EPA MOVES TO CUT OFFSHORE DISCHARGES

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to reduce discharge of pollutants by U.S. offshore operators. The planned rule aims to cut the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters by 1.25 billion lb/year (OGJ, Feb. 20, Newsletter). Discharge limits will apply to coastal oil and gas exploration, development, and production. EPA proposes zero discharge of drilling fluids, cuttings, and produced water except for options that would allow some discharges in Alaska's Cook Inlet.

March 6, 1995

2 min read

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to reduce discharge of pollutants by U.S. offshore operators.

The planned rule aims to cut the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters by 1.25 billion lb/year (OGJ, Feb. 20, Newsletter).

Discharge limits will apply to coastal oil and gas exploration, development, and production. EPA proposes zero discharge of drilling fluids, cuttings, and produced water except for options that would allow some discharges in Alaska's Cook Inlet.

The agency plans to require "best practicable control technology currently available" for produced sand. It sets limits for deck drainage, but EPA noted "collection and capture of this waste stream is technically impractical in many situations."

The proposed rule sets standards for discharge of domestic wastes and sanitary wastes and prohibits the discharge of garbage.

It includes a provision intended to prevent oil and gas facilities from circumventing the effluent limitations guidelines, new source performance standards, and pretreatment standards by moving an effluent from one subcategory to another subcategory with less stringent requirements.

The measure supplements National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit rules issued in January for produced water and sand discharges off Louisiana and Texas.

EPA said both rules will cost industry about $40.4 million/year for compliance. The latest rule will account for $19.9 million of that amount.

The agency estimated the latest rule will result in total benefits ranging from $3.2 million to $230 million due to reduced cancer risks and increased recreational values of wetlands.

EPA has conducted meetings with environmental groups, oil companies, and trade associations since the rulemaking process began last year.