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ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SYNTHETIC-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS ON BENTHIC ORGANISMS IN TEMPERATE WATERS
Citation:
Daniels, C B. ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SYNTHETIC-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS ON BENTHIC ORGANISMS IN TEMPERATE WATERS. Presented at ASLO 2000 Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 5-9, 2000.
Description:
Efforts to enhance the efficiency of oil/gas drilling operations and to minimize hazards to marine ecosystems have resulted in the increased use of synthetic-based fluids (SBF). SBFs have performance characteristics closely related to oil-based fluids (OBF) however their lower PAH content and higher flash point make them more attractive for field usage than OBF. Advancing production of deep water wells and growing pressure by offshore operators to discharge cuttings coated with SBF into U.S. coastal waters have prompted their review by EPA. Because of their hydrophobicity, SBFs adhere to the drill cuttings and their discharge is anticipated to exert the greatest impact upon the benthos. Sediment toxicity data are presented to highlight the comparative toxicity of a range of synthetic-based fluids (linear alpha olefins, internal olefins and esters) and drilling fluid formulations in 10 day assays with the amphipod, Leptocheirus plumulosus. Ninety-six hour LC50s provide information on the sensitivity and discriminatory power of a shorter duration test. Data are also provided to illustrate the extent of benthic contamination of sediments impacted by SBF cuttings from Gulf of Mexico drilling sites.