Drill Cuttings and Fluid Disposal; A Kenyan Case Study

The objective of this research paper was to explore the health, safety, sustainability and social responsibility during disposal of cutting and drilling fluids in Kenya in regard to what affects the choice of method of disposal, the Kenyan government's regulatory requirements on disposal of the drilling wastes, methods of addressing drilling wastes, ways of reducing the volume of wastes, hierarchy of drilling wastes and the pros and cons of various methods of addressing drilling wastes. A comprehensive case study of the approach taken in Kenya with regard to handling of drilling wastes was done. Description for each approach used is provided as obtained through interviews, internet and questionnaires and statistics. Complete tables and graphs are provided and the methods are described in detail to permit readers to understand all results. The choice of method of disposal is determined and affected largely by the government policy and also by economic, technical and operation conditions and barriers. Methods of disposal included injection, thermal treatment, bioremediation, land application. This paper gives the best ways of disposal. A comprehensive description of the Kenyan government regulations is given as indicated in the Kenya Gazette, NEMA and UNEP. This paper gives insight to the acceptable drilling wastes disposal practices in Kenya and are also generally largely applicable other nations. In conclusion, it was found that Kenya would benefit from passing its own laws to regulate disposal in the coming days.