Drill Cuttings Index

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Oil & Gas UK Drill Cuttings Initiative - Research and Development Programme Introduction The Oil & Gas UK drill cuttings research and development programme is being carried out in two phases. The first, completed at the end of 1999, comprised a series of desk studies gathering information from different sources to establish what was already known about drill cuttings accumulations. Various solutions for managing the cuttings piles were also investigated, encompassing a range of options from leaving the cuttings in place to total removal. The second phase, scheduled for 2000-2001, will build on the findings from the first phase and, using a representative range of cuttings piles with different physical characteristics, will include specific projects to: Assess the current environmental impacts of the piles; 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 piles - 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's   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, have discussed the direction of the research programmes with the industry at two workshops. An independent group of scientists is reviewing the findings on behalf of the stakeholders to protect integrity and transparency. R & D Programme - Phase 1   R & D Programme - Phase 2   R & D Programme - Phase 3 - 2004  - UKOOA JIP 2004 Phase 3 Final Report  - UKOOA 2004 Phase 3 Final Report - Charactarisation of Beryl, Brent A,    Brent C, Clyde and Miller cuttings piles through field work, laboratory    studies and chemical analysis  - BMT Task III Final Review   (214 Kb) The Oil & Gas UK Drill Cuttings Initiative Final Report (February 2002) (99 Kb) Scientific Review Group Final Report (January 2002)