 -131,770,520

BAT 3 total -186,853,137 24,239,058 177,184,415 14,570,336

A-104
WORKSHEET No. I:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM ZERO DISCHARGE CUTTINGS, 

 (INJECTED ONSITE OR HAULED FOR ONSHORE DISPOSAL) DUE TO PROJECTED SHEEN OR TOXICITY TEST FAILURES, NEW SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM CUTTINGS HAULED OR INJECTED

(Coventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

well depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

no. wells , total by region (from Exh. 2) 38 - - 38 - - 38

% WBF (total - OBF) wells failing permit limits (from Exh. 1) 5.94% 6.75% 4.77% 4.85% 4.16% 5.84%

No. WBF wells zero discharge cuttings 2 0 0 2 0 0 4

Cuttings (bbl) per well 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

CUTTINGS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl (from Exh. 3) 551 551 551 551 551 551

lbs TSS per well 812,209 683,907 814,962 1,353,498 791,284 1,328,718

total lbs TSS 1,624,418 0 0 2,706,995 0 0 4,331,413

Gulf of Mexico 4,331,413

California -

Alaska -

total volume cuttings, bbl 2,950 0 0 4,916 0 0 7,866

Gulf of Mexico 7,866

California -

Alaska -

CUTTINGS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells , by type and region (from Exh. 1) 51.00% 58.00% 41.00% 49.00% 42.00% 59.00%

total no. wells, by region (from Exh. 2) 38 - - 38 - -

no. wells, by type and region 19 0 0 19 0 0 38

% wells using MO spot or lube, zero discharge 5.59% 6.75% 4.77% 4.56% 4.16% 5.84%

no. wells zero discharge 2 0 0 2 0 0 4

cuttings per well, bbl 1,475 1,242 1,480 2,458 1,437 2,413

fraction adherent fluid 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%

volume adherent fluid, per well, bbl 74.0 62 74 123 72 121

MO, lbs per bbl 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 666 558 666 1,107 648 1,089

total lbs MO 1,332 0 0 2,214 0 0 3,546

Gulf of Mexico 3,546

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 148 0 0 246 0 0 394

Gulf of Mexico 394

California -

Alaska -

TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS

lbs conventional pollutants zero discharge 1,625,750 0 0 2,709,209 0 0 4,334,959

Gulf of Mexico 4,334,959

California -

Alaska -

% injected onsite onsite 20% 20% 100% 0% 0% 100%

% hauled onshore onshore 80% 80% 0% 100% 100% 0%

lbs pollutants injected 325,150 0 0 0 0 0 325,150

lbs pollutants disposed onshore 1,300,600 0 0 2,709,209 0 0 4,009,809

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 325,150

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 4,009,809

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

bbl conventional pollutants zero discharged 3,098 0 0 5,162 0 0 8,260

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 620

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 7,640

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

A-105
WORKSHEET No. J:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS: CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM DRILLING FLUIDS ZERO DISCHARGED

 (INJECTED ONSITE OR HAULED FOR ONSHORE DISPOSAL) DUE TO PROJECTED SHEEN OR TOXICITY TEST FAILURES, NEW SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DRILLING FLUIDS HAULED OR INJECTED

 (Conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

Well Depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

No. wells , total 38 - - 38 - - 38

No. wells hauling fluids 2 0 0 2 0 0 4

Drilling fluids (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TSS ANALYSIS:

lbs TSS / bbl 153 153 153 153 153 153

lbs TSS per well 1,061,514 908,667 1,065,339 1,492,056 1,036,881 1,447,074

total lbs TSS 2,123,028 - - 2,984,112 - - 5,107,140

Gulf of Mexico 5,107,140

California -

Alaska -

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 13,876 - - 19,504 - - 33,380

Gulf of Mexico 33,380

California -

Alaska -

WB FLUIDS OIL ANALYSIS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, hauling 5.59% 6.75% 4.77% 4.56% 4.16% 5.84%

no. wells using hauling 2 - - 2 - - 4

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

MO, lbs per bbl 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

MO, lbs per well 62,442 53,451 62,667 87,768 60,993 85,122 85,122

total lbs MO 124,884 - - 175,536 - - 300,420

Gulf of Mexico 300,420

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 419 - - 589 - - 1,007

Gulf of Mexico 837 - - 1,177 - - 2,014

California -

Alaska -

 TOTAL CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants zero discharge 2,247,912 - - 3,159,648 - - 5,407,560

Gulf of Mexico 5,407,560

California -

Alaska -

% injected onsite onsite 20% 20% 100% 0% 0% 100%

% hauled onshore onshore 80% 80% 0% 100% 100% 0%

lbs pollutants injected 449,582 - - - - - 449,582

lbs pollutants disposed onshore 1,798,330 - - 3,159,648 - - 4,957,978

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 449,582

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 4,957,978

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

 5,407,560

bbl conventional pollutants zero discharged 14,295 - - 20,093 - - 34,387

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 2,859

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Alaska disposed onshore -

A-106
WORKSHEET No. K:

 POLLUTANT LOADINGS FROM WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID: TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS FROM ZERO DISCHARGE

 DRILLING FLUIDS (INJECTED ONSITE OR HAULED FOR ONSHORE DISPOSAL) DUE TO SHEEN/TOXICITY TEST FAILURES, NEW SOURCES

POLLUTANTS FROM DISCHARGED DRILLING FLUIDS

 (Toxics & Non-conventionals) Shallow Well Deep Well Totals

 TOXICS HAULED GOM CA AK GOM CA AK

( from ODD: Table XI-2, p XI-4)

Well Depth, TD 10,559 7,607 10,633 13,037 10,082 12,354

No. wells , total 38 - - 38 - - 38

No. wells discharging cuttings 2 0 0 2 0 0 4

Drilling fluidsDischarged (bbl) per well 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

WB FLUIDS TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

lbs toxics/non-conventionals/ bbl (from Exh. 3) 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7 37.7

lbs toxics/non-conventionals per well 261,629 223,957 262,572 367,744 255,558 356,657

total lbs toxics/non-conventionals 523,258 - - 735,487 - - 1,258,745

Gulf of Mexico 1,258,745

California -

Alaska -

total volume, bbl, WB fluids 13,876 - - 19,504 - - 33,380

Gulf of Mexico 33,380

California -

Alaska -

WB FLUIDS MINERAL OIL TOXICS/NON-CONVENTIONALS:

% wells using MO spot or lube, discharging (from Exh. 1) 5.59% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

no. wells using MO and discharging (from Exh. 5A) 2 - - 2 - - 4

WB fluids discharged per well, bbl 6,938 5,939 6,963 9,752 6,777 9,458

mineral oil toxics, lb / bbl (from Exh. 3) 9.000 9.000 9.000 9.000 9.000 9.000

mineral oil toxics, lbs / well 62,442 53,451 62,667 87,768 60,993 85,122 412,443

total lbs mineral oil toxics 124,884 - - 175,536 - - 300,420

Gulf of Mexico 300,420

California -

Alaska -

total volume MO, bbl 419 - - 589 - - 1,007

Gulf of Mexico 837 - - 1,177 - - 2,014

California -

Alaska -

 TOTAL TOXIC/NON-CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS:

lbs conventional pollutants discharged 648,142 - - 911,023 - - 1,559,165

Gulf of Mexico 1,559,165

California -

Alaska -

% injected onsite onsite 20% 20% 100% 0% 0% 100%

% hauled onshore onshore 80% 80% 0% 100% 100% 0%

lbs pollutants injected 129,628 - - - - - 129,628

lbs pollutants disposed onshore 518,514 - - 911,023 - - 1,429,537

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 129,628

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 1,429,537

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

 1,559,165

bbl conventional pollutants discharged 14,295 - - 20,093 - - 34,387

Gulf of Mexico injected onsite 2,859

California injected onsite -

Alaska injected onsite -

Gulf of Mexico disposed onshore 31,528

California disposed onshore -

Alaska disposed onshore -

A-107
WORKSHEET L:

Baseline (WBF) New Sources - Lower Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 37,095,021 - - 37,095,021

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 44,642,502 - - 44,642,502

Toxics + Non-conventionals 11,166,082 - - 11,166,082

Total Drilling Fluids 55,808,584 - - 55,808,584

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 92,903,606 - - 92,903,606

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals - - - -

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals - - - -

Toxics + Non-conventionals - - - -

Total Drilling Fluids - - - -

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS - - - -

Onsite Injection - - - -

Haul/Onshore Disposal - - - -

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 92,903,606 - - 92,903,606

BAT 1 & 2 (WBF) New Sources - Lower Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 34,928,208 - - 34,928,208

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 42,001,164 - - 42,001,164

Toxics + Non-conventionals 10,533,551 - - 10,533,551

Total Drilling Fluids 52,534,715 - - 52,534,715

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 87,462,923 - - 87,462,923

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals - - - -

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals - - - -

Toxics + Non-conventionals - - - -

Total Drilling Fluids - - - -

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS - - - -

Onsite Injection - - - -

Haul/Onshore Disposal - - - -

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 87,462,923 - - 87,462,923

A-108
WORKSHEET L:

BAT 3 (WBF) New Sources - Lower Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 40,072,937 - - 40,072,937

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 48,257,586 - - 48,257,586

Toxics + Non-conventionals 12,057,084 - - 12,057,084

Total Drilling Fluids 60,314,670 - - 60,314,670

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 100,387,607 - - 100,387,607

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals - - - -

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals - - - -

Toxics + Non-conventionals - - - -

Total Drilling Fluids - - - -

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS - - - -

Onsite Injection - - - -

Haul/Onshore Disposal - - - -

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 100,387,607 - - 100,387,607

 - 92,903,606 total toxic/non-conv: baseline 11,166,082 total conventionals: baseline 81,737,523

 - 87,462,923 BAT 1 & 2 10,533,551 BAT 1 & 2 76,929,372

 - 100,387,607 BAT 3 12,057,084 BAT 3 88,330,523

Incr BAT 1 &2 (632,532) Incr BAT 1 &2 (4,808,151)

Incr BAT 3 891,002 Incr BAT 3 6,592,999

A-109
WORKSHEET M:

Baseline (WBF) New Sources - Upper Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 32,760,063 - - 32,760,063

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 39,234,942 - - 39,234,942

Toxics + Non-conventionals 9,606,917 - - 9,606,917

Total Drilling Fluids 48,841,859 - - 48,841,859

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 81,601,922 - - 81,601,922

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 4,334,959 - - 4,334,959

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 5,407,560 - - 5,407,560

Toxics + Non-conventionals 1,559,165 - - 1,559,165

Total Drilling Fluids 6,966,725 - - 6,966,725

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS 11,301,684 - - 11,301,684

Onsite Injection 904,361 - - 904,361

Haul/Onshore Disposal 10,397,324 - - 10,397,324

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 92,903,606 - - 92,903,606

BAT 1 & 2 (WBF) New Sources - Upper Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 30,593,249 0 0 30,593,249

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 36,593,604 0 0 36,593,604

Toxics + Non-conventionals 8,974,385 0 0 8,974,385

Total Drilling Fluids 45,567,989 0 0 45,567,989

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 76,161,239 0 0 76,161,239

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 4,334,959 0 0 4,334,959

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 5,407,560 0 0 5,407,560

Toxics + Non-conventionals 1,559,165 0 0 1,559,165

Total Drilling Fluids 6,966,725 0 0 6,966,725

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS 11,301,684 0 0 11,301,684

Onsite Injection 904,361 0 0 904,361

Haul/Onshore Disposal 10,397,324 0 0 10,397,324

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 87,462,923 0 0 87,462,923

A-110
WORKSHEET M:

BAT 3 (WBF) New Sources - Upper Bound WBF Failure Rate (0%)

 Summary of Total Baseline Water-Based Fluids Onsite Discharge and Zero Discharge/Onshore Disposal Loadings

GOM CA AK Total

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 35,737,978 - - 35,737,978

ONSITE DISCHARGE: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 42,850,026 - - 42,850,026

Toxics + Non-conventionals 10,497,919 - - 10,497,919

Total Drilling Fluids 53,347,945 - - 53,347,945

TOTAL ONSITE DISCHARGE LOADINGS 89,085,922 - - 89,085,922

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Cuttings Conventionals 4,334,959 - - 4,334,959

ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL: Loadings, Fluids Conventionals 5,407,560 - - 5,407,560

Toxics + Non-conventionals 1,559,165 - - 1,559,165

Total Drilling Fluids 6,966,725 - - 6,966,725

TOTAL ZD/ONSHORE DISPOSAL LOADINGS 11,301,684 - - 11,301,684

Onsite Injection 904,361 - - 904,361

Haul/Onshore Disposal 10,397,324 - - 10,397,324

 TOTAL ONSITE AND ZD/ONSHORE BASELINE WBF POLLUTANT LOADINGS 100,387,607 - - 100,387,607

 - 81,601,922 total toxic/non-conv: baseline 9,606,917 total conventionals: baseline 71,995,005

 - 76,161,239 BAT 1 & 2 8,974,385 BAT 1 & 2 67,186,853

 - 89,085,922 BAT 3 10,497,919 BAT 3 78,588,004

Incr BAT 1 &2 (632,532) Incr BAT 1 &2 (4,808,151)

Incr BAT 3 891,002 Incr BAT 3 6,592,999

A-111
WORKSHEET BB: NEW SOURCE DRILLING FLUID DISPOSAL LOADINGS BY REGION, OPTION, FLUID TYPE, AND LOCATION

 Gulf of Mexico -- Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 92,903,606 0 0 92,903,606

sbf 17,405,127 0 0 17,405,127

obf 0 0 1,256,728 1,256,728

total 110,308,733 0 1,256,728 111,565,461

BAT 1

wbf 87,462,923 0 0 87,462,923

sbf 20,241,106 0 0 20,241,106

obf 0 0 628,364 628,364

total 107,704,029 0 628,364 108,332,393 -2,604,704 -628,364 (3,233,068)

BAT 2

wbf 87,462,923 0 0 87,462,923

sbf 19,722,488 0 518,618 20,241,106

obf 0 0 628,364 628,364

total 107,185,411 0 1,146,982 108,332,393 -3,123,322 -109,746 (3,233,068)

BAT 3

wbf 100,387,607 0 0 100,387,607

sbf 0 0 2,852,661 2,852,661

obf 0 879,710 11,125,935 12,005,645

total 100,387,607 879,710 13,978,597 115,245,913 -9,921,126 13,601,578 3,680,452

 California -- Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf

sbf

obf

total

BAT 1

wbf

sbf

obf

total 0 0 -

BAT 2

wbf

sbf

obf

total 0 0 -

BAT 3

wbf

sbf

obf

total 0 0 -

A-112
 Cook Inlet, AK -- Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf

sbf

obf

total

BAT 1

wbf

sbf

obf

total 0 0 -

BAT 2

wbf

sbf

obf

total 0 0 -

BAT 3

wbf

sbf

obf

total 0 0 -

Total -- Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 92,903,606 0 0 92,903,606

sbf 17,405,127 0 0 17,405,127

obf 0 0 1,256,728 1,256,728

total 110,308,733 0 1,256,728 111,565,461

BAT 1

wbf 87,462,923 0 0 87,462,923

sbf 20,241,106 0 0 20,241,106

obf 0 0 628,364 628,364

total 107,704,029 0 628,364 108,332,393 -2,604,704 -628,364 (3,233,068)

BAT 2

wbf 87,462,923 0 0 87,462,923

sbf 19,722,488 0 518,618 20,241,106

obf 0 0 628,364 628,364

total 107,185,411 0 1,146,982 108,332,393 -3,123,322 -109,746 (3,233,068)

BAT 3

wbf 100,387,607 0 0 100,387,607

sbf 0 0 2,852,661 2,852,661

obf 0 879,710 11,125,935 12,005,645

total 100,387,607 879,710 13,978,597 115,245,913 -9,921,126 13,601,578 3,680,452

A-113
INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS) Lower WBF Failure Rate, New Sources

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings

Baseline

wbf

sbf

obf

total

BAT 1

wbf -5,440,683 0 0 -5,440,683

sbf 2,835,979 0 0 2,835,979

obf 0 0 -628,364 -628,364

total -2,604,704 0 -628,364 -3,233,068

BAT 2

wbf -5,440,683 0 0 -5,440,683

sbf 2,317,361 0 518,618 2,835,979

obf 0 0 -628,364 -628,364

total -3,123,322 0 -109,746 -3,233,068

BAT 3

wbf 7,484,001 0 0 7,484,001

sbf -17,405,127 0 2,852,661 -14,552,466

obf 0 879,710 9,869,207 10,748,917

total -9,921,126 879,710 12,721,869 3,680,452

SUMMARY TOTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS): Lower WBF Failure Rate, New Sources

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings

Baseline total 110,308,733 0 1,256,728 111,565,461

BAT 1 total 107,704,029 0 628,364 108,332,393

BAT 2 total 107,185,411 0 1,146,982 108,332,393

BAT 3 total 100,387,607 879,710 13,978,597 115,245,913

SUMMARY INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS): Lower WBF Failure Rate, New Sources

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings

Baseline NA NA NA NA

BAT 1 total -2,604,704 0 -628,364 -3,233,068

BAT 2 total -3,123,322 0 -109,746 -3,233,068

BAT 3 total -9,921,126 879,710 12,721,869 3,680,452

A-114
WORKSHEET CC: NEW AND EXISTING SOURCE DRILLING FLUID DISPOSAL LOADINGS BY REGION, OPTION, FLUID TYPE, AND LOCATION

 Gulf of Mexico -- Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 2,185,987,899 0 0 2,185,987,899

sbf 255,295,955 0 0 255,295,955

obf 0 11,862,178 48,705,439 60,567,617

total 2,441,283,854 11,862,178 48,705,439 2,501,851,471

BAT 1

wbf 2,050,964,806 0 0 2,050,964,806

sbf 279,869,420 0 0 279,869,420

obf 0 7,092,172 28,997,053 36,089,225

total 2,330,834,226 7,092,172 28,997,053 2,366,923,451 -110,449,628 -24,478,392 (134,928,020)

BAT 2

wbf 2,050,964,806 0 0 2,050,964,806

sbf 271,789,237 0 8,080,183 279,869,420

obf 0 7,092,172 28,997,053 36,089,225

total 2,322,754,043 7,092,172 37,077,236 2,366,923,451 -118,529,811 -16,398,209 (134,928,020)

BAT 3

wbf 2,244,509,591 0 0 2,244,509,591

sbf 0 0 22,618,880 22,618,880

obf 0 36,980,946 215,992,842 252,973,788

total 2,244,509,591 36,980,946 238,611,723 2,520,102,259 -196,774,263 215,025,051 18,250,789

California -- Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188

BAT 1

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188 0 0 -

BAT 2

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188 0 0 -

BAT 3

wbf 9,617,040 0 0 9,617,040

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 9,617,040 1,945,148 0 11,562,188 0 0 -

A-115
Alaska -- lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 8,407,772 1,945,148 0 10,352,920

BAT 1

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 552,796 0 0 552,796

obf 0 1,316,784 0 1,316,784

total 8,960,568 1,316,784 0 10,277,352 552,796 -628,364 (75,568)

BAT 2

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 536,696 16,100 0 552,796

obf 0 1,316,784 0 1,316,784

total 8,944,468 1,332,884 0 10,277,352 536,696 -612,264 (75,568)

BAT 3

wbf 8,407,772 0 0 8,407,772

sbf 0 0 0 0

obf 0 1,945,148 0 1,945,148

total 8,407,772 1,945,148 0 10,352,920 0 0 -

TOTAL -- Lower Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings Onsite (marine) Onshore All Media

Baseline Discharges Disposal Totals

wbf 2,204,012,710 0 0 2,204,012,710

sbf 255,295,955 0 0 255,295,955

obf 0 15,752,474 48,705,439 64,457,913

total 2,459,308,665 15,752,474 48,705,439 2,523,766,578

BAT 1

wbf 2,068,989,617 0 0 2,068,989,617

sbf 280,422,216 0 0 280,422,216

obf 0 10,354,104 28,997,053 39,351,157

total 2,349,411,833 10,354,104 28,997,053 2,388,762,990 -109,896,832 -25,106,756 (135,003,588)

BAT 2

wbf 2,068,989,617 0 0 2,068,989,617

sbf 272,325,933 16,100 8,080,183 280,422,216

obf 0 10,354,104 28,997,053 39,351,157

total 2,341,315,550 10,370,204 37,077,236 2,388,762,990 -117,993,115 -17,010,473 (135,003,588)

BAT 3

wbf 2,262,534,402 0 0 2,262,534,402

sbf 0 0 22,618,880 22,618,880

obf 0 40,871,242 215,992,842 256,864,084

total 2,262,534,402 40,871,242 238,611,723 2,542,017,367 -196,774,263 215,025,051 18,250,789

A-116
INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS) ALL SOURCES, Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings

Baseline

wbf

sbf

obf

total

BAT 1

wbf -135,023,093 0 0 -135,023,093

sbf 25,126,261 0 0 25,126,261

obf 0 -5,398,370 -19,708,386 -25,106,756

total -109,896,832 -5,398,370 -19,708,386 -135,003,588

BAT 2

wbf -135,023,093 0 0 -135,023,093

sbf 17,029,978 16,100 8,080,183 25,126,261

obf 0 -5,398,370 -19,708,386 -25,106,756

total -117,993,115 -5,382,270 -11,628,203 -135,003,588

BAT 3

wbf 58,521,692 0 0 58,521,692

sbf -255,295,955 0 22,618,880 -232,677,075

obf 0 25,118,768 167,287,403 192,406,171

total -196,774,263 25,118,768 189,906,284 18,250,789

SUMMARY TOTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS) ALL SOURCES, Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings

Baseline total 2,459,308,665 15,752,474 48,705,439 2,523,766,578

BAT 1 total 2,349,411,833 10,354,104 28,997,053 2,388,762,990

BAT 2 total 2,341,315,550 10,370,204 37,077,236 2,388,762,990

BAT 3 total 2,262,534,402 40,871,242 238,611,723 2,542,017,367

SUMMARY INCREMENTAL LOADINGS (REDUCTIONS) ALL SOURCES, Lower WBF Failure Rate

Onsite Zero Discharge Alternative Disposal Methods Total Media

Discharge Onsite Injection Haul/ Onshore DisposalPollutant Loadings

Baseline NA NA NA NA

BAT 1 total -109,896,832 -5,398,370 -19,708,386 -135,003,588

BAT 2 total -117,993,115 -5,382,270 -11,628,203 -135,003,588

BAT 3 total -196,774,263 25,118,768 189,906,284 18,250,789

A-117
SBF Drilling Waste Pollutant Concentrations

Pollutant Name Average Concentration of Pollutants Reference

 in Drilling Waste

Conventional Pollutants lbs/bbl-drilling fluid

Total Oil as SBF Basefluid 190.491 Derived from SBF

Total Oil as Formation Oil 0.588 formulation and densities

Total Oil (SBF Basefluid + Form. Oil) 191.079 (see "Model Well Input

TSS as barite 133.749 Data" worksheet) **

Priority Pollutant Organics mg/ml * lbs/bbl-drilling fluid

Naphthalene 1.43 0.0010024 Calculated from diesel

Fluorene 0.78 0.0005468 oil composition in 

Phenanthrene 1.85 0.0012968 Offshore Dev. Doc., 

Phenol (ug/g) 6 0.000003528 Table VII-9 **

Priority Pollutants, Metals mg/kg-barite lbs/lb-dry SBF ***

Cadmium 1.1 0.0000011 Offshore Dev. Doc., 

Mercury 0.1 0.0000001 Table XI-6

Antimony 5.7 0.0000057

Arsenic 7.1 0.0000071

Berylium 0.7 0.0000007

Chromium 240.0 0.0002400

Copper 18.7 0.0000187

Lead 35.1 0.0000351

Nickel 13.5 0.0000135

Selenium 1.1 0.0000011

Silver 0.7 0.0000007

Thallium 1.2 0.0000012

Zinc 200.5 0.0002005

Non-Conventional Pollutants mg/kg-barite lbs/lb-dry SBF ***

Aluminum 9,069.9 0.0090699 Offshore Dev. Doc., 

Barium **** 588,000 0.5880000 Table XI-6

Iron 15,344.3 0.0153443

Tin 14.6 0.0000146

Titanium 87.5 0.0000875

mg/ml * lbs/bbl-drilling fluid

Alkylated benzenes 8.05 0.0056429 Calculated from diesel

Alkylated naphthalenes 75.68 0.0530502 oil composition in 

Alkylated fluorenes 9.11 0.0063859 Offshore Dev. Doc., 

Alkylated phenanthrenes 11.51 0.0080683 Table VII-9 **

Alkylated phenols (ug/g) 52.9 0.0000311

Total biphenyls 14.96 0.0104867

Total dibenzothiophenes (ug/g) 760 0.0004469

* Except where noted

** Includes assumption of 0.2% formation oil contamination

*** The dry weight (lbs) of the barite component in a SBF is equivalent to the term "lb-dry SBF"

**** Barium is derived from assumptions list on Page XI-8, Offshore Dev. Doc.

 [i.e. barite is pure barium sulfate (BaSO4) and by molecular weights barium sulfate is 58.8% by weight barium]

A-118
 WORKSHEET No. O:

 Revised Drilling Fluid Well Counts, to include Water-base Fluid wells

 (well counts reflect number of wells < USING > not hauling or discharging the mud types listed)

Baseline BAT 1 BAT 2 BAT 3

% OBF > SBF GOM 0% 40% 40% 0%

CA 20% 40% 40% 0%

AK 20% 40% 40% 0%

% WBF > SBF GOM 0% 6% 6% 0%

CA 0% 6% 6% 0%

AK 0% 6% 6% 0%

BASELINE

Existing Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 511 298 12 36 857

SBF Gulf of Mexico 86 51 16 48 201

OBF Gulf of Mexico 42 25 0 0 67 1,125

WBF Offshore California 3 2 0 0 5

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 1 1 0 0 2 7

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 3 1 0 0 4

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 1 1 0 0 2 6

 1,138

New Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 27 0 11 0 38

SBF Gulf of Mexico 5 0 15 0 20

OBF Gulf of Mexico 2 0 0 0 2 60

WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 - -

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 - -

Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60

 1,198

BAT OPT 1 

Existing Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 479 279 11 34 803

SBF Gulf of Mexico 124 74 17 49 264

OBF Gulf of Mexico 25 15 0 0 40 1,107

WBF Offshore California 3 2 0 0 5

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 1 1 0 0 2 7

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 3 1 0 0 4

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 1 0 0 0 1

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 1 0 0 1 6

 1,120

New Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 25 0 10 0 35

SBF Gulf of Mexico 8 0 16 0 24

OBF Gulf of Mexico 1 0 0 0 1 60

WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 - -

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 - -

Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60

 1,180

A-119
BAT OPT 2 

Existing Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 479 279 11 34 803

SBF Gulf of Mexico 124 74 17 49 264

OBF Gulf of Mexico 25 15 0 0 40 1,107

WBF Offshore California 3 2 0 0 5

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 1 1 0 0 2 7

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 3 1 0 0 4

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 1 0 0 0 1

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 1 0 0 1 6

 1,120

New Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 25 0 10 0 35

SBF Gulf of Mexico 8 0 16 0 24

OBF Gulf of Mexico 1 0 0 0 1 60

WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 - -

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 - -

Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60

 1,180

BAT OPT 3

Existing Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 511 298 17 51 877

SBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 3 8 11

OBF Gulf of Mexico 128 76 8 25 237 1,125

WBF Offshore California 3 2 0 0 5

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 1 1 0 0 2 7

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 3 1 0 0 4

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 1 1 0 0 2 6

 1,138

New Sources

SBF/OBF/WBF Region SWD SWE DWD DWE TOTALS

WBF Gulf of Mexico 27 0 15 0 42

SBF Gulf of Mexico 0 0 3 0 3

OBF Gulf of Mexico 7 0 8 0 15 60

WBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Offshore California 0 0 0 0 - -

WBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

SBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 -

OBF Cook Inlet, Alaska 0 0 0 0 - -

Note: By definition "exploratory" wells are excluded from the "new sources" category 60

 1,198

A-120
WORKSHEET No. P:

Drilling Fluid Well Counts, including Water-base Fluids Wells 

GULF OF MEXICO OPERATIONS

% Total % DW No. SW Background indicates well

Wells by Wells by Wells counts from EPA NODA; 

DF-type Wells DF-type DWD DWE Rem'g SWD SWE EPA counts are ignored.

Background indicates Total Annual 1,127 48 76 1,003 645 358 but %Dev & %Expl applied

data from L Henry % of SW wells 38.7% 61.3% 64.3% 35.7% to industry data, which given

response to CAJ DF-type only at shallow+deep level.

questions WBF 80% 902 25% 12 19 871 560 311

SBF 10% 113 75% 36 57 20 13 7

OBF 10% 112 0% 0 0 112 72 40

% Total Wells:

Existing Sources: 50% 100% 95% 100%

New Sources: 50% 0% 5% 0%

(new+existing sources)

GM - Deep GM - Shal Existing Sources: BASELINE DISCHARGES

 59 836 WBF 12 36 511 298 857 857

WBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

 79 142 SBF 16 48 86 51 201 201

OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

 - 69 OBF(a) 0 0 42 25 67 67

 138 1,047 WBF+OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 1,125

GM New Sources: BASELINE DISCHARGES

59 836 WBF 11 0 27 0 38 38

WBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

79 142 SBF 15 0 5 0 20 20

OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

0 69 OBF(a) 0 0 2 0 2 2

138 1,047 WBF+OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 60 1,185

 (a) Estimate represents OBF wells = 0% assumed to convert to SBF under the baseline scenario, plus

an assumed 0% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

Adj't for welll red'n, enhanced directional drilling, WBF>SBF: 0 -1 -11 -6

GM Existing Sources: BAT OPT 1 DISCHARGES

WBF 11 34 479 279 803 803

WBF>SBF(b) 1 2 32 19 54

SBF(b) 16 47 75 45 183 264

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 17 10 27

OBF(b) 0 0 25 15 40 40

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 1 2 49 29 1,107

GM New Sources: BAT OPT 1 DISCHARGES 

WBF 10 0 25 0 35 35

WBF>SBF(b) 1 0 2 0 3

SBF(b) 15 0 5 0 20 24

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 1 0 1

OBF(b) 0 0 1 0 1 1

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 1 0 3 0 60 1,167

 (b) Estimate represents OBF wells = 40% assumed to convert to SBF under any discharge options, plus

an assumed 6% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

28 84 639 374

28 84 639 374

GM Existing Sources: BAT OPT 2 DISCHARGES

WBF 11 34 479 279 803 803

WBF>SBF(b) 1 2 32 19 54

SBF(b) 16 47 75 45 183 264

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 17 10 27

OBF(b) 0 0 25 15 40 40

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 1 2 49 29 1,107

GM New Sources: BAT OPT 2 DISCHARGES

WBF 10 0 25 0 35 35

WBF>SBF(b) 1 0 2 0 3

SBF(b) 15 0 5 0 20 24

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 1 0 1

OBF(b) 0 0 1 0 1 1

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 1 0 3 0 60 1,167

 (b) Estimate represents OBF wells = 40% assumed to convert to SBF under any discharge options, plus

an assumed 6% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

28 84 639 374

28 84 639 374

GM Existing Sources: BAT OPT 3 (ZERO DISCHARGE)

0.6 WBF 17 51 511 298 877 877

WBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

0.1 SBF(c ) 3 8 0 0 11 11

OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

0.3 OBF(c ) 8 25 128 76 237 237

WBF+OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 1,125

GM New Sources: BAT OPT 3 (ZERO DISCHARGE)

0.6 WBF 15 0 27 0 42 42

WBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

0.1 SBF(c ) 3 0 0 0 3 3

OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

0.3 OBF(c ) 8 0 7 0 15 15

WBF+OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 60 1,185

 (c) Estimate represents OBF wells = 0% assumed to convert to SBF under zero discharge option, plus

an assumed 0% 0%

A-121
CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS

Background indicates % Total % DW No. SW Background indicates

data from L Henry Wells by Wells by Wells well counts from EPA

response to CAJ DF-type Wells DF-type DWD DWE Rem'g SWD SWE NODA; counts ignored

questions Total Annual 26 15 0 11 11 0 but %s D & E applied to 

WBF (d) 25.0% 25.0% 86.8% 86.8% industry data given only

SBF (d) 0% 0% 0% 0% at shallow+deep level.

OBF (d) 75.0% 75.0% 13.2% 13.2%

CA - Deep CA - Shal Existing Sources: BASELINE DISCHARGES

0 5 WBF 0 0 3 2 5 5

WBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 SBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 OBF 0 0 1 1 2 2

0 7 WBF+OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 7

CA New Sources: BASELINE DISCHARGES (e)

WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0 7

 (a) Estimate represents OBF wells = 20% assumed to convert to SBF under the baseline scenario, plus

an assumed 0% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

 (d) Currently, no SBF is used in California operations; estimated percentage of OBF+SBF usage for deep- and

 shallow-water wells are based on available Gulf of Mexico usage data.

 (e) There are no new sources projected for California operations.

CA Existing Sources: BAT OPT 1 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 3 2 5 5

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(b) 0 0 1 1 2 2

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 7

CA New Sources: BAT OPT 1 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 7

 (b) Estimate represents OBF wells = 40% assumed to convert to SBF under any discharge options, plus

an assumed 6% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

CA Existing Sources: BAT OPT 2 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 3 2 5 5

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(b) 0 0 1 1 2 2

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 7

CA New Sources: BAT OPT 2 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 7

 (b) Estimate represents OBF wells = 40% assumed to convert to SBF under any discharge options, plus

an assumed 6% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

CA Existing Sources: BAT OPT 3 (ZERO DISCHARGE)

WBF 0 0 3 2 5 5

WBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(c ) 0 0 1 1 2 2

WBF+OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 7

CA New Sources: BAT OPT 3 (ZERO DISCHARGE)

WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 7

 (c) Estimate represents OBF wells = 0% assumed to convert to SBF under zero discharge option, plus

an assumed 0% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

A-122
ALASKA (COOK INLET) OPERATIONS

% Total % DW No. SW Background indicates

Background indicates Wells by Wells by Wells well counts from EPA

data from L Henry DF-type Wells DF-type DWD DWE Rem'g SWD SWE NODA; counts ignored

response to CAJ Total Annual 8 1 0 7 7 0 but %s D & E applied to 

questions WBF (d) 25.0% 25.0% 86.8% 86.8% industry data given only

SBF (d) 0% 0% 0% 0% at shallow+deep level.

OBF (d) 75.0% 75.0% 13.2% 13.2%

AK - Deep AK - Shal Existing Sources: BASELINE DISCHARGES

0 4 WBF 0 0 3 1 4 4

WBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 SBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

0 2 OBF 0 0 1 1 2 2

0 6 WBF+OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 6

AK New Sources: BASELINE DISCHARGES (e)

WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(a) 0 0 0 0 0 6

 (a) Estimate represents OBF wells = 20% assumed to convert to SBF under the baseline scenario, plus

an assumed 0% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

 (d) Currently, no SBF is used in Cook Inlet operations; estimated percentage of OBF+SBF usage for deep- and

 shallow-water wells are based on available Gulf of Mexico usage data.

 (e) There are no new sources projected for Cook Inlet operations.

AK Existing Sources: BAT OPT 1 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 3 1 4 4

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 1

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 1 0 1

OBF(b) 0 0 0 1 1 1

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 1 0 6

AK New Sources: BAT OPT 1 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 6

 (b) Estimate represents OBF wells = 40% assumed to convert to SBF under any discharge options, plus

an assumed 6% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

AK Existing Sources: BAT OPT 2 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 3 1 4 4

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 1

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 1 0 1

OBF(b) 0 0 0 1 1 1

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 1 0 6

AK New Sources: BAT OPT 2 DISCHARGES

WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(b) 0 0 0 0 0 6

 (b) Estimate represents OBF wells = 40% assumed to convert to SBF under any discharge options, plus

an assumed 6% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

Existing Sources: BAT OPT 3 (ZERO DISCHARGE)

AK WBF 0 0 3 1 4 4

WBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(c ) 0 0 1 1 2 2

WBF+OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 6

New Sources: BAT OPT 3 (ZERO DISCHARGE)

AK WBF 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 0

OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0

OBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 0

WBF+OBF>SBF(c ) 0 0 0 0 0 6

 (c) Estimate represents OBF wells = 0% assumed to convert to SBF under zero discharge option, plus

an assumed 0% conversion of WBF wells to SBF.

A-123
WORKSHEET Q:

Gulf of Mexico Regional Annual Total SBF Pollutant Loadings (lbs)

Existing Sources

Baseline Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary

Baseline Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Technology Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Discharge w/10.2% retention 54,039,305 67,155,986 15,214,194 101,481,343 237,890,828

Total Wells = 201 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

Zero Discharge of OBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 67 OBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

BAT Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary

BAT/NSPS Technology Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Option * Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 68,546,728 85,723,524 14,221,049 91,137,013 259,628,314

Total Wells = 201 SBF wells + 67 OBF wells (from 

worksheet Well Count Input Data)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 66,550,333 83,226,863 13,806,867 88,482,686 252,066,749

Total Wells = 201 SBF wells + 67 OBF wells (from 

worksheet Well Count Input Data)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 201 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

* EPA assumes that operators will switch from OBF to SBF under both BAT/NSPS discharge options

Incremental Annual Total Pollutant Loadings (Reductions) Summary **

Technology Option Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Discharge w/10.2% retention 0 0 0 0 0 No reduction between baseline and current practice

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 14,507,423 18,567,538 (993,145) (10,344,330) 21,737,486

Difference between BAT Option 1 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 12,511,029 16,070,877 (1,407,327) (12,998,657) 14,175,921

Difference between BAT Option 2 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes (54,039,305) (67,155,986) (15,214,194) (101,481,343) (237,890,828)

Difference between zero discharge BAT loadings 

and baseline 10.20% discharge loadings from the 

201 wells currently using SBF (negative 

incremental loadings indicate reductions)

** Incremental Loadings (Reductions) = Technology Option Loadings - Baseline Loadings.

A-124
California Offshore Regional Annual Total SBF Pollutant Loadings Summary (lbs)

Existing Sources

Baseline Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary

Baseline Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Technology Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Zero Discharge of SBF & OBFwastes (Current Practice) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 0 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

BAT Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary

BAT/NSPS Technology Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Option * Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 0 SBF wells + 2 OBF wells (from 

worksheet Well Count Input Data)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 0 SBF wells + 2 OBF wells (from 

worksheet Well Count Input Data)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 0 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

* EPA assumes that operators will switch from OBF to SBF under both BAT/NSPS discharge options

Incremental Annual Total Pollutant Loadings (Reductions) Summary **

Technology Option Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Zero Discharge of SBF & OBFwastes (Current Practice) 0 0 0 0 0 No reduction between baseline and current practice

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 0 0 0 0 0

Difference between BAT Option 1 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 0 0 0 0 0

Difference between BAT Option 2 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0

Difference between zero discharge BAT loadings 

and baseline zero discharge loadings from the 0 

wells currently using SBF (negative incremental 

loadings indicate reductions)

** Incremental Loadings (Reductions) = Technology Option Loadings - Baseline Loadings.

A-125
Cook Inlet, Alaska, Regional Annual Total SBF Pollutant Loadings Summary (lbs)

Existing Sources

Baseline Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary

Baseline Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Technology Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Zero Discharge of SBF & OBFwastes (Current Practice) 0 0 0 0 0

Total Well(s) = 4 SBF well(s) (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

BAT Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary

BAT/NSPS Technology Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Option * Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 552,796 0 0 0 552,796

Total Well(s) = 4 SBF well(s) + 2 OBF well(s) (from 

worksheet Well Count Input Data)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 536,696 0 0 0 536,696

Total Well(s) = 4 SBF well(s) + 2 OBF well(s) (from 

worksheet Well Count Input Data)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0

Total Well(s) = 4 SBF well(s) (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

* EPA assumes that operators will switch from OBF to SBF under both BAT/NSPS discharge options

Incremental Annual Total Pollutant Loadings (Reductions) Summary **

Technology Option Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Zero Discharge of SBF & OBFwastes (Current Practice) 0 0 0 0 0 No reduction between baseline and current practice

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 552,796 0 0 0 552,796

Difference between BAT Option 1 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 536,696 0 0 0 536,696

Difference between BAT Option 2 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0

Difference between zero discharge BAT loadings 

and baseline zero discharge loadings from the 4 

well(s) currently using SBF (negative incremental 

loadings indicate reductions)

** Incremental Loadings (Reductions) = Technology Option Loadings - Baseline Loadings.

A-126
Summary Pollutant Loadings (Reductions) for Management of SBF Cuttings, Existing Sources (lbs)

Total Annual Baseline Pollutant Loadings

 Baseline Technology Gulf of Mexico Offshore 

California

Cook Inlet, 

Alaska Total Notes

Discharge w/10.2% retention 237,890,828 N/A N/A 237,890,828 Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells

Zero Discharge of OBF-wastes 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 67 GOM OBF wells + 0 CA SBF 

wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK SBF well(s) + 2 AK 

OBF wells

Total 237,890,828 0 0 237,890,828

Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells + 67 GOM OBF 

wells + 0 CA SBF wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK 

SBF well(s) + 2 AK OBF wells

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

Total Annual Compliance Pollutant Loadings

Technology Option Gulf of Mexico Offshore 

California

Cook Inlet, 

Alaska Total Notes *

Current Practice 237,890,828 0 0 237,890,828

Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells + 67 GOM OBF 

wells + 0 CA SBF wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK 

SBF well(s) + 2 AK OBF wells

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 259,628,314 0 552,796 260,181,110

Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells + 67 GOM OBF 

wells + 0 CA SBF wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK 

SBF well(s) + 2 AK OBF wells

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 252,066,749 0 536,696 252,603,445

Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells + 67 GOM OBF 

wells + 0 CA SBF wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK 

SBF well(s) + 2 AK OBF wells

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells

* EPA assumes that operators will switch from OBF to SBF under both BAT/NSPS discharge options

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

Total Annual Incremental Pollutant Loadings (Reductions)

Technology Option Gulf of Mexico Offshore 

California

Cook Inlet, 

Alaska Total Notes

Current Practice 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells + 67 GOM OBF 

wells + 0 CA SBF wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK 

SBF well(s) + 2 AK OBF wells

BAT/NSPS Option 1 

(Discharge w/4.03% retention) 21,737,486 0 552,796 22,290,282

Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells + 67 GOM OBF 

wells + 0 CA SBF wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK 

SBF well(s) + 2 AK OBF wells

BAT/NSPS Option 2 

(Discharge w/3.82% retention) 14,175,921 0 536,696 14,712,617

Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells + 67 GOM OBF 

wells + 0 CA SBF wells + 2 CA OBF wells + 4 AK 

SBF well(s) + 2 AK OBF wells

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes (237,890,828) N/A N/A (237,890,828) Total Wells = 201 GOM SBF wells

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

A-127
WORKSHEET R:

Summary Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Pollutant Loadings (Reductions) for Management of SBF Cuttings, Existing Sources (lbs)

Total Annual Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Baseline Pollutant Loadings

Gulf of Mexico Offshore California Cook Inlet, Alaska Total

 Baseline Technology Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill Cuttings SBF

Discharge w/10.2% retention 194,650,820 43,240,008 N/A N/A N/A N/A 194,650,820 43,240,008

Zero Discharge of OBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 194,650,820 43,240,008 0 0 0 0 194,650,820 43,240,008

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

Total Annual Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Compliance Pollutant Loadings

Gulf of Mexico Offshore California Cook Inlet, Alaska Total

Technology Option Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill Cuttings SBF

Current Practice 194,650,820 43,240,008 0 0 0 0 194,650,820 43,240,008

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Discharge 

w/4.03% retention) 243,181,120 16,447,194 1,591,590 (1,591,590) 4,211,480 (3,658,684) 248,984,190 11,196,920

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (Discharge 

w/3.82% retention) 237,038,491 15,028,258 1,551,387 (1,551,387) 4,105,100 (3,568,404) 242,694,978 9,908,467

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 0

* EPA assumes that operators will switch from OBF to SBF under both BAT/NSPS discharge options

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

Total Annual Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Incremental Pollutant Loadings (Reductions)

Gulf of Mexico Offshore California Cook Inlet, Alaska Total

Current Practice Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill 

Cuttings SBF Dry Drill Cuttings SBF

Current Practice 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Discharge 

w/4.03% retention) 48,530,300 (26,792,814) 1,591,590 (1,591,590) 4,211,480 (3,658,684) 54,333,370 (32,043,088)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (Discharge 

w/3.82% retention) 42,387,671 (28,211,749) 1,551,387 (1,551,387) 4,105,100 (3,568,404) 48,044,158 (33,331,541)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes (194,650,820) (43,240,008) N/A N/A N/A N/A (194,650,820) (43,240,008)

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

A-128
WORKSHEET S:

Gulf of Mexico Regional Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary (lbs) from New Sources

Baseline Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary: SBF, New Source Onsite Discharges

\ Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Technology Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Discharge w/10.2% retention 3,141,820 0 14,263,307 0 17,405,127

Total Wells = 20 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

BAT Annual Total Pollutant Loadings Summary: SBF, New Source Onsite Discharges

BAT/NSPS Technology Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Option * Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Discharge 

w/4.03% retention) 5,026,912 0 15,214,194 0 20,241,106

Total Wells = 20 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (Discharge 

w/3.82% retention) 4,898,112 0 14,824,376 0 19,722,488

Total Wells = 20 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0 0 0 0

Total Wells = 20 SBF wells (from worksheet Well 

Count Input Data)

Incremental Annual Total Pollutant Loadings (Reductions) Summary : SBF, New Sources* Onsite Discharges

Technology Option Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total Notes

Discharge w/10.2% retention 0 0 0 0 0

No reduction between baseline and current 

practice

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Discharge 

w/4.03% retention) 1,885,092 0 950,887 0 2,835,979

Difference between NSPS Option 1 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (Discharge 

w/3.82% retention) 1,756,292 0 561,069 0 2,317,361

Difference between NSPS Option 2 loadings and 

baseline loadings (negative incremental loadings 

indicate reductions)

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes (3,141,820) 0 (14,263,307) 0 (17,405,127)

Difference between zero discharge NSPS loadings 

and baseline 10.20% discharge loadings from the 

20 wells expected to use SBF (negative 

incremental loadings indicate reductions)

** Incremental Loadings (Reductions) = Technology Option Loadings - Baseline Loadings.

A-129
WORKSHEET T: 

Summary: New Sources

Baseline

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 5 0 15 0 20

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 3,141,820 0 14,263,307 0 17,405,127

Total Wells, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 2 0 0 0 2

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 1,256,728 0 0 0 1,256,728

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 1,256,728 0 0 0 1,256,728

Summary: New Sources

BAT 1

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 8 0 16 0 24

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Discharge 5,026,912 0 15,214,194 0 20,241,106

Total Wells, Zero Discharge 0 0 0 0 0

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 0 0 0

No. wells, OBF 1 0 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

A-130
Summary: New Sources

BAT 2

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 8 0 16 0 24

Loadings/well (lbs) 16,100 33,739 24,364 54,170

Total Wells, Zero Discharge 8 0 16 0 24

Onsite Injection (0%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (100%S:100%D) 128,800 0 389,818 0 518,618

No. wells, OBF 1 0 0 0 1

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 628,364 0 0 0 628,364

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 8 0 16 0 24

Loadings/well (lbs) 612,264 1,283,045 926,523 2,060,025

Total Loadings, Discharge 4,898,112 0 14,824,376 0 19,722,488

Summary: New Sources

BAT 3

Shallow Water (<1,000 ft) Deep Water (>1,000 ft)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory Total

No. wells, SBF 0 0 3 0 3

Loadings/well (lbs) 628,364 1,316,784 950,887 2,114,195

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 0 0 2,852,661 0 2,852,661

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 0 0 0 0 0

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 0 0 2,852,661 0 2,852,661

No. wells, OBF 7 0 8 0 15

Loadings/well (lbs) 1,885,092 3,950,352 2,852,661 6,342,584

Total Loadings, Zero Discharge 4,398,548 0 7,607,097 0 12,005,645

Onsite Injection (20%S: 0%D) 879,710 0 0 0 879,710

Onshore Disposal (80%S:100%D) 3,518,838 0 7,607,097 0 11,125,935

A-131
WORKSHEET No. W:

Summary Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Pollutant Loadings (Reductions) 

 for Management of SBF Cuttings, New Sources (lbs)

Total Annual Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Baseline Pollutant Loadings

Gulf of Mexico

 Baseline Technology Dry Drill Cuttings SBF

Discharge w/10.2% retention 14,241,500 3,163,627

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

Total Annual Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Compliance Pollutant Loadings

Gulf of Mexico

Technology Option Dry Drill Cuttings SBF

Current Practice 14,241,500 3,163,627

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Discharge 

w/4.03% retention) 14,241,500 5,999,606

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (Discharge 

w/3.82% retention) 13,881,767 5,840,721

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes 0 0

* EPA assumes that operators will switch from OBF to SBF under both BAT/NSPS discharge options

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

Total Annual Dry Drill Cuttings and SBF Incremental Pollutant Loadings (Reductions)

Gulf of Mexico

Current Practice Dry Drill Cuttings SBF

Current Practice 0 0

BAT/NSPS Option 1 (Discharge 

w/4.03% retention) 0 2,835,979

BAT/NSPS Option 2 (Discharge 

w/3.82% retention) (359,733) 2,677,094

Zero Discharge of SBF-wastes (14,241,500) (3,163,627)

N/A - Not Applicable (as these regions currently do not allow SBF discharges)

A-132
A-133

APPENDIX IX-1

Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts
Worksheet No. 1 Page 1 of 5

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

TOTAL 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

A-134

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

TOTAL 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0
Worksheet No. 1 Page 2 of 5

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

Baseline Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.1300 0.0104 0.0086 0.0281 0.0093 0.1865

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.2725 0.0218 0.0181 0.0590 0.0195 0.3909

Deep Water Development 0.1975 0.0158 0.0131 0.0427 0.0141 0.2833

Deep Water Exploratory 0.4375 0.0350 0.0291 0.0947 0.0313 0.6275

Baseline Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Deep Water Development 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Average Baseline Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.1123 0.0091 0.0074 0.0251 0.0079 0.1617

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.2354 0.0191 0.0154 0.0526 0.0165 0.3390

Deep Water Development 0.1706 0.0138 0.0112 0.0381 0.0120 0.2457

Deep Water Exploratory 0.3780 0.0306 0.0247 0.0844 0.0266 0.5442

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Total per day 12.6280 6.7816 0.8598 1.8100 0.9900

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

A-135
Worksheet No. 1 Page 3 of 5

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

& Zero Discharge from OBF Wells (also at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (SBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.1123 0.0091 0.0074 0.0251 0.0079 0.1617

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.2354 0.0191 0.0154 0.0526 0.0165 0.3390

Deep Water Development 0.1706 0.0138 0.0112 0.0381 0.0120 0.2457

Deep Water Exploratory 0.3780 0.0306 0.0247 0.0844 0.0266 0.5442

Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 1.3055 0.5276 0.0904 0.2386 0.1033 2.2654

Shallow Water Exploratory 2.3187 0.9267 0.1591 0.4150 0.1813 4.0009

Deep Water Development 1.9402 0.8441 0.1340 0.3395 0.1537 3.4116

Deep Water Exploratory 4.3481 1.8858 0.3004 0.7592 0.3444 7.6379

Note: These air emissions are calculated in Worksheet No. 11

A-136
Worksheet No. 1 Page 4 of 5

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

& Zero Discharge from OBF Wells (also at 10.20% CRN)

Annual Air Emissions (SBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 1,421.4691 758.9647 96.7623 204.5141 111.3608 2,593.0710

Shallow Water Exploratory 1,766.9827 943.4447 120.2821 254.2250 138.4290 3,223.3636

Deep Water Development 401.7748 214.5195 27.3496 57.8054 31.4759 732.9253

Deep Water Exploratory 2,670.0225 1,425.6045 181.7539 384.1500 209.1750 4,870.7059

Total 6,260.2492 3,342.5334 426.1479 900.6946 490.4407

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 744.3219 392.4343 50.7436 108.8490 58.3910 1,354.7398

Shallow Water Exploratory 918.2497 485.1648 62.5548 133.6807 71.9770 1,671.6271

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 1,662.5716 877.5992 113.2985 242.5297 130.3680

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16,834.9516 9,014.6791 1,146.1398 2,417.5775 1,319.3473 30,732.6952

Shallow Water Exploratory 20,579.2901 11,019.6751 1,401.0580 2,955.2820 1,612.7893 37,568.0945

Deep Water Development 600.6147 321.6136 40.8904 86.2511 47.0699 1,096.4397

Deep Water Exploratory 3,991.4269 2,137.3054 271.7402 573.1875 312.8063 7,286.4662

Total 42,006.2833 22,493.2732 2,859.8284 6,032.2980 3,292.0127

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 86 SWD wells, 51 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 48 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 42 SWD wells, 25 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 511 SWD wells, 298 SWE wells, 12 DWD wells, and 36 DWE wells

A-137
Worksheet No. 1 Page 5 of 5

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

& Zero Discharge from OBF Wells (also at 10.20% CRN)

Summary Annual Fuel Usage

SBF Wells OBF Wells Annual Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

BOE per 

model well per 

day

gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) per model well

BOE per model well per 

day Gallons Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE)

Shallow Water Development 748.8 17.8 3.4 6,550.7 156.0 30.0 339,524.8 8,083.9

Shallow Water Exploratory 1,569.6 37.4 3.4 11,546.7 274.9 25.2 368,718.2 8,779.0

Deep Water Development 1,137.6 27.1 3.4 9,797.9 233.3 29.5 18,201.6 433.4

Deep Water Exploratory 2,520.0 60.0 3.4 21,907.7 521.6 29.8 120,960.0 2,880.0

TOTAL 5,976.0 142.3 13.7 49,803.0 1,185.8 114.6 847,404.6 20,176.3

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well Gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

GOM Baseline Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 10.2%) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.2%) WBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent (BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 2,593.0710 165,378.8 1,354.7398 86,568.3 30,815.3325 1,965,315.7 0.0000 0.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 3,223.3636 205,577.1 1,671.6271 106,711.9 37,669.1115 2,402,430.6 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 732.9253 46,743.9 0.0000 0.0 1,099.3879 70,115.9 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 4,870.7059 310,640.0 0.0000 0.0 7,306.0588 465,960.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 11,420.1 728,339.9 3,026.4 193,280.1 76,889.9 4,903,822.2 0.0 0.0

88,310.0 5,632,162.1

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 86 SWD wells, 51 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 48 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 42 SWD wells, 25 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 511 SWD wells, 298 SWE wells, 12 DWD wells, and 36 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-138
Worksheet No. 2 Page 1 of 3

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Air Emissions (per model well)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.2994 0.1217 0.0166 0.0817 0.0191 0.5385 0.1036

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.5259 0.2116 0.0275 0.1501 0.0315 0.9466 0.0868

Deep Water Development 0.4042 0.1640 0.0216 0.1134 0.0248 0.7280 0.0922

Deep Water Exploratory 3.6306 1.6696 0.2321 0.7492 0.2677 6.5492 0.3742

Note: These air emissions per model well are calculated in NWQI Worksheet No. 15

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well)

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) Per Day

Shallow Water Development 3,428.2 81.6 15.7

Shallow Water Exploratory 6,644.4 158.2 14.5

Deep Water Development 4,930.8 117.4 14.9

Deep Water Exploratory 23,403.1 557.2 31.8

Note: These air emissions per model well are calculated in NWQI Worksheet No. 15

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-139
Worksheet No. 2 Page 2 of 3

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Annual Fuel Usage

Annual Fuel Usage

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of 

Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Shallow Water Development 3,428.2 81.6

Shallow Water Exploratory 6,644.4 158.2

Deep Water Development 0.0 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0 0.0

TOTAL 10,072.6 239.8

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

CA Baseline Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) WBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of 

Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent (BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 30.5288 1,986.8 180.9119 11,538.1 0.0000 0.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 63.8108 4,151.8 252.8128 16,123.7 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 94.3 6,138.6 433.7 27,661.8 0.0 0.0

Note: Summary annual air emissions/fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions/fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-140
Worksheet No. 2 Page 3 of 3

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16.7158 9.3437 1.2082 2.5916 1.3903 31.2496

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.9423 19.4066 2.5022 5.3472 2.8791 47.0774

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 33.6581 28.7503 3.7104 7.9389 4.2693

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457 180.4268

Shallow Water Exploratory 138.1160 73.9576 9.4031 19.8341 10.8241 252.1349

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 236.9514 126.8813 16.1319 34.0273 18.5698

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-141
Worksheet No. 3 Page 1 of 3

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Air Emissions (per model well)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008 0.0194

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113 0.0194

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Note: These air emissions per model well are calculated in NWQI Worksheet No. 18

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well)

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) Per Day

Shallow Water Development 2,283.1 54.4 10.5

Shallow Water Exploratory 4,785.6 113.9 10.5

Deep Water Development 0.0 0.0 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0 0.0 0.0

Note: These air emissions per model well are calculated in NWQI Worksheet No. 18

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-142
Worksheet No. 3 Page 2 of 3

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Annual Fuel Usage

Annual Fuel Usage

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of 

Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Shallow Water Development 2,283.1 54.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 4,785.6 113.9

Deep Water Development 0.0 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0 0.0

TOTAL 7,068.7 168.3

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

AK Baseline Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) WBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of 

Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent (BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 30.0911 1,959.5 180.9119 11,538.1 0.0000 0.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 63.0755 4,107.5 126.4064 8,061.8 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 93.2 6,067.0 307.3 19,599.9 0.0 0.0

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-143
Worksheet No. 3 Page 3 of 3

BPT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20%CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16.4731 8.8239 1.1179 2.3892 1.2870 30.0911

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.5352 18.4963 2.3432 5.0081 2.6978 45.0806

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 33.0083 27.3202 3.4611 7.3973 3.9848

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457 180.4268

Shallow Water Exploratory 69.0580 36.9788 4.7015 9.9171 5.4120 126.0674

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 167.8934 89.9025 11.4303 24.1103 13.1577

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 under this technology option: 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-144
Worksheet No. 4 Page 1 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03%CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

TOTAL 1,497.6 3,139.2 2,275.2 5,040.0

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

TOTAL 22,522.7 47,211.0 34,217.1 75,797.4

A-145
Worksheet No. 4 Page 2 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03%CRN

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

Deep Water Development 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

Deep Water Exploratory 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Deep Water Development 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.3003 0.0243 0.0197 0.0670 0.0211 0.4324 0.0831

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.6294 0.0509 0.0412 0.1405 0.0442 0.9063 0.0831

Deep Water Development 0.4562 0.0369 0.0299 0.1018 0.0321 0.6569 0.0831

Deep Water Exploratory 1.0105 0.0818 0.0661 0.2256 0.0710 1.4551 0.0831

A-146
Worksheet No. 4 Page 3 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03%CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

GOM BAT1 Daily Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 4.03%) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent (BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 3,772.4077 240,663.9 806.3927 51,528.7 28,885.6052 1,842,243.1

Shallow Water Exploratory 4,719.0199 301,053.8 1,002.9762 64,027.1 35,267.3896 2,249,255.5

Deep Water Development 785.7233 50,125.9 0.0000 0.0 1007.772 64,272.9

Deep Water Exploratory 5,016.8108 320,051.7 0.0000 0.0 6,900.1667 440,073.3

TOTAL 14,294.0 911,895.3 1,809.4 115,555.9 72,060.9 4,595,844.8

88,164.3

5,623,296.0

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 124 SWD wells, 74 SWE wells, 17 DWD wells, and 49 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will convert to using SBF:

 25 SWD wells, 15 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 479 SWD wells, 279 SWE wells, 11 DWD wells, and 34 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-147
Worksheet No. 4 Page 4 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03%CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT1 Model Well - Discharging at 4.03% CRN

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 2,072.8680 1,096.2078 141.0433 300.0839 162.2047 3,772.4077

Shallow Water Exploratory 1,261.3912 656.1600 85.7652 184.5197 98.5113 2,286.3475

Deep Water Development 286.8340 150.5011 19.5101 41.7322 22.4240 521.0014

Deep Water Exploratory 853.9205 435.9959 58.0128 126.3508 66.5429 1,540.8229

Total 4,475.0137 2,338.8648 304.3314 652.6866 349.6830

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 443.0487 233.5919 30.2045 64.7911 34.7565 806.3927

Shallow Water Exploratory 550.9498 291.0989 37.5329 80.2084 43.1862 1,002.9762

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 993.9986 524.6908 67.7374 144.9995 77.9427

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 15,780.7080 8,450.1591 1,074.3659 2,266.1832 1,236.7267 28,808.1429

Shallow Water Exploratory 19,267.1877 10,317.0784 1,311.7288 2,766.8579 1,509.9605 35,172.8133

Deep Water Development 550.5635 294.8124 37.4829 79.0635 43.1474 1,005.0697

Deep Water Exploratory 3,769.6809 2,018.5662 256.6435 541.3438 295.4281 6,881.6625

Total 39,368.1402 21,080.6161 2,680.2211 5,653.4484 3,085.2627

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 124 SWD wells, 74 SWE wells, 17 DWD wells, and 49 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will convert to using SBF:

 25 SWD wells, 15 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 479 SWD wells, 279 SWE wells, 11 DWD wells, and 34 DWE wells

A-148
Worksheet No. 5 Page 1 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) 4.03%CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless 

otherwise noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

TOTAL 1,497.6 3,139.2 2,275.2 5,040.0

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless 

otherwise noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 

hp secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit 

(avg of 5 hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

TOTAL 22,522.7 47,211.0 34,217.1 75,797.4

A-149
Worksheet No. 5 Page 2 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) 4.03%CRN

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

Deep Water Development 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

Deep Water Exploratory 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Deep Water Development 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (0%/100%)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574 0.0110

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203 0.0110

Deep Water Development 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872 0.0110

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932 0.0110

A-150
Worksheet No. 5 Page 3 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) 4.03%CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

CA BAT1 Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) WBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 30.5288 1,986.8 180.9119 11,538.1 0.0000 0.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 63.8108 4,151.8 252.8128 16,123.7 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 94.3 6,138.6 433.7 27,661.8 0.0 0.0

528.1

33,800.3

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) will convert to using SBF:

 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-151
Worksheet No. 5 Page 4 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) 4.03%CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT1 Model Well - Discharging at 4.03% CRN

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20%CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP

Shallow Water Development 16.7158 8.9378 1.1344 2.4347 1.3061

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.9423 18.6914 2.3705 5.0824 2.7293

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 33.6581 27.6292 3.5050 7.5171 4.0353

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457

Shallow Water Exploratory 138.1160 73.9576 9.4031 19.8341 10.8241

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 236.9514 126.8813 16.1319 34.0273 18.5698

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) will convert to using SBF:

 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-152
Worksheet No. 6 Page 1 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

TOTAL 1,497.6 3,139.2 2,275.2 5,040.0

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

TOTAL 22,522.7 47,211.0 34,217.1 75,797.4

A-153
Worksheet No. 6 Page 2 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

Deep Water Development 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

Deep Water Exploratory 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Deep Water Development 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

BAT Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (0%/100%)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574 0.0110

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203 0.0110

Deep Water Development 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872 0.0110

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932 0.0110

A-154
Worksheet No. 6 Page 3 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

AK BAT1 Daily Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @4.03%) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) OBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 30.0477 1,940.8 180.9119 11,538.1 0.0000 0.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 126.4064 8,061.8 63.0755 4,107.5

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 30.0 1,940.8 307.3 19,599.9 63.1 4,107.5

400.4

25,648.2

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-155
Worksheet No. 6 Page 4 of 4

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 1

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharges from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT1 Model Well - Discharging at 4.03% CRN

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16.4487 8.8205 1.1178 2.3736 1.2870 30.0477

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 16.4487 8.8205 1.1178 2.3736 1.2870

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.5352 8.8325 1.1180 2.4288 1.2870 30.2015

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 16.5352 8.8325 1.1180 2.4288 1.2870

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457 180.4268

Shallow Water Exploratory 69.0580 36.9788 4.7015 9.9171 5.4120 126.0674

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 167.8934 89.9025 11.4303 24.1103 13.1577

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-156
Worksheet No. 7 Page 1 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Cuttings Dryer Discharge

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Zero Discharge of Fines

Regular Supply Boat Transit 870.4 870.4 870.4 870.4

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Total Supply Boat Transit 870.4 870.4 870.4 870.4

Barge Transit 1.7 3.3 3.3 6.7

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 25.3 25.3 25.3

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Regular Supply Boat Loading 45.5 50.6 50.6 60.7

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 144.0 144.0 144.0

Supply Boat Cranes 3.3 6.7 6.7 13.3

Barge Cranes 1.7 3.3 3.3 6.7

Trucks 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

Subtotal 2,594.5 4,247.9 3,383.9 6,172.1

A-157
Worksheet No. 7 Page 2 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Zero Discharge of Fines (cont.)

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 44.0 44.0 44.0 44.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 45.7 45.7 45.7 45.7

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 0.3 0.7 0.5 1.2

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 9.4 9.7 9.5 10.1 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (20%/80%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 2,603.9 4,257.6 3,393.4 6,182.2

A-158
Worksheet No. 7 Page 3 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0

Supply Boat Cranes 54.4 108.8 108.8 217.6

Barge Cranes 27.2 54.4 54.4 108.8

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 1.9 4.0 2.9 6.4 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 2.3 4.8 3.5 7.7

 Cuttings Injection 23.4 49.0 35.4 78.6

Total Power Requirements (per 

model well) for Seven Selected 

Energy-Consuming Activities 

(hp):

24,071.8 48,871.9 35,862.0 77,656.5

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-159
Worksheet No. 7 Page 4 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Solids Control Subtotal 0.3003 0.0243 0.0197 0.0670 0.0211 0.4324

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0096 0.0051 0.0006 0.0014 0.0008 0.0175

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0012

Barge

 Transit 0.0003 0.0001 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0006

 Cranes 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0006

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005 0.0000 0.0013

Total Per Well 0.5103 0.1076 0.0347 0.1090 0.0384 0.8000

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are used for electricity generation

A-160
Worksheet No. 7 Page 5 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Solids Control Subtotal 0.6294 0.0509 0.0412 0.1405 0.0442 0.9063

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Barge

 Transit 0.0007 0.0003 0.0000 0.0001 0.0001 0.0012

 Cranes 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0012

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0011

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0010 0.0001 0.0001 0.0006 0.0001 0.0018

Total Per Well 0.8425 0.1351 0.0564 0.1831 0.0617 1.2788

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-161
Worksheet No. 7 Page 6 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Solids Control Subtotal 0.4562 0.0369 0.0299 0.1018 0.0321 0.6569

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Barge

 Transit 0.0007 0.0003 0.0000 0.0001 0.0001 0.0012

 Cranes 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0012

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0005 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0008

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0005 0.0001 0.0015

Total Per Well 0.6690 0.1210 0.0451 0.1444 0.0496 1.0291

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-162
Worksheet No. 7 Page 7 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

Solids Control Subtotal 1.0105 0.0818 0.0661 0.2256 0.0710 1.4551

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0127 0.0069 0.0009 0.0018 0.0010 0.0233

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0034 0.0003 0.0002 0.0007 0.0002 0.0048

Barge

 Transit 0.0013 0.0006 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0023

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0002

 Cuttings Injection 0.0012 0.0001 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0017

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0014 0.0001 0.0001 0.0006 0.0001 0.0024

Total Per Well 1.2293 0.1676 0.0818 0.2692 0.0890 1.8368

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-163
Worksheet No. 7 Page 8 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Summary Air Emissions (per model well)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.5103 0.1076 0.0347 0.1090 0.0384 0.8000 0.1538

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.8425 0.1351 0.0564 0.1831 0.0617 1.2788 0.1173

Deep Water Development 0.6690 0.1210 0.0451 0.1444 0.0496 1.0291 0.1303

Deep Water Exploratory 1.2293 0.1676 0.0818 0.2692 0.0890 1.8368 0.1050

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well)

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) per day

Shallow Water Development 2,603.9 62.0 11.9

Shallow Water Exploratory 4,257.6 101.4 9.3

Deep Water Development 3,393.4 80.8 10.2

Deep Water Exploratory 6,182.2 147.2 8.4

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-164
Worksheet No. 7 Page 9 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

GOM BAT2 Daily Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 3.82%) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 3,817.9914 243,930.3 806.3927 51,528.7 28,885.6052 1,842,243.1

Shallow Water Exploratory 4,746.5830 303,024.3 1,002.9762 64,027.1 35,267.3896 2,249,255.5

Deep Water Development 792.0505 50,578.5 0.0000 0.0 1,007.7722 64,272.9

Deep Water Exploratory 5,035.5166 321,384.2 0.0000 0.0 6,900.1667 440,073.3

TOTAL 14,392.1 918,917.3 1,809.4 115,555.9 72,060.9 4,595,844.8

88,262.4

5,630,318.0

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 124 SWD wells, 74 SWE wells, 17 DWD wells, and 49 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 15 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 479 SWD wells, 279 SWE wells, 11 DWD wells, and 34 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-165
Worksheet No. 7 Page 10 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT2 Model Well - Discharging at 3.82% CRN

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 2,098.9111 1,106.5321 142.9077 305.2924 164.3481 3,817.9914

Shallow Water Exploratory 1,277.1565 662.3836 86.8930 187.6701 99.8073 2,313.9106

Deep Water Development 290.4524 151.9306 19.7689 42.4552 22.7215 527.3287

Deep Water Exploratory 864.6403 440.1983 58.7786 128.4894 67.4222 1,559.5288

Total 4,531.1603 2,361.0446 308.3483 663.9071 354.2991

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20%CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 443.0487 233.5919 30.2045 64.7911 34.7565 806.3927

Shallow Water Exploratory 550.9498 291.0989 37.5329 80.2084 43.1862 1,002.9762

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 993.9986 524.6908 67.7374 144.9995 77.9427

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 15,780.7080 8,450.1591 1,074.3659 2,266.1832 1,236.7267 28,808.1429

Shallow Water Exploratory 19,267.1877 10,317.0784 1,311.7288 2,766.8579 1,509.9605 35,172.8133

Deep Water Development 550.5635 294.8124 37.4829 79.0635 43.1474 1,005.0697

Deep Water Exploratory 3,769.6809 2,018.5662 256.6435 541.3438 295.4281 6,881.6625

Total 39,368.1402 21,080.6161 2,680.2211 5,653.4484 3,085.2627

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 124 SWD wells, 74 SWE wells, 17 DWD wells, and 49 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 15 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 479 SWD wells, 279 SWE wells, 11 DWD wells, and 34 DWE wells

A-166
Worksheet No. 8 Page 1 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Cuttings Dryer Discharge

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Zero Discharge of Fines

Regular Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Total Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Barge Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 25.3 25.3 25.3

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Regular Supply Boat Loading 45.5 50.6 50.6 60.7

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 144.0 144.0 144.0

Supply Boat Cranes 3.3 6.7 6.7 13.3

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Trucks 75.0 75.0 75.0 150.0

Subtotal 1,790.8 3,440.8 2,576.8 5,433.3

A-167
Worksheet No. 8 Page 2 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Zero Discharge of Fines (cont.)

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 44.0 44.0 44.0 44.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 45.7 45.7 45.7 45.7

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 0.3 0.7 0.5 1.2

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 9.4 9.7 9.5 10.1 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (20%/80%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 1,800.2 3,450.5 2,586.3 5,443.4

A-168
Worksheet No. 8 Page 3 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0

Supply Boat Cranes 54.4 108.8 108.8 217.6

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 1.9 4.0 2.9 6.4 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 2.3 4.8 3.5 7.7

 Cuttings Injection 23.4 49.0 35.4 78.6

Total Power Requirements (per 

model well) for Seven Selected 

Energy-Consuming Activities 

(hp):

24,044.6 48,817.5 35,807.6 77,547.7

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-169
Worksheet No. 8 Page 4 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Solids Control Subtotal 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0096 0.0051 0.0006 0.0014 0.0008 0.0175

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0012

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0037 0.0008 0.0000 0.0028 0.0000 0.0074

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005 0.0000 0.0013

Total Per Well 0.0745 0.0152 0.0026 0.0310 0.0029 0.1263

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are used for electricity generation

A-170
Worksheet No. 8 Page 5 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Solids Control Subtotal 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0037 0.0008 0.0000 0.0028 0.0000 0.0074

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0011

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0010 0.0001 0.0001 0.0006 0.0001 0.0018

Total Per Well 0.1122 0.0208 0.0028 0.0540 0.0030 0.1929

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-171
Worksheet No. 8 Page 6 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Solids Control Subtotal 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0037 0.0008 0.0000 0.0028 0.0000 0.0074

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0005 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0008

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0005 0.0001 0.0015

Total Per Well 0.0934 0.0182 0.0028 0.0421 0.0030 0.1595

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-172
Worksheet No. 8 Page 7 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

Solids Control Subtotal 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0127 0.0069 0.0009 0.0018 0.0010 0.0233

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0034 0.0003 0.0002 0.0007 0.0002 0.0048

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0074 0.0016 0.0000 0.0056 0.0000 0.0147

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0002

 Cuttings Injection 0.0012 0.0001 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0017

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0014 0.0001 0.0001 0.0006 0.0001 0.0024

Total Per Well 0.1611 0.0286 0.0032 0.0837 0.0034 0.2800

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-173
Worksheet No. 8 Page 8 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Summary Air Emissions (per model well)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.0745 0.0152 0.0026 0.0310 0.0029 0.1263 0.0243

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1122 0.0208 0.0028 0.0540 0.0030 0.1929 0.0177

Deep Water Development 0.0934 0.0182 0.0028 0.0421 0.0030 0.1595 0.0202

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1611 0.0286 0.0032 0.0837 0.0034 0.2800 0.0160

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well)

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) per day

Shallow Water Development 1,800.2 42.9 8.2

Shallow Water Exploratory 3,450.5 82.2 7.5

Deep Water Development 2,586.3 61.6 7.8

Deep Water Exploratory 5,443.4 129.6 7.4

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-174
Worksheet No. 8 Page 9 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

CA BAT2 Daily Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 3.82%) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) OBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0 180.9119 11,538.1 30.5288 1,986.8

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 252.8128 16,123.7 63.8108 4,151.8

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 0.0 0.0 433.7 27,661.8 94.3 6,138.6

528.1

33,800.3

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-175
Worksheet No. 8 Page 10 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Offshore California

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT2 Model Well - Discharging at 3.82% CRN

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16.7158 8.9378 1.1344 2.4347 1.3061 30.5288

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.9423 18.6914 2.3705 5.0824 2.7293 45.8159

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 33.6581 27.6292 3.5050 7.5171 4.0353

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457 180.4268

Shallow Water Exploratory 138.1160 73.9576 9.4031 19.8341 10.8241 252.1349

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 236.9514 126.8813 16.1319 34.0273 18.5698

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-176
Worksheet No. 9 Page 1 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Cuttings Dryer Discharge

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Zero Discharge of Fines

Regular Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Total Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Barge Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 25.3 25.3 25.3

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Regular Supply Boat Loading 55.7 75.9 65.8 96.1

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 144.0 144.0 144.0

Supply Boat Cranes 10.0 23.3 16.7 36.7

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Trucks 550.0 550.0 550.0 1,100.0

Subtotal 2,282.6 3,957.7 3,076.9 6,442.1

A-177
Worksheet No. 9 Page 2 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Zero Discharge of Fines (cont.)

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 44.0 44.0 44.0 44.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 45.7 45.7 45.7 45.7

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 0.3 0.7 0.5 1.2

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (0%/0%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 2,282.6 3,957.7 3,076.9 6,442.1

A-178
Worksheet No. 9 Page 3 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0

Supply Boat Cranes 163.2 380.8 272.0 598.4

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 1.9 4.0 2.9 6.4 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 2.3 4.8 3.5 7.7

 Cuttings Injection 23.4 49.0 35.4 78.6

Total Power Requirements (per 

model well) for Seven Selected 

Energy-Consuming Activities 

(hp):

24,153.4 49,089.5 35,970.8 77,928.5

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-179
Worksheet No. 9 Page 4 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Solids Control Subtotal 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0117 0.0063 0.0008 0.0017 0.0009 0.0213

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0025 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.0002 0.0036

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0272 0.0060 0.0000 0.0207 0.0000 0.0540

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 0.1012 0.0216 0.0028 0.0491 0.0031 0.1779

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are used for electricity generation

A-180
Worksheet No. 9 Page 5 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Solids Control Subtotal 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0159 0.0086 0.0011 0.0023 0.0013 0.0291

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0059 0.0005 0.0004 0.0013 0.0004 0.0084

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0272 0.0060 0.0000 0.0207 0.0000 0.0540

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0011

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 0.1442 0.0291 0.0034 0.0730 0.0037 0.2534

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-181
Worksheet No. 9 Page 6 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Solids Control Subtotal 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0138 0.0074 0.0009 0.0020 0.0011 0.0252

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0042 0.0003 0.0003 0.0009 0.0003 0.0060

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0272 0.0060 0.0000 0.0207 0.0000 0.0540

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0005 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0008

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 0.1218 0.0252 0.0031 0.0604 0.0034 0.2140

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-182
Worksheet No. 9 Page 7 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

Solids Control Subtotal 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0202 0.0109 0.0014 0.0029 0.0016 0.0369

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0092 0.0007 0.0006 0.0020 0.0007 0.0132

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0545 0.0121 0.0000 0.0414 0.0000 0.1079

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0002

 Cuttings Injection 0.0012 0.0001 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0017

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 0.2200 0.0434 0.0040 0.1212 0.0043 0.3928

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-183
Worksheet No. 9 Page 8 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Summary Air Emissions (per model well)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.1012 0.0216 0.0028 0.0491 0.0031 0.1779 0.0342

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1442 0.0291 0.0034 0.0730 0.0037 0.2534 0.0232

Deep Water Development 0.1218 0.0252 0.0031 0.0604 0.0034 0.2140 0.0271

Deep Water Exploratory 0.2200 0.0434 0.0040 0.1212 0.0043 0.3928 0.0224

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well)

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) per day

Shallow Water Development 2,282.6 54.3 10.5

Shallow Water Exploratory 3,957.7 94.2 8.6

Deep Water Development 3,076.9 73.3 9.3

Deep Water Exploratory 6,442.1 153.4 8.8

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-184
Worksheet No. 9 Page 9 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

AK BAT2 Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 3.82%) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) OBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 30.1682 1,959.5 180.9119 11,538.1 0.0000 0.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 126.4064 8,061.8 63.0755 4,107.5

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 30.2 1,959.5 307.3 19,599.9 63.1 4,107.5

400.6

25,666.9

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-185
Worksheet No. 9 Page 10 of 10

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: BAT Option 2

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: SBF Discharge from BAT Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82%CRN) & ZD of fines

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT1 Model Well - Discharging at 3.82% CRN

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16.5176 8.8377 1.1206 2.4021 1.2901 30.1682

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 16.5176 8.8377 1.1206 2.4021 1.2901

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.5352 8.8325 1.1180 2.4288 1.2870 30.2015

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 16.5352 8.8325 1.1180 2.4288 1.2870

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457 180.4268

Shallow Water Exploratory 69.0580 36.9788 4.7015 9.9171 5.4120 126.0674

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 167.8934 89.9025 11.4303 24.1103 13.1577

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-186
Worksheet No. 10 Page 1 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Regular Supply Boat Transit 0.0 870.4 0.0 870.4

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 3,131.3 3,131.3 3,131.3 6,262.6

Total Supply Boat Transit 3,131.3 4,001.7 3,131.3 7,133.0

Barge Transit 61.7 128.3 93.3 206.7

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 50.6 25.3 75.9

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 3,197.9 6,532.5 4,837.4 10,580.5

Dedicated supply boats are assumed to be moored and idling at the 

platform until it has reached capacity or until all SBF generated 

cuttings from the drilling operation are loaded.

Regular Supply Boat Loading 0.0 101.2 0.0 101.2

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 288.0 144.0 432.0

Supply Boat Cranes 123.3 256.6 186.6 413.2

Barge Cranes 61.6 128.3 93.3 206.6

Trucks 40.0 85.0 60.0 130.0

Subtotal 7,533.9 13,141.8 9,708.8 21,799.0

A-187
Worksheet No. 10 Page 2 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 13.4 13.4 13.4 13.4

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 352.0 352.0 352.0 352.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 365.4 365.4 365.4 365.4

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 13.2 27.7 20.0 44.5

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 83.6 95.2 89.1 108.7 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (20%/80%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 7,617.6 13,237.0 9,797.9 21,907.7

A-188
Worksheet No. 10 Page 3 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 2,880.0 1,440.0 4,320.0

Supply Boat Cranes 2,012.8 4,188.8 3,046.4 6,745.6

Barge Cranes 1,006.4 2,094.4 1,523.2 3,372.8

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 73.5 153.9 111.2 247.2 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 88.1 184.7 133.4 296.6

 Cuttings Injection 899.9 1,885.7 1,361.7 3,027.7

Total Power Requirements 

(per model well) for Seven 

Selected Energy-Consuming 

Activities (hp):

13,944.7 29,045.6 20,413.9 46,359.8

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-189
Worksheet No. 10 Page 4 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1300 0.0104 0.0086 0.0281 0.0093 0.1865

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.1123 0.0091 0.0074 0.0251 0.0079 0.1617

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.6133 0.2630 0.0446 0.1226 0.0517 1.0951

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.6709 0.3614 0.0455 0.0956 0.0528 1.2262

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0311 0.0025 0.0021 0.0067 0.0022 0.0446

Barge

 Transit 0.0121 0.0052 0.0009 0.0024 0.0010 0.0216

 Cranes 0.0155 0.0012 0.0010 0.0034 0.0011 0.0223

Trucks 0.0020 0.0004 0.0000 0.0015 0.0000 0.0039

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0011 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0016

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0014 0.0001 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0020

 Cuttings Injection 0.0139 0.0011 0.0009 0.0030 0.0010 0.0199

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0154 0.0014 0.0011 0.0060 0.0011 0.0250

Total Per Well 1.5001 0.6488 0.1044 0.2689 0.1198 2.6420

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-190
Worksheet No. 10 Page 5 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.2725 0.0218 0.0181 0.0590 0.0195 0.3909

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.2354 0.0191 0.0154 0.0526 0.0165 0.3390

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.7837 0.3361 0.0570 0.1567 0.0660 1.3996

 Maneuvering 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Loading 1.3917 0.7496 0.0945 0.1983 0.1095 2.5436

 Demurrage 0.0444 0.0036 0.0030 0.0096 0.0032 0.0637

 Cranes 0.0646 0.0052 0.0043 0.0140 0.0046 0.0927

Barge

 Transit 0.0251 0.0108 0.0018 0.0050 0.0021 0.0449

 Cranes 0.0323 0.0026 0.0021 0.0070 0.0023 0.0464

Trucks 0.0042 0.0009 0.0000 0.0032 0.0000 0.0083

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0024 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.0002 0.0034

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0029 0.0002 0.0002 0.0006 0.0002 0.0041

 Cuttings Injection 0.0291 0.0023 0.0019 0.0063 0.0021 0.0417

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0298 0.0025 0.0020 0.0091 0.0022 0.0456

Total Per Well 2.6221 1.1361 0.1808 0.4570 0.2072 4.6032

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-191
Worksheet No. 10 Page 6 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1975 0.0158 0.0131 0.0427 0.0141 0.2833

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.1706 0.0138 0.0112 0.0381 0.0120 0.2457

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.6133 0.2630 0.0446 0.1226 0.0517 1.0951

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 1.0149 0.5466 0.0689 0.1446 0.0798 1.8548

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0470 0.0038 0.0031 0.0102 0.0034 0.0674

Barge

 Transit 0.0183 0.0078 0.0013 0.0037 0.0015 0.0326

 Cranes 0.0235 0.0019 0.0016 0.0051 0.0017 0.0337

Trucks 0.0030 0.0007 0.0000 0.0023 0.0000 0.0059

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0025

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0021 0.0002 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0030

 Cuttings Injection 0.0210 0.0017 0.0014 0.0045 0.0015 0.0301

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0222 0.0019 0.0015 0.0075 0.0016 0.0347

Total Per Well 1.9402 0.8441 0.1340 0.3395 0.1537 3.4116

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-192
Worksheet No. 10 Page 7 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.4375 0.0350 0.0291 0.0947 0.0313 0.6275

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.3780 0.0306 0.0247 0.0844 0.0266 0.5442

Supply Boats

 Transit 1.3970 0.5992 0.1016 0.2793 0.1177 2.4947

 Maneuvering 0.0159 0.0086 0.0011 0.0023 0.0013 0.0291

 Loading 2.2410 1.2070 0.1521 0.3194 0.1762 4.0958

 Demurrage 0.0667 0.0053 0.0044 0.0144 0.0048 0.0956

 Cranes 0.1041 0.0083 0.0069 0.0225 0.0074 0.1493

Barge

 Transit 0.0405 0.0174 0.0029 0.0081 0.0034 0.0723

 Cranes 0.0520 0.0042 0.0035 0.0113 0.0037 0.0747

Trucks 0.0064 0.0014 0.0000 0.0049 0.0000 0.0128

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0038 0.0003 0.0003 0.0008 0.0003 0.0055

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0046 0.0004 0.0003 0.0010 0.0003 0.0066

 Cuttings Injection 0.0467 0.0037 0.0031 0.0101 0.0033 0.0670

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0464 0.0038 0.0031 0.0127 0.0034 0.0695

Total Per Well 4.3481 1.8858 0.3004 0.7592 0.3444 7.6379

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-193
Worksheet No. 11 Page 1 of 2

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Diesel Fuel Requirements (per model well)

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). The 

transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 100 hp vacuum pump.

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). Total 

power utilized by the grinding and processing equipment is 120 hp.

 Cuttings Injection 36.7 76.8 55.5 123.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 600 hp.

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 2,283.1 4,785.6 3,468.3 7,683.4

On-site Injection Energy Requirements (per model well)

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 12,480.0 26,160.0 18,960.0 42,000.0

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 14,976.0 31,392.0 22,752.0 50,400.0

 Cuttings Pump Injection 3,667.0 7,684.5 5,549.2 12,338.1

Total Power Requirements 

(per model well) for Four 

Activities (hp):

39,547.0 82,894.5 60,059.2 133,088.1

These four energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion in 

this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-194
Worksheet No. 11 Page 2 of 2

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.6103 0.0488 0.0406 0.1321 0.0436 0.8754

Shallow Water Exploratory 1.2792 0.1023 0.0851 0.2769 0.0914 1.8349

Deep Water Development 0.9268 0.0741 0.0616 0.2006 0.0662 1.3294

Deep Water Exploratory 2.0538 0.1643 0.1366 0.4445 0.1467 2.9459

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113

Deep Water Development 0.0861 0.0119 0.0001 0.0549 0.0000 0.1531

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1907 0.0264 0.0003 0.1218 0.0000 0.3392

Average On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%) for Electricity Generation

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.5273 0.0427 0.0345 0.1177 0.0371 0.7592

Shallow Water Exploratory 1.1052 0.0895 0.0723 0.2467 0.0777 1.5913

Deep Water Development 0.8007 0.0648 0.0524 0.1787 0.0563 1.1530

Deep Water Exploratory 1.7744 0.1436 0.1161 0.3961 0.1247 2.5549

A-195
Worksheet No. 12 Page 1 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 1.3055 0.5276 0.0904 0.2386 0.1033 2.2654 0.4357

Shallow Water Exploratory 2.3187 0.9267 0.1591 0.4150 0.1813 4.0009 0.3671

Deep Water Development 1.9402 0.8441 0.1340 0.3395 0.1537 3.4116 0.4318

Deep Water Exploratory 4.3481 1.8858 0.3004 0.7592 0.3444 7.6379 0.4365

Note: Weighted summary air emissions totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (80%/20%), (80%/20%), (100%/0%), and (100%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) per day

Shallow Water Development 6,550.7 156.0 30.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 11,546.7 274.9 25.2

Deep Water Development 9,797.9 233.3 29.5

Deep Water Exploratory 21,907.7 521.6 29.8

Note: Weighted summary fuel usage totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (80%/20%), (80%/20%), (100%/0%), and (100%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-196
Worksheet No. 12 Page 2 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

GOM ZD Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Zero Discharge) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0 4,128.7307 263,827.1 30,815.3325 1,965,315.7

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 5,081.7463 324,404.1 37,669.1115 2,402,430.6

Deep Water Development 146.9212 9,383.1 391.7899 25,021.5 1,557.4662 99,330.8

Deep Water Exploratory 868.5339 55,466.2 2,714.1684 173,332.0 10,350.2500 660,110.0

TOTAL 1,015.5 64,849.3 12,316.4 786,584.7 80,392.2 5,127,187.2

93,724.1

5,978,621.1

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 3 DWD wells, and 8 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 128 SWD wells, 76 SWE wells, 8 DWD wells, and 25 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 511 SWD wells, 298 SWE wells, 17 DWD wells, and 51 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-197
Worksheet No. 12 Page 3 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT3 Model Well - Zero Discharge at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 55.0699 28.9806 3.7554 8.0776 4.3220 100.2056

Deep Water Exploratory 166.1158 85.6152 11.3454 24.8978 13.0515 301.0257

Total 221.1857 114.5958 15.1008 32.9754 17.3735

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 2,268.4095 1,195.9904 154.6472 331.7302 177.9534 4,128.7307

Shallow Water Exploratory 2,791.4792 1,474.9011 190.1667 406.3893 218.8100 5,081.7463

Deep Water Development 215.0443 113.9023 14.6576 31.3143 16.8714 391.7899

Deep Water Exploratory 1,489.8892 788.8830 101.5547 216.9494 116.8921 2,714.1684

Total 6,764.8222 3,573.6768 461.0261 986.3832 530.5269

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16,834.9516 9,014.6791 1,146.1398 2,417.5775 1,319.3473 30,732.6952

Shallow Water Exploratory 20,579.2901 11,019.6751 1,401.0580 2,955.2820 1,612.7893 37,568.0945

Deep Water Development 850.8708 455.6192 57.9281 122.1890 66.6823 1,553.2895

Deep Water Exploratory 5,654.5214 3,027.8493 384.9653 812.0156 443.1422 10,322.4938

Total 43,919.6339 23,517.8227 2,990.0912 6,307.0641 3,441.9611

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 3 DWD wells, and 8 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 128 SWD wells, 76 SWE wells, 8 DWD wells, and 25 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 511 SWD wells, 298 SWE wells, 17 DWD wells, and 51 DWE wells

A-198
Worksheet No. 13 Page 1 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Regular Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 2,260.9 2,260.9 2,260.9 4,521.7

Total Supply Boat Transit 2,260.9 2,260.9 2,260.9 4,521.7

Barge Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 50.6 25.3 75.9

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 3,197.9 6,532.5 4,837.4 10,580.5

Dedicated supply boats are assumed to be moored and idling at the 

platform until it has reached capacity or until all SBF generated 

cuttings from the drilling operation are loaded.

Regular Supply Boat Loading 0.0 101.2 0.0 101.2

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 288.0 144.0 432.0

Supply Boat Cranes 123.3 256.6 186.6 413.2

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Trucks 1,425.0 2,925.0 2,100.0 4,650.0

Subtotal 7,925.2 13,984.3 10,691.7 23,294.5

A-199
Worksheet No. 13 Page 2 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 13.4 13.4 13.4 13.4

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 352.0 352.0 352.0 352.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 365.4 365.4 365.4 365.4

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 13.2 27.7 20.0 44.5

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 83.6 95.2 89.1 108.7 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (20%/80%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 8,008.8 14,079.5 10,780.8 23,403.1

A-200
Worksheet No. 13 Page 3 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 2,880.0 1,440.0 4,320.0

Supply Boat Cranes 2,012.8 4,188.8 3,046.4 6,745.6

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 73.5 153.9 111.2 247.2 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 88.1 184.7 133.4 296.6

 Cuttings Injection 899.9 1,885.7 1,361.7 3,027.7

Total Power Requirements 

(per model well) for Seven 

Selected Energy-Consuming 

Activities (hp):

12,938.3 26,951.2 18,890.7 42,987.0

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-201
Worksheet No. 13 Page 4 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1300 0.0104 0.0086 0.0281 0.0093 0.1865

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.4428 0.1899 0.0322 0.0885 0.0373 0.7907

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.6709 0.3614 0.0455 0.0956 0.0528 1.2262

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0311 0.0025 0.0021 0.0067 0.0022 0.0446

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.0706 0.0156 0.0000 0.0536 0.0000 0.1398

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0011 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0016

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0014 0.0001 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0020

 Cuttings Injection 0.0139 0.0011 0.0009 0.0030 0.0010 0.0199

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0154 0.0014 0.0011 0.0060 0.0011 0.0250

Total Per Well 1.2704 0.5771 0.0827 0.2638 0.0954 2.2894

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-202
Worksheet No. 13 Page 5 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.2725 0.0218 0.0181 0.0590 0.0195 0.3909

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.4428 0.1899 0.0322 0.0885 0.0373 0.7907

 Maneuvering 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Loading 1.3917 0.7496 0.0945 0.1983 0.1095 2.5436

 Demurrage 0.0444 0.0036 0.0030 0.0096 0.0032 0.0637

 Cranes 0.0646 0.0052 0.0043 0.0140 0.0046 0.0927

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.1448 0.0321 0.0000 0.1100 0.0000 0.2870

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0024 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.0002 0.0034

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0029 0.0002 0.0002 0.0006 0.0002 0.0041

 Cuttings Injection 0.0291 0.0023 0.0019 0.0063 0.0021 0.0417

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0298 0.0025 0.0020 0.0091 0.0022 0.0456

Total Per Well 2.1542 0.9921 0.1367 0.4473 0.1575 3.8878

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-203
Worksheet No. 13 Page 6 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1975 0.0158 0.0131 0.0427 0.0141 0.2833

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.4428 0.1899 0.0322 0.0885 0.0373 0.7907

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 1.0149 0.5466 0.0689 0.1446 0.0798 1.8548

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0470 0.0038 0.0031 0.0102 0.0034 0.0674

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.1040 0.0231 0.0000 0.0790 0.0000 0.2060

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0025

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0021 0.0002 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0030

 Cuttings Injection 0.0210 0.0017 0.0014 0.0045 0.0015 0.0301

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0222 0.0019 0.0015 0.0075 0.0016 0.0347

Total Per Well 1.6767 0.7724 0.1076 0.3471 0.1241 3.0279

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-204
Worksheet No. 13 Page 7 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.4375 0.0350 0.0291 0.0947 0.0313 0.6275

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.8856 0.3798 0.0644 0.1770 0.0746 1.5814

 Maneuvering 0.0159 0.0086 0.0011 0.0023 0.0013 0.0291

 Loading 2.2410 1.2070 0.1521 0.3194 0.1762 4.0958

 Demurrage 0.0667 0.0053 0.0044 0.0144 0.0048 0.0956

 Cranes 0.1041 0.0083 0.0069 0.0225 0.0074 0.1493

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.2302 0.0511 0.0000 0.1749 0.0000 0.4562

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0038 0.0003 0.0003 0.0008 0.0003 0.0055

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0046 0.0004 0.0003 0.0010 0.0003 0.0066

 Cuttings Injection 0.0467 0.0037 0.0031 0.0101 0.0033 0.0670

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0464 0.0038 0.0031 0.0127 0.0034 0.0695

Total Per Well 3.6306 1.6696 0.2321 0.7492 0.2677 6.5492

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-205
Worksheet No. 14 Page 1 of 2

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Diesel Fuel Requirements (per model well)

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). The 

transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 100 hp vacuum pump.

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). Total 

power utilized by the grinding and processing equipment is 120 hp.

 Cuttings Injection 36.7 76.8 55.5 123.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 600 hp.

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 2,283.1 4,785.6 3,468.3 7,683.4

On-site Injection Energy Requirements (per model well)

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 12,480.0 26,160.0 18,960.0 42,000.0

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 14,976.0 31,392.0 22,752.0 50,400.0

 Cuttings Pump Injection 3,667.0 7,684.5 5,549.2 12,338.1

Total Power Requirements 

(per model well) for Four 

Activities (hp):

39,547.0 82,894.5 60,059.2 133,088.1

These four energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion in 

this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-206
Worksheet No. 14 Page 2 of 2

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.6103 0.0488 0.0406 0.1321 0.0436 0.8754

Shallow Water Exploratory 1.2792 0.1023 0.0851 0.2769 0.0914 1.8349

Deep Water Development 0.9268 0.0741 0.0616 0.2006 0.0662 1.3294

Deep Water Exploratory 2.0538 0.1643 0.1366 0.4445 0.1467 2.9459

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113

Deep Water Development 0.0861 0.0119 0.0001 0.0549 0.0000 0.1531

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1907 0.0264 0.0003 0.1218 0.0000 0.3392

Average On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%) for Electricity Generation

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113

Deep Water Development 0.0861 0.0119 0.0001 0.0549 0.0000 0.1531

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1907 0.0264 0.0003 0.1218 0.0000 0.3392

A-207
Worksheet No. 15 Page 1 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.2994 0.1217 0.0166 0.0817 0.0191 0.5385 0.1036

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.5259 0.2116 0.0275 0.1501 0.0315 0.9466 0.0868

Deep Water Development 0.4042 0.1640 0.0216 0.1134 0.0248 0.7280 0.0922

Deep Water Exploratory 3.6306 1.6696 0.2321 0.7492 0.2677 6.5492 0.3742

Note: Weighted summary air emissions totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (20%/80%), (20%/80%), (20%/80%), and (100%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) per day

Shallow Water Development 3,428.2 81.6 15.7

Shallow Water Exploratory 6,644.4 158.2 14.5

Deep Water Development 4,930.8 117.4 14.9

Deep Water Exploratory 23,403.1 557.2 31.8

Note: Weighted summary fuel usage totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (20%/80%), (20%/80%), (20%/80%), and (100%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-208
Worksheet No. 15 Page 2 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

CA ZD Daily Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) OBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0 180.9119 11,538.1 30.5288 1,986.8

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 252.8128 16,123.7 63.8108 4,151.8

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 0.0 0.0 433.7 27,661.8 94.3 6,138.6

528.1

33,800.3

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-209
Worksheet No. 15 Page 3 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Offshore California Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore California

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT3 Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16.7158 8.9378 1.1344 2.4347 1.3061 30.5288

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.9423 18.6914 2.3705 5.0824 2.7293 45.8159

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 33.6581 27.6292 3.5050 7.5171 4.0353

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457 180.4268

Shallow Water Exploratory 138.1160 73.9576 9.4031 19.8341 10.8241 252.1349

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 236.9514 126.8813 16.1319 34.0273 18.5698

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) for baseline current practice

 3 SWD wells, 2 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-210
Worksheet No. 16 Page 1 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Regular Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 565.2 1,130.4 1,130.4 2,260.9

Total Supply Boat Transit 565.2 1,130.4 1,130.4 2,260.9

Barge Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 50.6 50.6 101.2

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 3,197.9 6,699.4 4,877.8 10,787.9

Dedicated supply boats are assumed to be moored and idling at the 

platform until it has reached capacity or until all SBF generated 

cuttings from the drilling operation are loaded.

Regular Supply Boat Loading 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 288.0 288.0 576.0

Supply Boat Cranes 383.2 803.0 579.8 1,286.2

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Trucks 8,250.0 17,050.0 12,100.0 26,950.0

Subtotal 13,314.4 27,591.1 20,164.2 44,482.1

A-211
Worksheet No. 16 Page 2 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 13.4 13.4 13.4 13.4

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 352.0 352.0 352.0 352.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 365.4 365.4 365.4 365.4

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 13.2 27.7 20.0 44.5

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (0%/0%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 13,314.4 27,591.1 20,164.2 44,482.1

A-212
Worksheet No. 16 Page 3 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 2,880.0 2,880.0 5,760.0

Supply Boat Cranes 6,256.0 13,110.4 9,465.6 20,998.4

Barge Cranes 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 73.5 153.9 111.2 247.2 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 88.1 184.7 133.4 296.6

 Cuttings Injection 899.9 1,885.7 1,361.7 3,027.7

Total Power Requirements 

(per model well) for Seven 

Selected Energy-Consuming 

Activities (hp):

17,181.5 35,872.8 26,749.9 58,679.8

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-213
Worksheet No. 16 Page 4 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1300 0.0104 0.0086 0.0281 0.0093 0.1865

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1107 0.0475 0.0080 0.0221 0.0093 0.1977

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.6709 0.3614 0.0455 0.0956 0.0528 1.2262

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0965 0.0077 0.0064 0.0209 0.0069 0.1385

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.4085 0.0906 0.0000 0.3103 0.0000 0.8094

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0011 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0016

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0014 0.0001 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0020

 Cuttings Injection 0.0139 0.0011 0.0009 0.0030 0.0010 0.0199

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 1.3263 0.5135 0.0619 0.4622 0.0710 2.4348

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-214
Worksheet No. 16 Page 5 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.2725 0.0218 0.0181 0.0590 0.0195 0.3909

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.2214 0.0950 0.0161 0.0443 0.0187 0.3954

 Maneuvering 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Loading 1.4055 0.7570 0.0954 0.2003 0.1105 2.5688

 Demurrage 0.0444 0.0036 0.0030 0.0096 0.0032 0.0637

 Cranes 0.2023 0.0162 0.0135 0.0438 0.0145 0.2902

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.8442 0.1872 0.0000 0.6413 0.0000 1.6727

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0024 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.0002 0.0034

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0029 0.0002 0.0002 0.0006 0.0002 0.0041

 Cuttings Injection 0.0291 0.0023 0.0019 0.0063 0.0021 0.0417

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 2.7539 1.0681 0.1287 0.9569 0.1477 5.0552

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-215
Worksheet No. 16 Page 6 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1975 0.0158 0.0131 0.0427 0.0141 0.2833

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.2214 0.0950 0.0161 0.0443 0.0187 0.3954

 Maneuvering 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Loading 1.0234 0.5512 0.0695 0.1458 0.0805 1.8704

 Demurrage 0.0444 0.0036 0.0030 0.0096 0.0032 0.0637

 Cranes 0.1461 0.0117 0.0097 0.0316 0.0104 0.2095

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 0.5991 0.1328 0.0000 0.4551 0.0000 1.1871

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0025

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0021 0.0002 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0030

 Cuttings Injection 0.0210 0.0017 0.0014 0.0045 0.0015 0.0301

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 2.0634 0.8025 0.0990 0.6996 0.1136 3.7781

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-216
Worksheet No. 16 Page 7 of 7

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.4375 0.0350 0.0291 0.0947 0.0313 0.6275

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.4428 0.1899 0.0322 0.0885 0.0373 0.7907

 Maneuvering 0.0212 0.0114 0.0014 0.0030 0.0017 0.0388

 Loading 2.2633 1.2190 0.1536 0.3226 0.1780 4.1365

 Demurrage 0.0889 0.0071 0.0059 0.0192 0.0063 0.1275

 Cranes 0.3240 0.0259 0.0215 0.0701 0.0231 0.4648

Barge

 Transit 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cranes 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Trucks 1.3344 0.2959 0.0000 1.0136 0.0000 2.6439

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0038 0.0003 0.0003 0.0008 0.0003 0.0055

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0046 0.0004 0.0003 0.0010 0.0003 0.0066

 Cuttings Injection 0.0467 0.0037 0.0031 0.0101 0.0033 0.0670

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total Per Well 4.5153 1.7549 0.2148 1.5430 0.2465 8.2745

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-217
Worksheet No. 17 Page 1 of 2

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Diesel Fuel Requirements (per model well)

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). The 

transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 100 hp vacuum pump.

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). Total 

power utilized by the grinding and processing equipment is 120 hp.

 Cuttings Injection 36.7 76.8 55.5 123.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 600 hp.

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 2,283.1 4,785.6 3,468.3 7,683.4

On-site Injection Energy Requirements (per model well)

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 12,480.0 26,160.0 18,960.0 42,000.0

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 14,976.0 31,392.0 22,752.0 50,400.0

 Cuttings Pump Injection 3,667.0 7,684.5 5,549.2 12,338.1

Total Power Requirements 

(per model well) for Four 

Activities (hp):

39,547.0 82,894.5 60,059.2 133,088.1

These four energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion in 

this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-218
Worksheet No. 17 Page 2 of 2

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.6103 0.0488 0.0406 0.1321 0.0436 0.8754

Shallow Water Exploratory 1.2792 0.1023 0.0851 0.2769 0.0914 1.8349

Deep Water Development 0.9268 0.0741 0.0616 0.2006 0.0662 1.3294

Deep Water Exploratory 2.0538 0.1643 0.1366 0.4445 0.1467 2.9459

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113

Deep Water Development 0.0861 0.0119 0.0001 0.0549 0.0000 0.1531

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1907 0.0264 0.0003 0.1218 0.0000 0.3392

Average On-site Injection Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%) for Electricity Generation

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113

Deep Water Development 0.0861 0.0119 0.0001 0.0549 0.0000 0.1531

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1907 0.0264 0.0003 0.1218 0.0000 0.3392

A-219
Worksheet No. 18 Page 1 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008 0.0194

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113 0.0194

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Note: Weighted summary air emissions totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (0%/100%), (0%/100%), (0%/0%), and (0%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) per day

Shallow Water Development 2,283.1 54.4 10.5

Shallow Water Exploratory 4,785.6 113.9 10.5

Deep Water Development 0.0 0.0 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0 0.0 0.0

Note: Weighted summary fuel usage totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (0%/100%), (0%/100%), (0%/0%), and (0%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-220
Worksheet No. 18 Page 2 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

AK ZD Daily Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) OBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0 180.9119 11,538.1 30.0911 1,959.5

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 126.4064 8,061.8 63.0755 4,107.5

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 0.0 0.0 307.3 19,599.9 93.2 6,067.0

400.5

25,666.9

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under the zero discharge option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under the zero discharge option:

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) under the zero discharge opttion:

 under this technology option: 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-221
Worksheet No. 18 Page 3 of 3

BAT Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Cook Inlet, AK, Zero Discharge

Region: Cook Inlet, AK

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF BAT3 Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Annual Air Emissions (OBF BAT3 Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 16.4731 8.8239 1.1179 2.3892 1.2870 30.0911

Shallow Water Exploratory 16.5352 8.8325 1.1180 2.4288 1.2870 30.2015

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 33.0083 17.6565 2.2359 4.8180 2.5740

Annual Air Emissions (WBF BAT3 Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 98.8353 52.9238 6.7288 14.1932 7.7457 180.4268

Shallow Water Exploratory 69.0580 36.9788 4.7015 9.9171 5.4120 126.0674

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 167.8934 89.9025 11.4303 24.1103 13.1577

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of SBF wells (existing sources) under the zero discharge option:

 0 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of OBF wells (existing sources) under the zero discharge option:

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of WBF wells (existing sources) under the zero discharge option:

 under this technology option: 3 SWD wells, 1 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-222
Worksheet No. 20 Page 1 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

TOTAL Per Model Well 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

TOTAL Per Model Well 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

A-223
Worksheet No. 20 Page 2 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

Baseline Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.1300 0.0104 0.0086 0.0281 0.0093 0.1865

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.2725 0.0218 0.0181 0.0590 0.0195 0.3909

Deep Water Development 0.1975 0.0158 0.0131 0.0427 0.0141 0.2833

Deep Water Exploratory 0.4375 0.0350 0.0291 0.0947 0.0313 0.6275

Baseline Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Deep Water Development 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Average Baseline Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.1123 0.0091 0.0074 0.0251 0.0079 0.1617 0.0311

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.2354 0.0191 0.0154 0.0526 0.0165 0.3390 0.0311

Deep Water Development 0.1706 0.0138 0.0112 0.0381 0.0120 0.2457 0.0311

Deep Water Exploratory 0.3780 0.0306 0.0247 0.0844 0.0266 0.5442 0.0311

Total per day 0.0864 0.0070 0.0057 0.0193 0.0061

Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 1.3055 0.5276 0.0904 0.2386 0.1033 2.2654 0.4357

Shallow Water Exploratory 2.3187 0.9267 0.1591 0.4150 0.1813 4.0009 0.3671

Deep Water Development 1.9402 0.8441 0.1340 0.3395 0.1537 3.4116 0.4318

Deep Water Exploratory 4.3481 1.8858 0.3004 0.7592 0.3444 7.6379 0.4365

Total per day 0.9579 0.4011 0.0661 0.1703 0.0756

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Total per day 12.6280 6.7816 0.8598 1.8100 0.9900

A-224
Worksheet No. 20 Page 3 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

GOM Baseline Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%) WBF (Zero Discharge)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 150.7599 9,615.0 64.5114 4,122.3 1,628.2074 103,842.5 0.0000 0.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 452.2798 43,822.4 0.0000 0.0 1,007.7722 64,272.9 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 603.0 53,437.5 64.5 4,122.3 2,636.0 168,115.4 0.0 0.0

3,239.0

221,552.9

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 5 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 15 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 2 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 27 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 11 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-225
Worksheet No. 20 Page 4 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: Baseline Current Practice

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from Baseline Solids Control System (e.g., Shale Shakers & Fines Removal Unit) at 10.20% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 82.6436 44.1259 5.6257 11.8904 6.4745 150.7599

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 376.6639 201.1121 25.6403 54.1926 29.5086 687.1174

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 459.3074 245.2379 31.2660 66.0829 35.9831

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 35.4439 18.6873 2.4164 5.1833 2.7805 64.5114

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 35.4439 18.6873 2.4164 5.1833 2.7805

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 446.2752 238.2796 30.3789 64.2079 34.9621 814.1037

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 276.2202 147.4822 18.8029 39.7412 21.6397 503.8861

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 722.4954 385.7618 49.1817 103.9492 56.6018

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 5 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 15 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 2 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emissions totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 27 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 11 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-226
Worksheet No. 21 Page 1 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

TOTAL Per Model Well 1,497.6 3,139.2 2,275.2 5,040.0

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

TOTAL Per Model Well 22,522.7 47,211.0 34,217.1 75,797.4

A-227
Worksheet No. 21 Page 2 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

NSPS Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

Deep Water Development 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

Deep Water Exploratory 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

NSPS Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Deep Water Development 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

NSPS Option 1 Solids Control Air Emissions (per model well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.3003 0.0243 0.0197 0.0670 0.0211 0.4324 0.0831

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.6294 0.0509 0.0412 0.1405 0.0442 0.9063 0.0831

Deep Water Development 0.4562 0.0369 0.0299 0.1018 0.0321 0.6569 0.0831

Deep Water Exploratory 1.0105 0.0818 0.0661 0.2256 0.0710 1.4551 0.0831

A-228
Worksheet No. 21 Page 3 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

NSPS Option 1 Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 4.03%) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 243.3811 15,526.7 32.2557 2,061.1 1,507.5994 96,150.5

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 739.5042 47,177.3 0.0000 0.0 916.1566 58,429.9

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 982.9 62,704.0 32.3 2,061.1 2,423.8 154,580.4

3,438.9

219,345.5

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 8 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 10 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-229
Worksheet No. 21 Page 4 of 4

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 1

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharges from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer & Fines Removal Unit) at 4.03% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF NSPS Option 1 Model Well - Discharging at 4.03% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 133.7334 70.7231 9.0996 19.3603 10.4648 243.3811

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 203.1719 107.4447 13.8243 29.4127 15.8985 369.7521

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 336.9053 178.1678 22.9239 48.7729 26.3633

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 17.7219 9.3437 1.2082 2.5916 1.3903 32.2557

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 17.7219 9.3437 1.2082 2.5916 1.3903

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 823.6278 441.0313 56.0734 118.2768 64.5473 1,503.5565

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 500.5123 268.0113 34.0754 71.8759 39.2249 913.6997

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 1,324.1400 709.0426 90.1487 190.1527 103.7722

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 8 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 10 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-230
Worksheet No. 22 Page 1 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Cuttings Dryer Discharge

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Baseline equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Cuttings dryer equipment fuel usage is 6 gal-diesel/hr

Zero Discharge of Fines

Regular Supply Boat Transit 870.4 870.4 870.4 870.4

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Total Supply Boat Transit 870.4 870.4 870.4 870.4

Barge Transit 1.7 3.3 3.3 6.7

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 25.3 25.3 25.3

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EPA assumes that the volume of fines waste can be managed via 

regular supply boats

Regular Supply Boat Loading 45.5 50.6 50.6 60.7

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 144.0 144.0 144.0

Supply Boat Cranes 3.3 6.7 6.7 13.3

Barge Cranes 1.7 3.3 3.3 6.7

Trucks 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0

Subtotal 2,594.5 4,247.9 3,383.9 6,172.1

A-231
Worksheet No. 22 Page 2 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Zero Discharge of Fines (cont.)

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 44.0 44.0 44.0 44.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 45.7 45.7 45.7 45.7

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.4 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 0.3 0.7 0.5 1.2

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 9.4 9.7 9.5 10.1 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (20%/80%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 2,603.9 4,257.6 3,393.4 6,182.2

A-232
Worksheet No. 22 Page 3 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Improved Solids Control 

Equipment (e.g., Cuttings Dryer) 14,098.7 29,553.0 21,419.1 47,447.4 Average of MUD-10 (38.22 hp) and vertical centrifuge (187.72 hp)

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0 1,440.0

Supply Boat Cranes 54.4 108.8 108.8 217.6

Barge Cranes 27.2 54.4 54.4 108.8

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 1.9 4.0 2.9 6.4 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3

 Cuttings Injection 23.4 23.4 23.4 23.4

Total Power Requirements (per 

well) for Seven Selected 

Energy-Consuming Activities 

(hp):

24,071.8 48,843.8 35,848.8 77,595.9

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-233
Worksheet No. 22 Page 4 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.3476 0.0278 0.0231 0.0752 0.0248 0.4985

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0323 0.0045 0.0000 0.0206 0.0000 0.0574

Solids Control Subtotal 0.3003 0.0243 0.0197 0.0670 0.0211 0.4324

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0096 0.0051 0.0006 0.0014 0.0008 0.0175

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0012

Barge

 Transit 0.0003 0.0001 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0006

 Cranes 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0006

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005 0.0000 0.0013

Total Per Well 0.5103 0.1076 0.0347 0.1090 0.0384 0.8000

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-234
Worksheet No. 22 Page 5 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.7286 0.0583 0.0484 0.1577 0.0520 1.0450

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0677 0.0094 0.0001 0.0432 0.0000 0.1203

Solids Control Subtotal 0.6294 0.0509 0.0412 0.1405 0.0442 0.9063

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Barge

 Transit 0.0007 0.0003 0.0000 0.0001 0.0001 0.0012

 Cranes 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0012

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0007 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005 0.0001 0.0013

Total Per Well 0.8421 0.1350 0.0564 0.1830 0.0617 1.2783

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-235
Worksheet No. 22 Page 6 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.5280 0.0422 0.0351 0.1143 0.0377 0.7574

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0490 0.0068 0.0001 0.0313 0.0000 0.0872

Solids Control Subtotal 0.4562 0.0369 0.0299 0.1018 0.0321 0.6569

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Barge

 Transit 0.0007 0.0003 0.0000 0.0001 0.0001 0.0012

 Cranes 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0012

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005 0.0001 0.0013

Total Per Well 0.6689 0.1210 0.0451 0.1443 0.0495 1.0288

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-236
Worksheet No. 22 Page 7 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline and Cuttings Dryer 

Solids Control Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 1.1697 0.0936 0.0778 0.2532 0.0836 1.6778

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.1086 0.0150 0.0002 0.0693 0.0000 0.1932

Solids Control Subtotal 1.0105 0.0818 0.0661 0.2256 0.0710 1.4551

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.1705 0.0731 0.0124 0.0341 0.0144 0.3044

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.0127 0.0069 0.0009 0.0018 0.0010 0.0233

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0034 0.0003 0.0002 0.0007 0.0002 0.0048

Barge

 Transit 0.0013 0.0006 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0023

 Cranes 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0024

Trucks 0.0002 0.0001 0.0000 0.0002 0.0000 0.0005

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0006 0.0001 0.0000 0.0018 0.0001 0.0026

 Dozer/Loader 0.0008 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0013

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0001 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001

 Cuttings Injection 0.0004 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 0.0000 0.0005

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0007 0.0001 0.0001 0.0005 0.0001 0.0013

Total Per Well 1.2286 0.1675 0.0817 0.2691 0.0889 1.8358

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-237
Worksheet No. 22 Page 8 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Summary Air Emissions (per model well)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 0.5103 0.1076 0.0347 0.1090 0.0384 0.8000 0.1538

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.8421 0.1350 0.0564 0.1830 0.0617 1.2783 0.1173

Deep Water Development 0.6689 0.1210 0.0451 0.1443 0.0495 1.0288 0.1302

Deep Water Exploratory 1.2286 0.1675 0.0817 0.2691 0.0889 1.8358 0.1049

Summary Fuel Usage (per model well)

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Shallow Water Development 2,603.9 62.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 4,257.6 101.4

Deep Water Development 3,393.4 80.8

Deep Water Exploratory 6,182.2 147.2

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-238
Worksheet No. 22 Page 9 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

NSPS Option 2 Annual Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (Discharge @ 3.82%) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 246.3220 15,737.4 32.2557 2,061.1 1,507.5994 96,150.5

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 745.4555 47,603.3 0.0000 0.0 916.1566 58,429.9

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 991.8 63,340.7 32.3 2,061.1 2,423.8 154,580.4

3,447.8

219,982.2

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 8 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 10 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-239
Worksheet No. 22 Page 10 of 10

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: NSPS Option 2

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: SBF Discharge from NSPS Solids Control System (e.g., Cuttings Dryer only at 3.82% CRN) & ZD of fines

Annual Air Emissions (SBF NSPS Option 2 Model Well - Discharging at 3.82% CRN

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 135.4136 71.3892 9.2199 19.6963 10.6031 246.3220

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 409.7468 216.2345 27.8921 59.5053 32.0767 745.4555

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 545.1604 287.6237 37.1120 79.2016 42.6799

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20%CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 17.7219 9.3437 1.2082 2.5916 1.3903 32.2557

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 17.7219 9.3437 1.2082 2.5916 1.3903

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 823.6278 441.0313 56.0734 118.2768 64.5473 1,503.5565

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 500.5123 268.0113 34.0754 71.8759 39.2249 913.6997

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 1,324.1400 709.0426 90.1487 190.1527 103.7722

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 8 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 10 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-240
Worksheet No. 23 Page 1 of 7

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Regular Supply Boat Transit 0.0 870.4 0.0 870.4

Dedicated Supply Boat Transit 3,131.3 3,131.3 3,131.3 6,262.6

Total Supply Boat Transit 3,131.3 4,001.7 3,131.3 7,133.0

Barge Transit 61.7 128.3 93.3 206.7

Supply Boat Maneuvering 25.3 50.6 25.3 75.9

Dedicated Supply Boat Loading 3,197.9 6,532.5 4,837.4 10,580.5

Dedicated supply boats are assumed to be moored and idling at the 

platform until it has reached capacity or until all SBF generated 

cuttings from the drilling operation are loaded.

Regular Supply Boat Loading 0.0 101.2 0.0 101.2

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 144.0 288.0 144.0 432.0

Supply Boat Cranes 123.3 256.6 186.6 413.2

Barge Cranes 61.6 128.3 93.3 206.6

Trucks 40.0 85.0 60.0 130.0

Subtotal 7,533.9 13,141.8 9,708.8 21,799.0

A-241
Worksheet No. 23 Page 2 of 7

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

On-shore Disposal 

(Landfarming)

Wheel Tractor for Grading at 

Landfarm 13.4 13.4 13.4 13.4

Dozer/Loader for Spreading 

Waste at Landfarm 352.0 352.0 352.0 352.0

On-shore Landfarming 

Subtotal: 365.4 365.4 365.4 365.4

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

Cuttings Transfer 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). The transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 

100 hp vacuum pump.

Cuttings Grinding/Processing 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr). Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 120 hp.

Cuttings Injection 4.4 9.2 6.7 14.8 Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).

On-shore Injection Subtotal: 13.2 27.7 20.0 44.5

On-shore Disposal Subtotal: 83.6 95.2 89.1 108.7 Weighted average using landfarming/on-shore injection percentage 

split (20%/80%) of offshore wastes sent on-shore

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 7,617.6 13,237.0 9,797.9 21,907.7

A-242
Worksheet No. 23 Page 3 of 7

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Supply Boat Auxiliary Generator 

(in Port Demurrage) 1,440.0 2,880.0 1,440.0 4,320.0

Supply Boat Cranes 2,012.8 4,188.8 3,046.4 6,745.6

Barge Cranes 1,006.4 2,094.4 1,523.2 3,372.8

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 73.5 153.9 111.2 247.2 EPA assumes that all onshore cuttings injection facility equipment use 

diesel (Fall 1999 Field Trip)

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 88.1 184.7 133.4 296.6

 Cuttings Injection 899.9 1,885.7 1,361.7 3,027.7

Total Power Requirements 

(per well) for Seven Selected 

Energy-Consuming Activities 

(hp):

13,944.7 29,045.6 20,413.9 46,359.8

These seven energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion 

in this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-243
Worksheet No. 23 Page 4 of 7

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Development (SWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1300 0.0104 0.0086 0.0281 0.0093 0.1865

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0121 0.0017 0.0000 0.0077 0.0000 0.0215

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.1123 0.0091 0.0074 0.0251 0.0079 0.1617

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.6133 0.2630 0.0446 0.1226 0.0517 1.0951

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 0.6709 0.3614 0.0455 0.0956 0.0528 1.2262

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0311 0.0025 0.0021 0.0067 0.0022 0.0446

Barge

 Transit 0.0121 0.0052 0.0009 0.0024 0.0010 0.0216

 Cranes 0.0155 0.0012 0.0010 0.0034 0.0011 0.0223

Trucks 0.0020 0.0004 0.0000 0.0015 0.0000 0.0039

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0011 0.0001 0.0001 0.0002 0.0001 0.0016

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0014 0.0001 0.0001 0.0003 0.0001 0.0020

 Cuttings Injection 0.0139 0.0011 0.0009 0.0030 0.0010 0.0199

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0154 0.0014 0.0011 0.0060 0.0011 0.0250

Total Per Well 1.5001 0.6488 0.1044 0.2689 0.1198 2.6420

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-244
Worksheet No. 23 Page 5 of 7

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Shallow Water Exploratory (SWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.2725 0.0218 0.0181 0.0590 0.0195 0.3909

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0253 0.0035 0.0000 0.0162 0.0000 0.0450

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.2354 0.0191 0.0154 0.0526 0.0165 0.3390

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.7837 0.3361 0.0570 0.1567 0.0660 1.3996

 Maneuvering 0.0106 0.0057 0.0007 0.0015 0.0008 0.0194

 Loading 1.3917 0.7496 0.0945 0.1983 0.1095 2.5436

 Demurrage 0.0444 0.0036 0.0030 0.0096 0.0032 0.0637

 Cranes 0.0646 0.0052 0.0043 0.0140 0.0046 0.0927

Barge

 Transit 0.0251 0.0108 0.0018 0.0050 0.0021 0.0449

 Cranes 0.0323 0.0026 0.0021 0.0070 0.0023 0.0464

Trucks 0.0042 0.0009 0.0000 0.0032 0.0000 0.0083

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0024 0.0002 0.0002 0.0005 0.0002 0.0034

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0029 0.0002 0.0002 0.0006 0.0002 0.0041

 Cuttings Injection 0.0291 0.0023 0.0019 0.0063 0.0021 0.0417

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0298 0.0025 0.0020 0.0091 0.0022 0.0456

Total Per Well 2.6221 1.1361 0.1808 0.4570 0.2072 4.6032

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-245
Worksheet No. 23 Page 6 of 7

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Development (DWD) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.1975 0.0158 0.0131 0.0427 0.0141 0.2833

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0183 0.0025 0.0000 0.0117 0.0000 0.0326

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.1706 0.0138 0.0112 0.0381 0.0120 0.2457

Supply Boats

 Transit 0.6133 0.2630 0.0446 0.1226 0.0517 1.0951

 Maneuvering 0.0053 0.0029 0.0004 0.0008 0.0004 0.0097

 Loading 1.0149 0.5466 0.0689 0.1446 0.0798 1.8548

 Demurrage 0.0222 0.0018 0.0015 0.0048 0.0016 0.0319

 Cranes 0.0470 0.0038 0.0031 0.0102 0.0034 0.0674

Barge

 Transit 0.0183 0.0078 0.0013 0.0037 0.0015 0.0326

 Cranes 0.0235 0.0019 0.0016 0.0051 0.0017 0.0337

Trucks 0.0030 0.0007 0.0000 0.0023 0.0000 0.0059

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0017 0.0001 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0025

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0021 0.0002 0.0001 0.0004 0.0001 0.0030

 Cuttings Injection 0.0210 0.0017 0.0014 0.0045 0.0015 0.0301

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0222 0.0019 0.0015 0.0075 0.0016 0.0347

Total Per Well 1.9402 0.8441 0.1340 0.3395 0.1537 3.4116

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-246
Worksheet No. 23 Page 7 of 7

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Haul and Land Disposal @ 10.20% CRN

Deep Water Exploratory (DWE) Well Air Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Air Emission Activity

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment

 Diesel Fuel Source 0.4375 0.0350 0.0291 0.0947 0.0313 0.6275

 Natural Gas Fuel Source 0.0406 0.0056 0.0001 0.0259 0.0000 0.0723

Baseline Solids Control Subtotal 0.3780 0.0306 0.0247 0.0844 0.0266 0.5442

Supply Boats

 Transit 1.3970 0.5992 0.1016 0.2793 0.1177 2.4947

 Maneuvering 0.0159 0.0086 0.0011 0.0023 0.0013 0.0291

 Loading 2.2410 1.2070 0.1521 0.3194 0.1762 4.0958

 Demurrage 0.0667 0.0053 0.0044 0.0144 0.0048 0.0956

 Cranes 0.1041 0.0083 0.0069 0.0225 0.0074 0.1493

Barge

 Transit 0.0405 0.0174 0.0029 0.0081 0.0034 0.0723

 Cranes 0.0520 0.0042 0.0035 0.0113 0.0037 0.0747

Trucks 0.0064 0.0014 0.0000 0.0049 0.0000 0.0128

On-shore Disposal (Landfarming)

 Wheel Tractor 0.0051 0.0008 0.0004 0.0144 0.0005 0.0211

 Dozer/Loader 0.0066 0.0008 0.0006 0.0016 0.0005 0.0101

On-shore Disposal (Injection)

 Cuttings Transfer 0.0038 0.0003 0.0003 0.0008 0.0003 0.0055

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 0.0046 0.0004 0.0003 0.0010 0.0003 0.0066

 Cuttings Injection 0.0467 0.0037 0.0031 0.0101 0.0033 0.0670

Onshore Diposal Subtotal 0.0464 0.0038 0.0031 0.0127 0.0034 0.0695

Total Per Well 4.3481 1.8858 0.3004 0.7592 0.3444 7.6379

Note: On-shore Injection air emissions assume that diesel engines are use for electricity generation

A-247
Worksheet No. 24 Page 1 of 2

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Diesel Fuel Requirements

Diesel Fuel Consumed (gal/model well) Note

Fuel-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0

Baseline equipment include: 4 x 5 hp primary shale shakers, 4 x 5 hp 

secondary shale shakers, and 1 x 27.5 hp fines removal unit (avg of 5 

hp mud cleaner and 50 hp decanting centrifuge).

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). The 

transfer equipment utilizes one (1) 100 hp vacuum pump.

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 748.8 1,569.6 1,137.6 2,520.0 Hours of operation equals the drilling length in days (x 24 hr/day). Total 

power utilized by the grinding and processing equipment is 120 hp.

 Cuttings Injection 36.7 76.8 55.5 123.4

Hours of operation equals the cuttings waste volume divided by 

cuttings injection rate (bbl/hr).Total power utilized by the grinding and 

processing equipment is 600 hp.

TOTAL Diesel Per Well (Gal) 2,283.1 4,785.6 3,468.3 7,683.4

On-site Injection Energy Requirements

Energy Requirements (hp-hr/model well) Note

Energy-Consuming Activity Shallow Water Deep Water (All information below is detailed in EPA, 2000 unless otherwise 

noted.)

Development Exploratory Development Exploratory

Baseline Solids Control 

Equipment 8,424.0 17,658.0 12,798.0 28,350.0

Offshore Injection Disposal

 Cuttings Transfer 12,480.0 26,160.0 18,960.0 42,000.0

 Cuttings Grinding/Proc. 14,976.0 31,392.0 22,752.0 50,400.0

 Cuttings Pump Injection 3,667.0 7,684.5 5,549.2 12,338.1

Total Power Requirements 

(per well) for Four Activities 

(hp):

39,547.0 82,894.5 60,059.2 133,088.1

These four energy-consuming activities were selected for inclusion in 

this table as their air emission factors are given in terms of 

mass/power-time (g/bhp-hr).

A-248
Worksheet No. 24 Page 2 of 2

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge via Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection @ 10.20% CRN

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Diesel)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.6103 0.0488 0.0406 0.1321 0.0436 0.8754

Shallow Water Exploratory 1.2792 0.1023 0.0851 0.2769 0.0914 1.8349

Deep Water Development 0.9268 0.0741 0.0616 0.2006 0.0662 1.3294

Deep Water Exploratory 2.0538 0.1643 0.1366 0.4445 0.1467 2.9459

On-site Injection Air Emissions (per well) - Rig Fuel Type for Electricity Generation (Natural Gas)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0567 0.0078 0.0001 0.0362 0.0000 0.1008

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.1188 0.0164 0.0002 0.0758 0.0000 0.2113

Deep Water Development 0.0861 0.0119 0.0001 0.0549 0.0000 0.1531

Deep Water Exploratory 0.1907 0.0264 0.0003 0.1218 0.0000 0.3392

Average On-site Injection Air Emissions (per well) - Weighted by Rig Diesel/Natural Gas Percentage Fuel Split (85%/15%) for Electricity Generation

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.5273 0.0427 0.0345 0.1177 0.0371 0.7592

Shallow Water Exploratory 1.1052 0.0895 0.0723 0.2467 0.0777 1.5913

Deep Water Development 0.8007 0.0648 0.0524 0.1787 0.0563 1.1530

Deep Water Exploratory 1.7744 0.1436 0.1161 0.3961 0.1247 2.5549

A-249
Worksheet No. 25 Page 1 of 3

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Summary Air Emissions (per well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total Total Per Day

Shallow Water Development 1.3055 0.5276 0.0904 0.2386 0.1033 2.2654 0.4357

Shallow Water Exploratory 2.3187 0.9267 0.1591 0.4150 0.1813 4.0009 0.3671

Deep Water Development 1.9402 0.8441 0.1340 0.3395 0.1537 3.4116 0.4318

Deep Water Exploratory 4.3481 1.8858 0.3004 0.7592 0.3444 7.6379 0.4365

Note: Weighted summary air emissions totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (80%/20%), (80%/20%), (100%/0%), and (100%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Summary Fuel Usage (per well) - Weighted by Land Disposal/On-site Injection Percentage Split

Fuel Usage Per Model Well

Model Well Gallons

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE)

Shallow Water Development 6,550.7 156.0

Shallow Water Exploratory 11,546.7 274.9

Deep Water Development 9,797.9 233.3

Deep Water Exploratory 21,907.7 521.6

Note: Weighted summary fuel usage totals assume the land disposal/on-site injection percentage splits are (80%/20%), (80%/20%), (100%/0%), and (100%/0%)

 for SWD, SWE, DWD, and DWE model wells respectively.

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-250
Worksheet No. 25 Page 2 of 3

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Daily Drill Rig Emissions

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Shallow Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Development 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Deep Water Exploratory 3.1570 1.6954 0.2150 0.4525 0.2475 5.7674

Note: Drill rig emissions include impacts from all rig daily operations and one helicopter trip to and from the rig.

Daily Drill Rig Fuel Usage

Model Well gallons per 

model well

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) per 

model well

Shallow Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Shallow Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Development 15,388.0 366.4

Deep Water Exploratory 15,388.0 366.4

TOTAL 61,552.0 1,465.5

NSPS ZD Annual Air Emissions/Fuel Usage

SBF (ZD @ 10.20%) OBF (Zero Discharge) WBF (Discharge @ 10.20%)

Model Well

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air 

Emissions 

(tons)

Barrels of Oil 

Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Total Air Emissions (tons) Barrels of Oil Equivalent 

(BOE) 

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0 225.7900 14,428.0 1,628.2074 103,842.5

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

Deep Water Development 146.9212 19,180.9 391.7899 25,021.5 1,374.2349 87,644.9

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0 0.0000 0.0

TOTAL 146.9 19,180.9 617.6 39,449.6 3,002.4 191,487.4

3,766.9

250,117.9

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 8 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission/fuel usage totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 10 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: 1 BOE = 42 gallons of diesel

A-251
Worksheet No. 25 Page 3 of 3

NSPS Non-Water Quality Environmental Impacts: GOM Zero Discharge

Region: Offshore Gulf of Mexico (GOM)

Technology: Zero Discharge (via Haul and Land Disposal & Offshore/On-Site Cuttings Injection) @ 10.20% CRN

Annual Air Emissions (SBF Model Well -Zero Discharge)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 80.6416 42.7134 5.4966 11.7429 6.3268 146.9212

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 80.6416 42.7134 5.4966 11.7429 6.3268

Annual Air Emissions (OBF Baseline Model Well - Zero Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 124.0536 65.4057 8.4573 18.1415 9.7318 225.7900

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 215.0443 113.9023 14.6576 31.3143 16.8714 391.7899

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 339.0979 179.3081 23.1148 49.4558 26.6032

Annual Air Emissions (WBF Baseline Model Well - Discharging at 10.20% CRN)

Air Emissions (short tons/model well)

Model Well

NOx THC SO2 CO TSP Total

Shallow Water Development 889.5180 476.3138 60.5592 127.7389 69.7111 1,623.8410

Shallow Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Deep Water Development 750.7684 402.0170 51.1130 107.8138 58.8374 1,370.5496

Deep Water Exploratory 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

Total 1,640.2864 878.3307 111.6723 235.5528 128.5485

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM SBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 8 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 16 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM OBF wells (existing sources) will be subject to zero discharge

 under this technology option: 1 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 0 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

Note: Summary annual air emission totals assume the following number of GOM WBF wells (existing sources) under this technology option:

 25 SWD wells, 0 SWE wells, 10 DWD wells, and 0 DWE wells

A-252