CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : French, H.M.
Date : 1980
Title : Terrain, land use and waste drilling fluid disposal problems, Arctic Canada
Publication : Arctic
Issue : 33(4):
Page(s) : 794-806
Abstract
A survey of over 60 abandoned wellsites in the Mackenzie Delta, the high Arctic Islands, and the interior Yukon Territory was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Territorial Arctic Land Use Regulations in Canada as they relate to exploratory drilling for hydrocarbons and to the disposal of waste drilling fluids. Land use permits for these drilling operations require that waste drilling fluids be contained completely in below-ground sumps and that these sumps be filled upon completion of the well. The survey indicated that about 25% of the wellsites experienced terrain problems related either directly or indirectly to sumps and/or to the containment of waste drilling fluids. General site conditions and the timing and nature of the drilling operation were more mportant than age in determining problems with the sumps. The three major types of problems were non-containment of wastes during drilling, melt-out problems during summer operations, and restoration problems occurring either during restoration or in subsequent years. The lowest incidence of problems is associated with one-season winter drilling operations. Both two-season winter drilling, in which the sump is left open during the summer, and one-season summer drilling operations present more problems with sumps. Although certain sump-related problems can be resolved by more rigorous planning, careful operating techniques, and strict application of present regulations, alternate methods of disposal must be considered in other areas of high potential terrain and toxicity damage.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology