Friday 26 May 2000

Drill Cuttings Initiative Moves Into Next Phase

The offshore oil and gas industrys drill cuttings initiative moved into its final phase this month (May) with tenders being gathered for a second year-long programme of research budgeted at £3.5 million. Contracts are expected to be in place by the end of July.

The initiative, launched in June 1998 by the UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA), seeks to determine how best to deal with old accumulations of cuttings on the seabed in accordance with the principles set out by the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic.

The new programme will build on the research findings from the £1 million first phase* and, using a representative range of cuttings accumulations with different physical characteristics, will include specific projects to:

* Assess the current environmental impacts of the accumulations;

* Determine how the accumulations characteristics change over time through the natural processes of degradation, erosion, sedimentation and recolonisation;

* Adapt and evaluate the mathematical disturbance prediction model developed in Phase I to incorporate the impact of these natural processes;

* Assess the feasibility of two potential in-situ solutions:

- covering over the cuttings;

- enhancing the natural process of bio-remediation;

* Assess the feasibility and environmental performance of removal solutions:

- Co-ordinate a pilot lifting operation with trials planned both onshore and off at BP Amocos North West Hutton platform;

- Evaluate the options for treating and disposing of the lifted cuttings, both on and offshore.

Key stakeholders, including environmental groups, fishermen and scientists from all over Europe, met in February to discuss the findings of the first phase of research work and help shape the direction of the new programme. An independent body of scientists will once again assess the work as it progresses and stakeholders will be invited back to discuss issues before the initiative moves towards a likely conclusion next summer.

For more information, please call 020 7802 2400.