Opinion ID: 705105
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: BAT and NSPS in Alaska

Text: 80 NRDC also challenges the EPA's decision to reject zero discharge of drilling wastes in Alaska. EPA based its decision on several factors: (1) the severe weather, which restricts the movement of barges; (2) the lack of any nearby landfills along the Alaska Coast; and (3) the infeasibility of reinjection technology. Consequently, EPA's Final Rule does not require zero discharge for platforms off the coast of Alaska. NRDC argues that zero discharge is already achieved offshore of Alaska through the waste minimization and reinjection required by state regulation. Accordingly, NRDC contends that EPA likewise should require the achievable goal of zero discharge in Alaska. 81 EPA carefully examined the possibility of requiring reinjection of drilling wastes in Alaska and rejected this option because of geologic concerns and the large amount of space required for such reinjection technologies. Although reinjection is currently occurring at the one and only offshore Alaskan platform, that platform is located on a gravel island in the Beaufort Sea, which makes reinjection possible. Injection of the waste depends on fracturing the receiving formation, which must be suitable for such a process. The formation also must be confined by layers that will not be affected by the fracturing so that the injected material remains in place. Consequently, EPA found that, although design work is continuing to improve the technology and reduce the size of the systems required, the technology is still experimental and is not yet available for application to offshore platforms. 82 Furthermore, zero discharge in Alaska is unrealistic in light of the severe weather conditions in that region. Sea ice, winter snow, and fog restrict visibility and navigability of the tugs and barges that would be required to haul wastes to shore. This Court is persuaded by EPA's analysis and studies proving that zero discharge is not a viable option at this time.