WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DECISION-MAKING CRITERIA INVOLVED IN THE REGULATION OF DRILLING FLUIDS OFFSHORE

Abstract

Traditional regulatory regimes have focussed upon the regulation of classes of drilling fluids based on their chemical category. The Western Australian Department of Minerals and Energy (WADME) has developed an alternative approach to the regulation of drilling fluids offshore.

This alternate approach is based on an objective case- by-case assessment of each drilling proposal. The WADME assesses the likelihood and consequence (environmental risk) of potential environmental events associated with the total drilling proposal in determining the acceptability of that proposal.

This approach uses a framework of assessment criteria to assist in decision making. These criteria include the environmental sensitivity of the well location; the oceanographic conditions and the potential for cuttings accumulation; the type and quantity of the proposed drilling fluid and cuttings; the method of cuttings disposal; the environmental performance of the drilling fluid under standard test protocols and the technical justification for the proposed use of the drilling fluids.

This framework offers a more holistic assessment of the potential environmental impacts of a drilling proposal. This paper considers each criterion in this assessment and introduces cuttings pile removal as a topic for discussion.