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Land application of drill waste: A scope analysis
Matthew S Varonka1, Melissa A Lombard2, Todd M Preston3
1Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|June 10, 2025
Summary
Land application of drilling fluid waste is widespread but its risks and benefits are not well studied. This study quantifies historical land application in Oklahoma, revealing economic factors influence the practice.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Petroleum Engineering
Background:
- Drilling fluid waste land application is common but lacks comprehensive study on its benefits and risks.
- Drilling fluids contain high concentrations of total soluble salts and total petroleum hydrocarbons.
- The full extent of land application and chemical composition of drilling fluids are not well documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the historical extent of drilling fluid waste land application in Oklahoma.
- To analyze the influence of economic factors on land application practices.
- To provide a framework for assessing the benefits and risks of land application.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 5,800 drilling fluid land application permits from Oklahoma.
- Data collection for years 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015-2020.
- Mapping land application sites and correlating with economic and environmental data.
Main Results:
- Drilling fluid wastes were applied to over 250,000 acres in Oklahoma between 2000 and 2020.
- Land application occurred in 59 out of 77 counties, with favorable conditions in the Anadarko Basin.
- Application sites can overlap with sensitive areas like groundwater sources and agricultural fields.
Conclusions:
- Land application of drilling fluid waste is a significant practice influenced by economic drivers.
- Further chemical characterization and risk-benefit analyses are crucial for sustainable waste management.
- The methodology can be adapted to assess land application practices in other regions.
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