United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Environmental EPA-600/7-82-013
Processes and Effects Research April 1982
Washington DC 20460 ^
Research and Development
Summary of the
Drilling Fluid Hazard
Assessment Program
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EPA-600/7-82-013
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Summary of the Drilling Fluid Hazard Assessment Program
of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of
Research and Development
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This report was prepared with the assistance of The MITRE
Corporation, McLean, Virginia 22102, under contract no. 68-02-3196.
iii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES viii
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1-1
1.1 Statement of the Problem 1-1
1.1.1 Discharges from Offshore Oil and Gas 1-1
Platforms
1.1.2 Purpose and Composition of Drilling Muds 1-3
1.1.3 State of Knowledge Concerning Drilling 1-^
Fluids Prior to Initiation of the EPA
Program
1.1.4 Need for an EPA Research Program 1~5
1.2 Organization of Summary 1-6
2.0 STATUTORY AND REGULATORY MANDATES 2-1
3.0 EPA RESEARCH PROGRAM 3-1
3.1 Program Goals and Objectives 3-1
3.2 Research Approach 3-1
3.2.1 Components of a Hazard Assessment 3-2
3.2.2 Tiered Approach of Research 3-2
3.2.3 Selection of Drilling Fluids Used in 3-3
Effects Assessment Research Projects
3.2.4 Rationale for Testing of Individual Mud 3-5
Components
3.3 EPA Research Program 3-5
3.3.1 Generic Studies 3-6
3.3.2 Flower Garden Banks, Gulf of Mexico 3-14
3.3.3 Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine 3-21
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Concluded)
Page
4.0 RESEARCH RESULTS TO DATE 4-1
4.1 Introduction 4-1
4.2 Exposure Assessment 4-1
4.2.1 Field Studies of Discharge Plume Dispersion 4-2
4.2.2 Models of Plume Dispersion 4-3
4.2.3 Sedimentation and Monitoring Studies 4-3
4.3 Effects Assessment 4-4
4.3.1 Pentachlorophenol Tests 4-4
4.3.2 Short-Tenn Toxicity Tests 4-5
4.3.3 Long-Term Toxicity Tests 4-8
4.3.4 Bioaccumulation Studies 4-9
4.3.5 Effects on Benthic Communities 4-10
4.3.6 Effects on Corals 4-11
4.4 Summary 4-13
5.0 FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE EPA PROGRAM 5-1
5.1 Factors Affecting che Final Year of the EPA Program 5-1
5.2 Strategy for the Final Year of the Program 5-2
APPENDIX A - PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS A-l
GENERIC STUDIES A-2
FLOWER GARDEN BANKS A-19
GEORGES BANK A-37
APPENDIX B - SECTIONS 402 AND 403 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT B-l
APPENDIX C - CALCULATION OF VOLUME OF DRILLING MUD C-l
DISCHARGED TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
DURING 1980
REFERENCES D~1
vi
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LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NUMBER
3-1 SOURCE OF SOME DRILLING FLUIDS USED IN
RESEARCH SPONSORED BY THE U.S.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
3-2 AGGREGATED SUMMARY OF MAIN RESEARCH AREAS 3-7
OF THE DRILLING FLUID HAZARD ASSESSMENT
PROGRAM
3-3 PROJECT SCHEDULES FOR GENERIC STUDIES OF 3-8
FATE AND EFFECTS OF DRILLING FLUIDS IN
THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
3-4 PROJECT SCHEDULES FOR STUDIES OF FATE AND 3-16
EFFECTS OF DRILLING FLUIDS ON THE FLOWER
GARDEN BANKS, GULF OF MEXICO
3-5 PROJECT SCHEDULES FOR STUDIES OF FATE AND 3-22
EFFECTS OF DRILLING FLUIDS ON GEORGES
BANK, GULF OF MAINE
vii
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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NUMBER PAGE
1-1 TRACTS PROPOSED FOR OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION 1-2
AND DEVELOPMENT
5-1 RESEARCH STRATEGY FOR THE FINAL YEAR OF THE 5-3
DRILLING FLUIDS HAZARD ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
viii
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the
Drilling Fluids Hazard Assessment Program being carried out by the
Office of Research and Development of the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency. Included is a synopsis of the program origins, legisla-
tive mandates, program goals and objectives, research rationale and
strategy, summary of some research results to date, and direction of
the program for the final year.
The Drilling Fluid Hazard Assessment Program was conceived in
1975 in response to the King-Muir Report Drilling Fluid Hazard
Assessment Program (King and Muir, 1974) in which was examined the
environmental issues associated with more rapid development of oil
and gas resources in offshore areas of the United States. The
program was given added importance by the need for a technical data
base to support the issuance of discharge permits as required in the
Clean Water Act when this authority was extended to offshore areas by
the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Funds for the program were
provided in 1976 and the first research grants awarded in 1977. At
present, the program is scheduled to end in 1982.
1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As the quantity of foreign crude oil imported into the United
States has risen rapidly over the past decade, the search for addi-
tional domestic sources of oil and gas has intensified. This search
has been increasingly focused on the continental shelf with the
result that many areas have been proposed for leasing by the Depart-
ment of the Interior (Figure 1-1). While some of these areas, such
as the Gulf of Mexico, have experienced extensive drilling activity
in the past, most have not. Under the provisions of the Clean Water
Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency must issue permits for the discharge
of materials from offshore oil and gas drilling and production plat-
forms. A technical data base is required as the basis for the
discharge conditions established in the permit.
1.1.1 Discharges From Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms
Principal among the discharges from offshore oil and gas plat-
forms are fluids used during well drilling, commonly called drilling
muds. These muds are used in large volume. For example, during
1979, 1.5 to 5.5 million m3 (2 to 7 million yd3) of drilling mud
were used in off-shore drilling activities (see Appendix C). About
90 percent of this volume was discharged from platforms in the Gulf
of Mexico off Texas and Louisiana, where most offshore drilling is
presently taking place. This compares in volume to the average of
1-1
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14 12 11 13
art
ATLANTIC COAST
1. NORTH ATLANTIC
2. MID-ATLANTIC
3. SOUTH ATLANTIC AND BLAKE PLATEAU
GULF OF MEXICO
H. EAST GULF
5. CENTRAL GULF
6. WEST GULF
PACIFIC
7. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BORDERLAND
8. SANTA BARBARA
9. NORTH AND CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
10. WASHINGTON-OREGON
ALASKA
11. COOK INLET (STATE-FEDERAL)
12. SOUTHERN ALEUTIAN SHELF
13. GULF OF ALASKA
14. BRISTOL BAY
IS. BERING SEA SHELF
16. BEAUFORT SEA
17. CHUKCHI SEA
FIGURE 1-1
TRACTS PROPOSED FOR OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT
1-2
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about 6 million tor (about 8 million yd-') of dredged material from
Mew York Harbor disposed of annually at the designated ocean dis-
posal site in the New York Bight. During the drilling period at an
average platform location, about 1500 to 4500 m3 (about 2000 to
6000 yd^) of drilling mud may be used in drilling up to 40 wells.
Drilling fluids are released as relatively small-volume operational
discharges and as infrequent large-volume bulk discharges.
1.1.2 Purpose and Composition of Drilling Muds
Mud used in offshore drilling is a mixture consisting princip-
ally of barite, water and chemical additives, which Is pumped into
the well through the drill pipe and drill bit. The mud serves a
number of purposes:
• Cooling of the rapidly rotating drill bit
• Lubrication of the string of drilling pipe as it turns in
the wellbore
• Carrying of rock cuttings to the surface
• Formation of a plaster on the sides of the hole to prevent
the formation from crumbling or collapsing into the well and
to prevent loss of fluid to the formation
• Providing hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids
from entering the well and to control pressures in the well.
A wide variety of chemical ingredients are used to formulate drill-
ing muds. These can include:
biocides
pH control products
calcium removers
corrosion inhibitors
deformers
emulsifiers
filtrate reducers
flocculants
foaming agents
lost circulation materials
lubricants
shale-control inhibitors
surface-active agents
thinners
dispersants
viscosifiers
weighting agents
The chemical composition of drilling muds can vary greatly. Muds are
often custom formulated for conditions encountered at each well and
even for conditions encountered at different depths in a specific
well. Additionally, the chemical properties of a mud may be altered
by the physical conditions encountered in a well and by materials
gained as the well is drilled.
1-3
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1.1.3 State of Knowledge Concerning Drilling Fluids Prior to
Initiation of the EPA Program
Although relatively large amounts of money have been spent by
several Federal agencies on research related to the effects of devel-
opment of oil and gas resources on the outer continental shelf, com-
paratively few studies have been undertaken to evaluate the effects
of discharges of drilling fluids from platforms. When the EPA Drill-
ing Fluids Hazard Assessment Program was conceived in 1975, consider-
able research was underway on the potential effects of more rapid
development of offshore oil and gas resources. At that time, how-
ever, environmental concern was focused principally on the effects of
petroleum in the marine environment. Only a few studies had been
undertaken to examine the toxicity of drilling fluids, cuttings, and
produced waters routinely discharged from offshore platforms. Most
of the information available was published only as project reports
("gray" literature) which generally had not been subject to a peer-
review process for confirmation of the findings. Few data were
available in tne peer-reviewed journal literature.
Despite this scanty data base, there was a general lack of con-
cern at that time over the potential effects of drilling mud and
produced waters discharged in the marine environment. This feeling
was based primarily on some commonly held assumptions. The general
assumptions about the potential effects of produced waters (Koons et
al., 1976) were that:
• their toxicity was low
• natural dilution on discharge greatly reduced the environ-
mental concentrations of hydrocarbons and inorganic compo-
nents.
General assumptions regarding the consequences of the discharge of
drilling fluids (Monaghan et al., 1976) were that:
• bioassay data indicated that any acute toxicity for a typical
drilling mud would be due mainly to the dissolved lignosul-
fonate thinner
• rapid dispersion and dilution quickly lowered che concen-
trations below those found to be toxic in bioassay tests
• dispersion model calculations indicated that bulk mud
discharged at a rates of 250 bbl/hr was diluted one-hundred
fold 0.2 mile down-current in less then 1 hour
1-4
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• both measurements and theoretical calculations indicated
that mud discharged during normal drilling quickly mixed
with seawater and was diluted at least a thousand fold
about '300 yards down current
• discharges had not caused long-lasting effects, as a wide
variety of motile organisms were found on and under oil
producing platforms
• divers found barnacles growing on and in the exit of dis-
charge pipes
• drilling mud and cuttings from more than 19,000 wells had
reportedly not caused detectable environmental damage
• material added in greatest amounts to drilling muds was
barite (33804), which was considered to be nontoxic.
1.1.4 Need for an EPA Research Program
In 1975, EPA personnel determined that an inadequate data base
existed on the effects of discharges of drilling fluids from offshore
platforms. The basis for this finding was that:
• few data were available to support the general lack of con-
cern over the environmental effects of drilling fluids
• drilling fluids contain components such as biocides and heavy
metals that are potentially toxic in the environment
• the environmental effects of many drilling fluid components
were unknown
• large volumes of drilling fluids are discharged to the envi-
ronment
• large oceanic areas could potentially be affected.
Based on the need for information to establish the transport, fate
and effects of drilling fluids in the marine environment, it was
determined that the EPA Drilling Fluids Hazard Assessment Program
should be undertaken.
The need for an adequate technical data base on drilling fluid
effects was given added importance by the Outer Continental Shelf
Lands Act, which extended the Clean Water Act to discharges on the
outer continental shelf. EPA must issue permits for the discharge of
effluents to aquatic environments under the provisions of Section 402
1-5
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of the Clean Water Act. The permit process required a base of scien-
tific information on which to establish defensible and reasonable
permit conditions.
1.2 ORGANIZATION OF SUMMARY
This program summary is organized into four section. EPA
responsiblities as given in the Clean Water Act and the Outer
Continental Shelf Land Act Amendments are given in Section 2.0. A
discussion of program goals and objectives, the research approach,
and the research program is given in Section 3.0. A brief overview
of research findings at the present time is given in Section 4.0.
The direction of research in the final year of the program is out-
lined in Section 5.0.
1-6
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2.0 STATUTORY AND REGULATORY MANDATES
Several Federal agencies have mandates involving Che protection
of the marine environment through the regulation and planning of the
development of offshore oil and gas resources. These Federal agen-
cies Include:
• Environmental Protection Agency
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Bureau of Land Management
• Geological Survey
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the responsibility
to issue permits for discharges from drilling and production plat-
forms under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) program. There are several regulated discharges:
• Drilling fluids - chemicals ("muds") used In the well during
drilling
• Cuttings - solid materials from the geological formation
being penetrated by the well that are brought to the surface
as drilling proceeds
• Produced waters - liquids (often a brine) .from the geological
formation that come to the surface in the well and which are
discharged after separation from the oil and gas
• Other miscellaneous discharges - these can include sanitary
wastes, deck drainage, and cooling water.
The authority for EPA regulatory activities over discharges to
aquatic environments is contained in Sections 402 and 403 of the
Clean Water Act (see Appendix B for the text of these sections).
This authority has been extended to the waters of the continental
shelf under the provisions of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act
Amendments.
Authority for issuing NPDES permits is contained in Section 402
of the Clean Water Act. The conditions established for these permits
are to be based on technical guidelines required under provisions of
Section 403(c)(l). The kinds of information that the guidelines must
contain are defined in this section. The guidelines have been
2-L
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published as ocean dumping criceria (40 CFR Part 125). No permit
will be issued if insufficient information exists regarding the
potential effects of the discharge (Section 403(c)(2)), emphasiz-
ing the importance of research on which to base permit conditions.
2-2
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3.0 EPA RESEARCH PROGRAM
3.1 PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of Che EPA Drilling Fluids Hazard Assessment Program is
to assess what effect the discharge of drilling fluids is likely to
have on the marine environment. This information will serve as the
basis for determining discharge permit conditions, as required in the
Clean Water Act.
Research results related to the program goal will partially pro-
vide a basis for the Agency to address the following major questions
important to the permit issuance process:
• Are there any significant adverse affects Chat can result
from the discharge of drilling fluids to the marine environ-
ment?
• What are the causes if significant effects occur?
• How can effects be mitigated?
• What are the environmental tradeoffs associated with the
regulatory options available to the Agency?
The research program as presently constituted is addressing only the
first two issues.
Specific objectives of the Drilling Fluids Hazard Assessment
Program are as follows:
• Undertake a hazard assessment, which consists of the integra-
tion of exposure assessments and effects assessments
• Determine the generic effects of drilling fluids in the
marine environment
• Develop region-specific research programs utilizing the
hazard assessment approach
• Assemble, review, and synchesize available literature on
drilling fluids in the marine environment.
3.2 RESEARCH APPROACH
EPA research is designed to assess the potential hazard to the
marine environment and humans from drilling discharge practices.
Such a hazard assessment is the integration of knowledge of concen-
trations of drilling fluids that could occur in the environment under
3-1
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specific conditions (exposure assessment) and the effect of these
concentrations during the period of exposure on marine ecosystems and
organisms (effects assessment).
3.2.1 Components of a Hazard Assessment
In general, an exposure assessment would consist of investiga-
tions to define the following:
• characteristics of drilling muds
• dilution, transport, and fate of drilling muds
• concentrations of muds extant in the environment
• resuspenslon and movement of muds following deposition.
An effects assessment should define:
• acute toxicity
• chronic toxicity (carcinogenic, mutagenlc, teratagenic
properties)
• sublethal effects
• potential for bioaccumulation in components of the food web
• habitat alteration
• effects on ecosystem structure and function
• hazard to humans.
3.2.2 Tiered Approach of Research
The hazard assessment, using exposure assessment and effects
assessment as the research approach, has been implemented in the EPA
program as a tiered process. In general, laboratory-oriented toxic-
ity tests are undertaken as the first phase. These were usually
acute static toxicity tests designed to determine the range of con-
centrations of drilling fluids that affect organisms. Next, more
realistic flow-through toxicity tests are conducted. Field studies
of effects are deferred until a need for them is established. In
other words, if no significant effects on marine organisms can be
detected in laboratory experiments using high concentrations of
drilling fluids, determination of effects at lower concentrations
likely to occur in the environment are unnecessary, or at least of
3-2
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low priority. Some aspects of the exposure assessments involving
transport and dispersion experiments were scheduled for a later
program phase for the same reason.
3.2.3 Selection of Drilling Fluids Used In Effects Assessment
Research Projects
An important scientific consideration in the selection of muds
for use in toxicity tests has been that the sample be fresh. Prac-
tical considerations that have influenced the selection of muds have
been the proximity of the well to EPA laboratories and EPA research-
ers, the availability of muds, and other factors related to the
logistics of obtaining samples. The result has been that muds were
generally obtained in a manner partially determined by circumstances
at the time muds were needed for study.
Mud samples used in the EPA program were selected in cooperation
with a number of oil companies, the Petroleum Equipment Suppliers
Association, and the Offshore Operators Committee. Some samples
were selected and collected by oil industry personnel and shipped
directly to the researchers or to the EPA Gulf Breeze, Florida
Laboratory, from which they were transhipped as needed to the
researchers. Other samples were collected directly by EPA personnel
and supplied to the researchers. In addition, some researchers,
through their own initiative, obtained some mud samples outside usual
supply channels of the EPA program. The sources of some of the muds
used in the program are given in Table 3-1. Additionally, tests are
being conducted using a reference mud prepared by the U.S. National
Bureau of Standards (see section 3.3.1.1.1).
Mud samples were handled as expeditiously as possible. Short-
term storage immediate after collection varied depending on who made
the collection. Treatment of samples not collected by EPA were the
responsibility of whomever collected them. Samples for biological
testing maintained at the EPA Gulf Breeze, Florida Laboratory were
kept cool or refrigerated until distributed to researchers.
*A controversy has arisen over the use of the muds obtained from
the MOBIL well in Mobile Bay, Alabama. The drilling permit from
the State of Alabama for this well did not allow the discharge of
drilling muds to Mobile Bay. Consequently, mud from this well was
collected in barges and disposed of on land. These particular muds
may be considered atypical of OCS discharged muds because some
samples contained oil and/or high levels of chrome llgnosulfonate.
At present, muds from other wells to be drilled in the same
geological formation in Mobile Bay are being considered for ocean
disposal.
3-3
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TABLE 3-1
SOURCE OF SOME DRILLING FLUIDS USED IN RESEARCH
SPONSORED BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
SUPPLIER WELL
OPERATOR OF MUD LOCATION
USGS Louisiana
USGS Louisiana
AMOCO Artique Florida
MOBIL Ayres/Ray Louisiana
SHELL Ayres/Ray Louisiana
EXXON Ayres/Ray Louisiana
MOBIL Hellis Alabama
EXXON Ayres New Jersey
EXXON Yowell Florida
3-4
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Mode of transportation and shipment conditions varied depending
on the person shipping the sample. Oil company personnel were
responsible for shipping conditions for samples shipped directly to
researchers or to EFA. Samples shipped to researchers by EPA were
generally sent unrefrigerated by the United Parcel Service.
Samples were sometimes stored in a refrigerator at the EPA Gulf
Breeze Laboratory for longer periods until needed by researchers. A
study found that there were no differences in toxicity between fresh
samples and those stored under refrigeration for long periods (Rao,
personal communication).
3.2.4 Rationale for Testing of Individual Mud Components
Toxicity studies have been carried out on individual drilling
mud components known to be used in offshore drilling. These compo-
nents have included biocides, barite, diesel fuel, clay, and com-
pounds of zinc and chromium. Testing of single components of muds
may help identify those parts that are toxic. A disadvantage of
component testing is that, under drilling conditions, these compo-
nents may react with other components of the mud or be altered so
that toxicity could be different than that determined from testing
unused mud components.
3.3 EPA RESEARCH PROGRAM
Research has been undertaken at a generic level and within two
lease areas of special concern in order to meet the general and site-
specific information needs of the EPA program offices and regions in
establishing discharge permit conditions. The lease areas are:
• Flower Garden Banks, Gulf of Mexico
• Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine.
These areas were chosen for study over other proposed lease areas
(see Figure 1) because:
• drilling would occur in areas thought to be more biologically
sensitive than other lease areas
• the areas had been proposed as marine sanctuaries under the
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
• the areas represented different temperature environments
• no drilling had ever taken place on Georges Bank, while the
Gulf of Mexico was an established drilling area.
3-5
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An aggregated summary of program areas is given in Table 3-2.
3.3.1 Generic Studies
Generic studies have been undertaken in both the effects and
exposure assessment areas. Project schedules and total funding are
given in Table 3-3.
3.3.1.1 Exposure Assessment
Generic exposure assessment studies have involved the charac-
terization of drilling muds and development of models for use in
predicting drilling mud transport and dispersion in the marine envi-
ronment.
3.3.1.1.1 Characterization of Drilling Muds. Because of the
wide variation in drilling mud composition, analyses of used muds to
which organisms have been exposed must be carried out in support of
effects assessment research. Additionally, reference drilling muds
of known chemical composition are needed for comparative toxicity
testing and for use as chemical standards for quality assurance in
analyzing used muds.
Project Title; Drilling Fluid Reference Standards for Chemical
Analysis (A-3 ) - Develop and provide drilling fluid reference
standards for use in characterization efforts and in a quality
assurance program to improve and maintain reliability of mea-
surements made on discharges from drilling and production opera-
tions.
Project Title: Chemical Analysis of Drilling Fluids (A-4*) -
Provide data on the chemical analysis of tissue residues of
organisms exposed to drilling fluids and selected metals in
drilling fluids.
Project Title; Chemical Analysis for Energy Program (A-5*) -
Provide organic analytical chemical support to the aquatic
toxicity testing program at the EPA Gulf Breeze Laboratory.
3.3.1.1.2 Transport, Transformation and Fate of Drilling Muds
in the Marine Environment. In order to establish permit conditions
for discharges of drilling muds under the NPDES permit system, the
movement and behavior of the material in the marine environment must
be known in order to determine the zone of initial dilution and to
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-6
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TABLE 3-2
AGGREGATED SUMMARY OF MAIN RESEARCH AREAS OF THE DRILLING FLUID HAZARD ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
PROGRAM ELEMENT
1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982
***L(««J.««».L«BtX*««J.«*«J.a««J
UJ
I
GENERIC RESEARCH
Chemistry of well profile
Quality Assurance
Feasibility, reference, trials
Complex standard
Plume modeling
Symposium
Adaptive Environmental Assessment Workshop
Benthlc Communities
Crustaceans
Echlnoderms
Telcost fish
Literature Review
State-oT-the-Art Review
Synthesis of results
Technical Assistance
FLOWER GARDEN BANKS
Effects on Coral
Respiration, growth, physiology, behavior
Cage design
Other Research
GEORGES BANK
SedJment/organism relationships
Benthic Larvae
Commercially Important Species
Toxlclty, accumulation, behavior
Ecological Relationships
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Experimental design, quality assurance
Semiannual peer program review
i.
T
1
TT
I-I
I
X
X
IT
T T
...T
T
1
.T
I
I 1
I 1
T.
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TABLE 3-3
PROJECT SCIIKDIJIES PUR GENERIC SIUIUKS OF FATE
AND EFFECTS OF IIKII.I.ING FI.UII1S IN TDK MAR INK KNVlKONMhNT
PROJECTS
EXPOSURE ASSESSMtNT
FISCAL YEAR
76 77 78 79 80 81 82
TOTAL FUNDING
(Dollar In
Thousands)
OJ
CO
Generic exposure asbubument studies have Involved tlie characterization of
drilling niidb ami development of models tor use in predicting drilling
mud tranaport nml dispersion In the marine environment.
Characterization of Drilling Muds
Because of the ulde variation in drilling composition, analyses of used
muds to whlrh 01 gnu I sins have been exposed must be carried out In
support of effects assessment research. Additionally, reference
drilling muds of known chemical composition arc needed for comparative
loxlclty testing and for use as chemical standards for quality
assurance In analyzing used muds.
drilling mid referenda ntandarda for ohemioal aiuilyoie
Chemical analyaiu of drilling fluids
Chsmiual aniliioia ffi- energy program
Tranaport. Tranaforin.-itIon and Fntc of Drilling Huds In the Marine Environment
In order to establish permit conditions for dltirharRe of drilling muds
under the NPDI'.S puna It system, the movement and behavlnr of the Material
in the marine environment must be known In order to determine the zone of
initial dilution and to estimate exposure of effected ecosystems and
organisms to pol lutniilu.
Mixing none definition fop nanlaioyant diaahargea in oumtoft of oeotion -i03(a)
of the Cleiiii d'.itec Aji
90
18
178
III
-------
TABU: 3-3 (coniim.L. h"°"'""•• °f "" «"«.l. «* drim£ .Is
after dlmhnrgu ..„ marine ecosystem and orgonlM. uust be oblalncd
BO that opiiriiprl.nc penult conditions can be established.
Totio, oublatlial ,m,l latail effeata of oeleated petroleum »i/uroTndirUH" VfT e"Wjr0""IC"t ""'lur -Pcclflc cnmlltlons
period of exposiuc on luurlne eLosyston.s aiid^prBanl'sM1™1 'U"S ''"rln8 Ul°
Captation of luian,-,! auoeomtnt
214
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U)
TABLE 3-3 (Conr I tided)
PROJECT SCHEDULES FOR GENERIC STUDIES Of FATE
AND EFFECTS OF DRILLING FLUIDS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
TOTAL FUNDING
PROJECTS _ FISCAL YEAH _ (Dollar tu
76 77 78 79 80 81 82 Thousands)
SUPPORT 1U THE KI'.SEAKCII tFFORTS
Urcuusc thu reoonri.li efforts are mulil-aguin.y and multi-Investigation
efforts, cinuiiiiiiilr.il Ion and dlsucinlnatlun of Information among the
Intercbtutl parties Iti nccdoil lo impruvc lliu viiurdliul Ion and
of efforts.
iwieu of environmental effauto of uell-drilling, ahaniaiila _ X 30
KffealB of ohemiaalo uaed in offohove oil and gas drilling operationo __ X 4Bft
on miirina organ iomo 3,1 90 TOTAL
X'Projcct ruport or product.
-------
estimate exposure of effected ecosystems and organisms to pollutants.
A computer model is under development for use as a predictive tool in
determining dilution and dispersion of a discharge from a proposed
platform. Field studies underway on the Flower Garden Banks of actu-
al discharge plumes will also contribute to a general understanding
of plume behavior.
Project Title; Mixing Zone Definition for Nonbuoyant Discharges
in Support of Section 403(c) of the Clean Water Act (A-6") -
Develop or revise mixing-zone calculation methods for industrial
discharges, emphasizing ones containing fluids, emulsions, and
suspensions heavier than marine water, or those which, in gen-
eral, behave differently than municipal wastes for which mathe-
matical models are available.
Related Project Title; Assessment of Exposure of the Texas
Flower Garden to Pollutants Originating from Drilling Rigs -
see section 3.3.2
Related Project Title: The Erodibility of Drilling Muds
Deposited on the Sea Floor - see section 3.3.3
3.3.1.2 Effects Assessment
Since drilling muds and fluids contain components that are
potentially toxic to marine organisms, knowledge of the effects of
drilling muds after discharge on marine ecosystems and organisms must
be obtained so that appropriate permit conditions can be established.
Generic projects in this area are laboratory studies. Information
gained in regional studies will also contribute to the overall under-
standing of the effects of drilling muds in the marine environment.
Project Title; Toxic, Sublethal and Latent Effects of Selected
Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Barium Sulfate on Marine Organisms
(A-7 ) - Expose marine organisms, with emphasis on crusta-
ceans, to components of drilling fluids. Determine acute and
sublethal toxic effects and the potential for bioaccumulation of
materials.
Project Title; Behavioral Assays for the Effects of Drilling
Muds on Marine Animals (A-8 ) - Develop a device capable of
measuring the behavioral responses of the scallop to drilling
fluids.
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-11
-------
Project Title; Laboratory and Field Studies of Used Drilling
Fluids and Fluid Formulation Components on Benthic Communities
(A-9 ) - Develop and apply methods for determining the effect
of diesel oil on a marine offshore benthic community microcosm.
Project Title; Offshore Pollutant Effects Program** (A-10*)
- Utilize offshore platform (Stage I) in the Gulf of Mexico 19
km south of Panama City, Florida owned and operated by the
Naval Coastal Systems Laboratory for experiments on oceanic
species for comparison with data obtained on estuarine species
in other laboratory research projects.
Project Title; The Effect of Drilling Mud on Marine Organisms
(A-11K) -Provide support for the operation of Stage I, and
offshore research laboratory in the Gulf of Mexico near Panama
City, Florida.
Project Title: Effects of Drilling Mud Constituents on the
Sedimentary Microflora and the Base of the Marine Benthic Food
Web (A-12 ) - Determine effects that result from exposure of
marine organisms.
Project Title: Effects of Soluble Fractions of Drilling Fluids
on Larval Development and Behavior of Callinectes sapidus and
Rhithropanopeus harrissii (A-13 ) - The research Includes
measurements of drilling fluid effects on (a) long-term
development of crab larvae, (b) short-term development of
specific larval life stages, (c) swimming speed of larvae, and
(d) positive or negative phototaxis of the larvae.
Project Title; Effects of Drilling Fluids on Embryo Development
(A-14 ) - The effects of drilling fluids on the developmental
stages of the embryos of fish and echinoderms will be deter-
mined.
Project Title; Effects of Barium Sulfate on Fertilization and
Early Development (A-15") - The effects on sea urchin gametes
and embryos will be assessed. The cellular events which are
disturbed by barium sulfate will be characterized and the
concentrations necessary to induce these perturbations will be
determined.
**.
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
'This project has been terminated because of storm damage to the
platform.
3-12
-------
Related Project Title; Development of Components of a Monitor-
ing System - see section 3.3.2.
Related Project Title; New Methodologies for Measuring Energy-
Related Consent Decree Toxic Compounds in the Marine Environment
- see section 3.3.2.
3.3.1.3 Hazard Assessment
A hazard assessment is the integration of knowledge of concen-
trations of drilling fluids that occur in the environment under spe-
cific conditions (exposure assessment) and the effects of these
concentrations during the period of exposure on marine ecosystems and
organisms (effects assessment).
Project Title; Completion of Hazard Assessment Program
(A-16 ) - synthesize existing literature and conduct a limited
amount of research on the effects of the fluids on selected
marine organisms. Principle efforts will the directed toward
completion of the five-year Drilling Fluid Hazard Assessment
Program.
3.3.1.4 Support to the Research Efforts
Because the research on the effects of drilling fluids on the
marine environment are multiagency and multi-investigator efforts,
communication and dissemination of information among the interested
parties is needed to improve the coordination and effectiveness-of
the efforts.
Project Title; Literature Review of Environmental Effects of
Well-Drilling Chemicals (A-1731) - Prepare a review of avail-
able literature on the origins, fate and effects of chemicals
discharged from oil and gas drilling operations into the marine
environment.
Project Title: Symposium on the Effects of Chemicals Used in
Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Operations on Marine Organisms
(A-18 ) - Establish program committee for symposium, advertise
meeting, select papers and session chairmen, hold meeting, pub-
lish proceedings.
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-13
-------
3.3.2 Flower Garden Banks, Gulf of Mexico
Presently being investigated by several Federal agencies includ-
ing EPA is the potential impact of proposed oil and gas drilling
activities near the Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico. This
bank, located 120 nautical miles south of Cameron, Louisiana, con-
tains the northernmost tropical coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.
At issue is the potential harm that could result to the reef system
from drilling muds discharged from platforms in the vicinity. Of
chief concern is that turbidity and sedimentation of muds could
adversely affect the coral.
At present the U.S. Department of the Interior requires that
drilling should be limited to the edge of the bank and effluents from
the platforms must be released to the naturally turbid layer of water
near the bottom (nepheloid layer), where the material would probably
remain in the lower density layer. Since coral growth is primarily
restricted to surface waters, such a discharge practice should, in
principle, protect the coral reef ecosystem. The certainty of this
protection is only conjecture, however, since no research has been
undertaken to verify its accuracy. Consequently, EPA has undertaken
laboratory and field studies of the effect of drilling muds on reef
organisms and field studies of discharge plume behavior. Some
specific discharge-related questions being addressed by EPA research
are as follows:
o Are drilling fluids or their components toxic to sclerac-
tinean corals in laboratory testing?
o Given the dispersion of discharged materials during drilling
operations, will actual concentrations and exposure duration
be produced that will adversely and significantly affect the
coral reef ecosystem?
o Will discharge of fluids to the nepheloid layer protect
corals from toxic drilling fluids if extensive oil and gas
field development takes place?
o What is the expected and worst case of exposure to the reefs
likely to be encountered during production drilling?
o Under actual surface discharge conditions, what minimal dis-
tance from the reef ecosystem is needed to mitigate against
adverse exposure?
The research program on the Flower Garden Banks encompasses an
exposure assessment and an effects assessment. In addition, biologi-
cal monitoring methods necessary to carry out the research program
3-14
-------
are under development. Several activities designed to support the
overall research effort are also included, as is technical support to
Region VI on an as-needed basis for permit review. The schedule and
total funding for research projects is given in Table 3-4.
3.3.2.1 Exposure Assessment
Research has focused on dilution, dispersion, and fate of the
plume of drilling fluid discharged from the platforms and on deter-
mining the extent of resuspension of drilling muds from the bottom.
Project Title: Assessment of Exposure of the Ecosystem of
the Texas Flower Gardens to Pollutants Originating from Oil
and Gas Drilling Rigs (A-20") - Determine the transport,
transformation and fate of materials discharged from drilling
platforms. Field measurements of dispersion of particulate and
dissolved components of fluid discharges will be used to devel-
op predictive computer models for estimating dosage of ecosys-
tems from wells near the Flower Garden Banks.
Related Project Title; The Erodibility of Drilling Muds Depos-
ited on the Seafloor - see section 3.3.3.
3.3.2.2 Effects Assessment
The EPA research effort has focused on laboratory studies of the
effect of drilling nuds on reef organisms, principally corals. A
field study of reef fish is also planned.
3.3.2.2.1 Coral Research. These efforts are aimed at deter-
mining what effects drilling fluids have on reef-building corals and
what indicators of toxicity might be useful in field studies. Cri-
teria for measuring coral stress include respiration nitrogen, liplds
in corals and zooxanthellae, amino acids and rate of calcification,
and neurochemclal and other biochemical characteristics.
Project Title; Offshore Laboratory Studies of the Impact of
Used Drilling Fluids on Behavior of Corals Representative of the
Flower Garden Banks (A-21") - Expose corals to drilling fluids
and determine the rate of sediment removal or polyp contrac-
tion.
*?age number of project description in Appendix A.
3-15
-------
TARI.E J-4
PKO.IECT SCHEDULES FOR STUDIES OP FATE All!) EFFECTS OF
UKILLING FLUIDS ON 'IIII! FI.OWEU HARDEN HANKS. GULF OF MEXICO
PROJECTS
FISCAL YEAR
76 77 78 79 80 81
TOTAL FUNDING
(Dollar In
82 Thousands)
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
Kcaejrc.li linu foriibi-d on dilution and fnln of tlic plume of drilling fluids
discharged from I lie- ulatfornui.
Aoaeaament of e.\.poaura of the ecoayalein of the Texaa Garden Banks to fiol-
lutanta oriyinn tiny fivm oil and gaa drilling t'iga
EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
The research cffoit li-iu focused on laboiatory studies, principally corals.
Coi.-il Research
Offuhore laboratory ntudico of the impaot of uaed tli'illin.j fluids oil behavior
of aonilo rci>raadilative of the t'loiMi' Ciu'dcn A.inAo
Kffeata of drillintj fluids and oil on oontl oa.nifying hai\l bank aaamaiitica
BioalMiiiaal anatyaaa on coral ami othei" inuevtalivite metabolia aotiaitiea
and nutritioniil alnLite aith exyoaura to oil and gaa drilling mid
Efftiata of drilliiKj mud on ooralo: aome biochemical and nam-oloyical aapeota
Effects of offalwe oil and gaa drilling on i-aaf building aural a
Effeato of oil'drilling lauda on the iilujniologij and nutritional at
Texas Floacr Garden Reef aoral
I'hyuiaal and <:>Mtiiijril effentu of drill mud on aorai skeleton
Oilier licBudrch
Comparison of i-aaf fiitli palliations at the floasr Cm-den Hmka and at oil and
ijaa drilling [>lat.fo,inn
Toxic a,Ul Mblethal cffcutn of uaatc drilling muij and certain vhronmm „„.
I'Oimda in CruuUinaann
status of
790
SOO
64
92
117
IBB
114
If,
660
261
-------
TADLK 3-4 (Concluded)
PROJECT SCIIEDIHbS KOK STUDIES OK FATK AND EFFKLTS OF
"RILLING I'UIIOS OH TIIK FMWER fiARDUl BANKS. ClILF OF HKX1CO
PROJECTS
FISCAL YEAR
76 77 78 79 BO 81
TOTAL FUNDING
(Dollar In
82 Thousands)
u>
KI'FbCTS ASSESSMENT (Cont.)
Biological MonltoiliiB Methods
of iiomitunantB of a monitoring oyotem
(I) 'fetharuj atuja
(II) Evaluation of deoicttu and materials for aeauatcr ahemioal aamyle
aollention - {nimanaentration and analyoio
(III) Aut»Mnutia ncmpler for traae organiao in marine uater
«c« methoduloyiea f,»- maaouring energy-related oonaent decree toxio aom-
pounila in tlia miiriuo environ/riant
sueroKT TO me RESLAKCII KFFOK-IS
UucaiiHc ilic rchuiin.li iiffurta In tlie Flower Garden Bnnka urea Is a nultl-
liwchtli-alur and toiil t l-ugcncy effort, communication and dissemination
of Infurmiitluii aiming Hie Jntcrcnted parties la nuudcd to iapiove co-
ord I nut Ion and effectiveness of these efforts.
eiivitviaiiantiil aaaaaamant uorkohopo on drilling mud diapoeal
Identifiaat inn of iiKiafoinftuoia fi\m ex\tevimenta tiotiduoted at the U.S. Hai'y
I'latfomi "fft.nje I."
TKCIINICAI. ASS1STANCIC 'I'D hl'A KECIUN VI
bl'A Ki-cliin VI requires technical assistance In dlucliarcc permit natters
'fauhniaal aaaiatanuc to Kl'A Region VI
as net-dud
100
30
HO
400
97
14
All.
3.956 TOTAL
ii-|nirt or
-------
Project Title; Effects of Drilling Fluids and Oil on Corals
Occupying Hard Bank Communities (A-22") - Test the toxicity of
a variety of drilling fluids to corals under laboratory and
field conditions.
Project Title: Biochemical Analyses on Coral and Other Inverte-
brate Metabolic Activity and Nutritional Status with Exposure to
Oil and Gas Drilling Mud (A-23") - Develop and test biochemi-
cal measures of the effects of drilling muds on (1) the coral-
zooxanthellae interaction using lipid analysis, (2) the nutri-
tional status with the triglyceride, wax ester, phospholipid
ratio, (3) the metabolic status of corals using the lipid anal-
ysis and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry.
Project Title: Effects of Drilling Mud on Corals: Some Bio-
chemical and Neurochemical Aspects (A-24") - Study the effect
of drilling mud treatment on some biochemical and neurochemlcal
aspects of coral physiology. Specifically, these studies will
include the evaluation of protein, nucleic acid, energy and
catacholamine metabolism.
Project Title; Effects of Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling on Reef
Building Corals (A-25") - Expose corals to drilling fluids at
the EPA-leased Navy platform in the Gulf of Mexico south of
Panama City, Florida, and measure effects by time-lapse photog-
raphy.
Project Title: Effects of Oil Drilling Muds on the Physiology
and Nutritional Status of Texas Flower Garden Reef Coral
(A-26") - 1) Determine Che effects of various concentrations
of whole drilling mud on respiration, nitrogen excretion and
calcification in a reef coral. 2) Determine the effects of
various concentrations of whole drilling mud on the nutritional
states of reef corals. 3) Send exposed corals to other inves-
tigators for complementary biochemical and histopathological
Investigations.
Project Title; Physical and Chemical Effects of Drill Mud on
Coral Skeletons (A-27 ) - measure the physical and chemical
record in coral skeletons using density of minerals deposited in
the skeleton during periods of growth.
*?age number of project description in Appendix A.
3-18
-------
3.3.2.2.2 Other Research. The effect of drilling fluids on
reef fish populations and crustaceans is being determined.
Project Title; Comparison of Reef Fish Populations at the
Flower Garden Banks and at Oil and Gas Drilling Platforms
(A-28*) - Assess the biological characteristics of natural
reef fish populations and compare them with those of reef fish
populations associated with oil and gas platforms in the
northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Project Title: Toxic and Sublethal Effects of Waste Drilling
Muds and Certain Chromium Compounds in Crustaceans (A-29 ) -
Laboratory experiments will be used to investigate the effects
of drilling muds and their components on crustaceans.
3.3.2.2.3 Biological Monitoring Methods. Validation of labora-
tory experiments in the field require methods for exposing organisms
to chemical and physical conditions in the drilling fluid plume.
Also needed are methods to monitor conditions in the plume.
Project Title: Developments of Components of a Monitoring Sys-
~tem - (I) Tethered Cage (A-30") - The cage would be capable of
maintaining its position in the thermocline and would be fitted
with special devices for remotely monitoring the health status
of the caged animals.
Project Title: Development of Components of a Monitoring
System - (II) Evaluation of Devices and Materials for Seawater
Chemical Sample Collection, Preconcentration, and Analysis
(A-31 ) - The program has three objectives: Determination of
performance and contamination characteristics of existing moni-
toring systems, specifically those that will be used in Texas
Flower Gardens research; evaluation of preconcentration mate-
rials; and, development of laboratory analytical techniques.
Project Title; Development of Components of a Monitoring
System - (III) Automated Sampler for Trace Organics in Marine
Waters (A-32 ) - The Sampler should be able to collect
particulate and dissolved materials samples and preserve both in
uncontaminated condition until removal for subsequent analysis.
The sampler should be programmable in terms of sampling inter-
vals and freqencies and the collected samples should be ready
for analysis without significant additional handling or
processing.
*
'Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-19
-------
Project Title; New Methodologies for Measuring Energy-Related
Consent Decree Toxic Compounds in the Marine Environment
(A-33") - This project has three objectives:(1) validated
methods for separating trace organic marine pollutants into
major chemical classes and removal of natural marine organics
that interfere with pollutant analysis; (2) validated techniques
for final detection, identification and measurement of individ-
ual trace organic pollutants; and (3) identification of poten-
tially hazardous organic pollutants from marine vater samples
from the Texas Flower Gardens as well as from areas near various
ocean outfalls.
3.3.2.3 Support to the Research Efforts
Because the research efforts in the Flower Garden Banks area is
a multi-investigator and multi-agency effort, communication and dis-
semination of information among the interested parties is needed to
improve the coordination and effectiveness of these efforts. The EPA
program includes an adaptive environmental assessment workshop and
taxonomic identification in support of research activities.
Project Title: Adaptive Environmental Assessment Workshop on
Drilling Mud Disposal (A-34*) - A scoping meeting with EPA
personnel will be held to identify the specific problem to be
addressed by a hypothetical model. Staff assistance and guid-
ance will be provided by DOI in conducting an EPA-sponsored
adaptive environmental assessment workshop.
Project Title; Identification of Macroinfauna from Experiments
Conducted at the U.S. Navy Platform "Stage I" (A-35 ) - Iden-
tify benthlc organisms in support of "Stage I" research on the
effects of drilling fluids on marine organisms.
3.3.2.4 Technical Assistance to EPA Region VI
EPA Region VI requires technical assistance in discharge permit
matters. This assistance will be provided as needed for permit
review.
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-20
-------
Project Title: Technical Assistance to EPA Region VI (A-36*)
- The EPA Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory will
provide technical assistance to EPA Region VI on NPDES
permitting of discharges from offshore oil and gas drilling
activities.
3.3.3 Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine
Georges Bank is a shallow submarine bank located off Cape Cod
along the southern boundary of the Gulf of Maine. Leasing for
exploratory drilling in this area has taken place. Exploratory
drilling will begin in the summer of 1981.
The fishery of the Georges Bank is among the most productive in
the world. Commercially important species include haddock, cod, pol-
lack, whiting, lake cusk, American dab, yellowtail flounder, grey
sole, sea herring, flounder, and lobster. The ecological processes
that support the rich fishery are not clearly understood. However,
productivity is related to an annual cycle of succession of benthic
organisms. Winter storms scour the bottom, leaving many areas barren
of biota. Springtime mlcrobial blooms reduce erosion of sediments
through a kind of gluing process. Meiofauna and macrofauna then
dramatically increase their biomass in sediments. This productive
habitat supports a diverse community of groundfish and crustaceans.
At issue on the Georges Bank is the potential harm that could
occur to the commercial fishery from drilling activities, particu-
larly from the discharge of drilling muds. To address this issue,
EPA research has focused on the effects of drilling fluid on the
following:
• Laboratory studies on the effect of commercially important
species
• Benthic communities and organisms
• Sediment-animal relationships
• Sediment credibility.
Exposure assessments and effects assessment have been under-
taken as part of the Georges Bank research. Project schedules and
total funding are given in Table 3-5.
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-21
-------
1'ABLK 3-5
PROJECT SCHEDULES FOR STUDIES OF FATE
AND EFFECTS OF DRILLING FLUIDS ON GEORGES BANK. GULF OF MAINE
PROJECTS
FISCAL YEAR
76 77 78 79 80 81
TOTAL FUNDING
(Dollar In
82 Thousands)
U)
IN}
ro
EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
Because no drilling has taken place, no field studies related to discharge
Illume liehavloi have been planned.
The erodibilitii of drilling muda derailed on the sea floor
EFFECCS ASSESSMENT
Research Is iindci way on loxlulty to adults, behavioral effects, and larval
development utilizing several Important species of the Georges Rank area.
Ton!city mid Oilier Effuits
Kffoato of drilling naid on ailult American lobster
Di-illing fluid effects to developmental stages of tho American I*>l>star
Feeding, rc\>\i>,luation and habitat selection of lobster IJomarua_ Anurioanua-
effeats of drilling^ niutl in laboratory and field situations
The cffeclu of drilling muds on tha behavior and benthio eaolijgij of
three \judul a^aaiea
A eluthj of f/iu- tnuwat of diaeli-uyej drilling fluid on the oiyanioma
of tlecn-gev flniiA.
Rffectu on Benlhlc UuiiuuunlrJes and Animal-Sediment Relationships
The im\>aoL t>f drilling mula on standing atuc.ka and metal*) lie aativitias
of aedimaiit hfi.ilan'a
Benthia i-onnutni ties and drilling fluid effects on the conditions for
larval settl>yn^ait on the Georges Bank
15'.
112
30
134
118
405
60
__
1 . 1 14 TOTAI.
cslu»""'!
f,o» areas other thnn the Georges Bank.
-------
Recent settlement of two law suits regarding research on the
Georges Bank (Commonwealth of Massachusetts vs. Andrus; Conservation
Law Foundation of New England vs. Andrus) has established the Depart-
ment of the Interior as the agency responsible for conducting stud-
ies. EPA will provide recommendations for research through its
participation on the Biological Task Force that has been established
to advise the Department of the Interior. The EPA will not be fund-
ing drilling mud research specific to Georges Bank in FY82.
3.3.3.1 Exposure Assessment
Because no drilling has taken place, no field studies related to
discharge plume behavior have been planned as part of the EPA Georges
Bank research effort. A laboratory study of drilling-fluid-affected
sediment credibility will be carried out because of the importance of
sediment dynamics in determining ecosystem structure and function.
Transport models developed as part of the generic studies could be
applied to the Georges Bank environment. Plume studies carried out
in the Flower Garden Bank area of the Gulf of Mexico will also pro-
vide knowledge that could be applied to the Georges Bank situation.
Project Title: The Erodlbillty of Drilling Muds Deposited on
the Sea Floor (A-38") - Laboratory flume studies and field
observations will be used to determine drilling mud stability
once deposited on the bottom.
Related Project Title; Mixing Zone Definitions for Nonbuoyant
Discharges in Support of Section 403(c) of the Clean Water Act -
section 3.3.1.
Related Project Title; Assessment of Exposure of the Ecosystem
of the Texas Flower Garden Bank to Pollutants Originating from
Oil and Gas Drilling Rigs - section 3.3.2.
3.3.3.2 Effects Assessment
Research on effects of drilling fluids consists of the following:
• Laboratory studies of toxicity and other effects on important
species of the area
• Effects on benthic communities and animal-sediment relation-
ships
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-23
-------
3.3.3.2.1 Toxlcity and Other Effects. Research is under way on
toxiclty Co adults, behavioral effects, and larval development util-
izing several important species of the Georges Bank area.
Project Title; Effects of Drilling Mud on Adult American Lob-
TFers (A-39*) - The effects of drilling muds on feeding, molt-
ing, mating, predator escape, shelter behavior, and substrate
selection will be determined by controlled laboratory experi-
ments , in seminatural environments, and by observations in the
field.
Project Title: Drilling Fluid Effects to Developmental Stages
of the American Lobster (A-40*) - The effects of used, whole
drilling fluids on larval and postlarval stages of the lobster
will be assessed.
Project Title; Feeding, Reproduction and Habitat Selection of
Lobster, Homarus Americanus - Effects of Drilling Mud in Labo-
ratory and Field Situations (A-41 ) - Field, laboratory and
neurophysiological studies of the behavior of larval and young
lobsters and the relation to exposure to drilling fluids will be
carried out.
Project Title: The Effects of Drilling Muds on the Behavior and
Benthic Ecology of Three Gadid Species (A-42*) - The effect of
muds on juveniles will be determined.
Project Title; A study of the Impact of Discharged Drilling
JTuid on the Organisms of the Georges Bank (A-43 ) - Toxicity
tests will be undertaken.
3.4.3.2.2 Effects on Benthic Communities and Animal-Sediment
Relationships. Because of the importance of the benthic community
to the structure and function of the Georges Bank ecosystem, research
on the effects of drilling fluids on the benthic community and ani-
mal-sediment relationships is an important part of the EPA program.
Project Title; The Impact of Drilling Muds on Standing Stocks
and Metabolic Activities of Sediment Bacteria (A-44") - This
project will examine the impact of drilling mud on bacteria
populations. Bacterial populations from sediment samples will be
counted and their growth rates determined.
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-24
-------
Project Title; Benthic Communities and Drilling Fluid Effects
on the Conditions for Larval Settlement on the Georges Bank
(A-45") - Traps will be used for in situ experiments on the
effects of drilling fluids on larval settlement.
*Page number of project description in Appendix A.
3-25
-------
4.0 RESEARCH RESULTS TO DATE
4.1 INTRODUCTION
Most of the work initiated as part of the Drilling Fluids Hazard
Assessment Program is now yielding preliminary results. Addition-
ally, results of studies undertaken by other Federal agencies and the
oil industry are becoming available. Corroboration of these initial
results must await completion of work in progress and additional
scrutiny and verification of the results by the scientific community.
Given below is a brief overview of the results to date of EPA
and some other research. The results discussed are divided into
exposure assessment and effects assessment. Exposure assessments
have been grouped into the following categories.
• Field studies of discharge plume dispersion
• Models of plume dispersion
• Sedimentation and monitoring studies
Effect assessment studies have been grouped into the following
categories.
• Pentachlorophenol tests
• Short-term toxicity tests
• Long-term toxicity tests
• Bioaccumulation studies
• Effects on benthic communities
• Effects on corals
4.2 EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT
Available research results related to exposure assessment mostly
deal with field studies of dispersion and fate of drilling fluid dis-
charges from exploratory drilling platforms. These studies have been
carried out by the oil industry. Studies sponsored by EPA are in an
early stage.
4-1
-------
4.2.1 Field Studies of Discharge Plume Dispersion
At present, five studies of discharge plume dispersion of dril-
ling fluids from offshore platforms carried out by oil companies have
been published. Four of these studies have involved open ocean
situation and one a tidal embayment:
• Mid-Atlantic Ocean (Baltimore Canyon)
• Gulf of Mexico (two studies)
• Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska
• Southern California Shelf (Tanner Bank)
The research design and documentation is considered adequate on only
four of the five studies (Ayers et al., 1980a, 1980b; Ray and Meek,
1980; Houghton et al., 1980). One of the Gulf of Mexico studies (Ray
and Shinn, 1975) is considered flawed, so that the validity of the
results cannot be established with any degree of confidence. These
studies have been critiqued by Petrazzuolo (1981).
Several general observations have resulted from the four studies
for which documentation of methods and findings is considered ade-
quate.
• Two plumes form when the material leaves the discharge pipe.
A lower heavier plume contained the bulk of the solids and
descended rapidly. The upper plume, containing five to seven
percent of the suspended solids, remained in the water column
for a much longer period and drifted away from the source
with the prevailing current.
• Dilution factors of several hundred to several thousand were
reached within a few meters of the discharge. Wave-induced
mixing within the submerged portion of the discharge pipe may
contribute significantly to this dilution.
• Background concentrations of suspended solids in the upper
long-lasting plume were achieved within 500 ai to 1000 m of
the source. These results were variable depending on a number
of conditions, such as sea state and discharge rate.
• Dilution of the discharge is enhanced by the turbulent wake
created by the drilling rig. This result was suggested by
modeling and in-situ measurements at the well in Lower Cook
Inlet, Alaska (Houghton et al., 1981). Additional observa-
tions are necessary to confirm this, however.
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4.2.2 Models of Plume Dispersion
The modeling effort by EPA related to discharges is just begin-
ning. Several modeling efforts by the oil industry have been under-
taken. These studies have been critiqued by Petrazzuolo (1981). The
results of plume dispersion measured for a well in the Lower Cook
Inlet were fitted to several types of plume dispersion models.
• Discharge of a jet in deep water
• Plume would follow the behavior of wake dispersion and growth
• Thermal plume model
Although these models are designed to simulate continuous releases,
the best fit to the field data was achieved for bulk discharges. No
real satisfactory fit to continuous discharge data was achieved with
any of the models.
A computer model of drilling fluid plume dispersion has been
developed by Brandsma et al. (1980). The model is an evolution of
earlier models for dredged material discharges. The discharge is
assumed to originate as a jet. There are three phases of plume
dispersion:
• Jet phase - entrainment of ambient fluid and reorientation of
the plume to the ambient current
• Dynamic collapse - occurring either when the plume reaches
the bottom or arrives at the level of neutral buoyancy, at
which time horizontal spreading dominates.
• Passive diffusion - commences when transport and spreading of
the plume is determined more by ambient currents and currents
than by any dynamic character of its own.
The model results were compared to field data of a fluid release
from a well in the Gulf of Mexico (Ayers et al., 1980b). The model
results and field data agreed fairly well with respect to vertical
profiles at various distances from the discharge pipe. The tendency
was for the calculated profile to be located at somewhat shallower
depths in the near field and somewhat deeper depths in the far field.
4.2.3 Sedimentation and Monitoring Studies
The results of eight studies of sedimentation from drilling
operations have been reviewed by Petrazzuolo (1981). All of the
studies suffer from some problems with research design, methodology,
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or documentation that reduce confidence in the results or make it
more difficult to draw conclusions. Several of the studies have such
serious flaws that they are of little utility in determining the
environmental fate of drilling fluids and cuttings.
Ayers et al. (1980b) have reported on sedimentation of material
from a 275 bbl/hr. and a 1000 bbl/hr. discharge from a well in the
Gulf of Mexico. Sediment traps were placed from 30m to 200m downcur-
rent of the discharge. Solids in the lower plume (see Section 4.2.1)
were deposited on the bottom within 10m of the discharge, so no mate-
rial from this plume was collected in the sediment traps. Movement
of the discharge pipe during the 1000 bbl/hr. release introduced
uncertainty into the results, since the pipe was securely clamped in
place during the 275 bbl/hr. test.
Material collected in the traps was one to two orders of magni-
tude greater at 100m to 200m during the 1000 bbl/hr. release than
during the 275 bbl/hr. release. The transport time for barium was
increased relative to suspended solids. Thus, the barium to sus-
pended solids ratio in sedimented material is less than half the
ratio in the discharged material, suggesting that the barium content
of the material remaining in the water column is relatively
increased.
Sediment barium levels as a function of distance from the plat-
form before and after drilling have been determined at three wells
in the Gulf of Mexico (reviewed in PeCrazzuolo, 1980). The post-
drilling levels in these three studies exhibited a consistent pattern
as a function of distance from the source. When considered as a
whole, the post-drilling sediment barium content appeared to follow
generally the inverse square root of the distance. The data did not
conclusively support a square root dispersion model, but indicate
that further study of this relationships may prove fruitful.
4.3 EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
Many studies of the effect of drilling fluids on marine orga-
nisms have been undertaken since the inception of the EPA Drilling
Fluids Hazard Assessment Program. Some early results are available
from EPA sponsored studies. Other studies have been funded by the
oil industry. Many results have been published in the proceedings of
a recent symposium (Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of
Drilling Fluids and Cuttings, January 1980).
4.3.1 Pentachlorophenol Tests
Early in the EPA research Program the potential toxicity of the
biocide pentachlorophenol, which was used in some drilling muds, was
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examined. A symposium was sponsored by EPA at which the toxic effect
and distribution of this compound was discussed. Subsequently its
use was banned by the U.S. Geological Survey.
4.3.2 Short-Term Toxicity Tests
Results of 96-hour toxicity tests sponsored by EPA using barite
and used drilling muds have been reported by Conklin et al. (1980).
The toxicity of 18 different samples of muds from a well in Mobile
Bay, Alabama, was tested (see Section 3.2.3). None of the muds was
toxic to intermolt grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio at mud
concentrations of 10 and 100 ppm. But at a concentration of 1000
ppm, six of these muds caused 30 to 60 percent mortality of intermolt
grass shrimp, while one mud caused 100 percent mortality. Toxicity
tests with molting grass shrimp yielded LC 50 values of 363 to 739
ppm for 5 of the mud samples.
The toxicity of four types of used chrome lignosulfonate dril-
ling mud-seawater mixtures to different life stages of the opossum
shrimp Mysidopsis almyra Bowman was evaluated by Carr et al., (1980).
The mud-seawater mixtures were also prepared with a natural reference
sediment obtained from San Antonio Bay, Texas, in order to determine
the deleterious effects of exposure to naturally occurring fine clay
particulates as opposed to those of drilling mud origin.
No appreciable mortality was observed for one-day old juveniles
exposed to reference sediment-seawater mixtures while similar expo-
sures to drilling mud preparations were acutely toxic. Drilling mud
particulates were harmful to juvenile mysids. However, the majority
of the toxicity of the used drilling mud resided in the water-soluble
and fine particulate fractions of the mud. The 96 hour LC50 values
for one-day old mysids exposed to the mud aqueous fraction (MAF) of
the drilling mud which was replaced daily was 27 percent, correspond-
ing to 27,000 ppm mud added to water. The most sensitive stage in
the life history of M. almyra to drilling mud exposure was at the
first juvenile molt, which normally occurs between 24 and 48 hours
after release.
The weight-specific respiration rate of mysids exposed to a sub-
lethal mud aqueous fraction (MAF) for 24 hours was significantly
greater than that of controls. After seven days of exposure to sub-
lethal MAFs the weight-specific respiration rates were not signifi-
cantly different. A dose-dependent retardation in growth was
observed, however, for one-, three-, and six-day old mysids exposed
to MAFs. An increased feeding activity was observed for first and
second day juveniles exposed to different MAF concentrations. The
authors believe that the results indicate that drilling mud exposure
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reduced biotnass produceion and net growth efficiency of mysids at
sublethal concentrations in the range of 15 to 30 percent MAF. Other
metabolic processes concerned with energy transfer such as gamete
production could be affected by similar exposures.
Gerber et. al (1980) have used 96-hour static bioassays to
determine the relative toxicity of five used drilling fluids col-
lected from offshore drilling rigs, and various components of these
fluids, to cold water marine animals. Organisms which survived these
tests were then assayed for levels of cellular enzyme activities, or
changes in the rates of respiration, excretion, and ingestion were
determined, as indications of sublethal stress. The drilling fluids
to be tested were used in the following forms: whole mud, aqueous
fraction, and suspended whole mud.
With few exceptions the adult animals when exposed for 96 hours
to the various fractions of the drilling fluids exhibited little
mortality. Whole muds were slightly more toxic than the mud aqueous
fractions to most organisms but especially to deposit feeding orga-
nisms, and larvae were more sensitive than adults. Most organisms
exposed to various concentrations of the mud fractions had cellular
enzyme activities different from the controls, and differences in
enzyme activities rates were apparent for the different drilling
fluids or components. It was concluded from the 96-hour bioassays
that these drilling muds were most toxic to larval marine organisms,
and though much less toxic to adults, sublethal stress was evident.
The acute toxicity to several species of marine animals of four
used offshore drilling muds was investigated by Neff et al., (1980).
The four drilling muds included a spud mud (density, 9.2 Ib/gal), a
seawater chrome lignosulfonate mud density, 13.4 Ib/gal). Two mud-
sea water preparations designated the mud aqueous fraction (MAF) and
suspended particulate phase (SPF) were used in bioassays. The SPP
was similar to the MAF except that it contained a higher concentra-
tion of suspended particulates initially (900 vs 600 mg/1). The
stock 100 percent MAF and SPP preparations represented the water-
soluble plus fine particulate fractions of 100,000 ppm (10 percent
v/v) mud in water.
All four drilling muds had a low acute toxicity to all species
tested. The used spud mud was completely non-toxic. The three other
used drilling muds varied in their relative toxicity to different
species and life stages of marine animals. In most cases, the mid-
weight lignosulfonate drilling mud was more toxic than the seawater
chrome lignosulfonate drilling mud and the high weight lignosulfonate
drilling mud.
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The 96-hour median lethal concentration (96 h LC 50) of the MAP
of the three used chrome lignosulfonate drillings muds varied from
12.8 percent MAF for the first day postlarvae of the opossum shrimp
Mysidopsis almyra to greater than 100 percent MAF for adult grass
shrimp Palaomonetes pugio and the polychaete worm Ophryotrocha
labronica. Ninety-six hour LC 50 values for two species of bivalve
molluscs exposed to the SPP ranged from 20-74 percent SPP. Compari-
sons of the acute toxicity of the two mud preparations indicated that
much of the toxicity of drilling mud resided in the water-soluble
fraction. Based on results of these bioassays and dispersion-dilu-
tion models of drilling muds discharged from offshore platforms, it
was concluded that discharge of used drilling muds like those studied
would have little or no acute lethal effect on marine animals in the
vicinity of the platform.
Laboratory bioassays were conducted in a portable laboratory
located on a semisubmersible drilling vessel during the drilling of
the Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska Continental Offshore Stratigraphic Test
(C.O.S.T.) well (Houghton et al., 1980). The tolerances of seven
indigenous organisms with a wide range of ecological requirements
were tested using static, acute, 48- and 96-hour bioassays. Test
solutions were prepared from drilling fluids taken directly from the
mud pits and mixed with ambient sea water. Toxicity of drilling
fluids was generally low with 96-hour LC 50 values ranging from 3,000
ppm (0.3 percent by volume of drill fluids to sea water) for pink
salmon to greater than 100,000 ppm (10 percent) for shrimp. LC 50
values were lower in tests in which the solutions were continuously
mixed than in tests in which solutions were well mixed initially and
then allowed to settle during the remainder of the test.
Acute toxicity experiments were conducted in the field on key
Arctic marine species using various types of freshwater drilling
fluids obtained from drilling rigs operating in the vicinity of
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (Tornberg et al., 1980). The results of static
bioassays indicated that test organisms varied widely in their
responses to exposure to drilling effluents. Ninety-six hour LC 50
values ranged from 4 percent to greater than 70 percent (drilling
fluid volume to seawater volume) for drilling fluids tested. Fish
were among the most sensitive organisms tested and invertebrates
included both sensitive and relatively resistant species. The
resistant species were primarily sedentary, while more sensitive
species generally had the capability of migrating into and away from
a drilling fluid disposal site.
Variations in drilling fluid characteristics appeared to produce
variations in toxicities approaching those among different species.
Drilling fluids characterized as CMC/Gel/Resinex (used near the bot-
tom of a well) were more toxic to selected marine organisms than were
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XC-Polymer drilling fluids (used at mid-well depths), which, in turn,
were more toxic than CMC/Gel drilling fluids (used in the upper
depths of the well).
A.3.3 Lon8~Term Toxicity Tests
Results are available on only a few studies involving long-term
exposures of organisms to drilling fluids. Organisms on which tests
have been conducted include grass shrimp, a mysid, the American
oyster, and a polychaete worm.
A flow-through system was employed by Conklin et al. (1980) to
assess toxicity of drilling mud during the molt cycle of the grass
shrimp (Palaemonetes) and the life cycle of Mysidopsis bahia. The
muds used were from a well in Mobile Bay, Alabama. The oil company
has since claimed that these muds were atypical. Mysids were more
sensitive than grass shrimp to drilling mud exposure. In life cycle
tests with mysids, the LC 50 for one of the muds was 50 ppm. The LC
50 values obtained with tests involving molting grass shrimp and
mysids are several orders of magnitudes lower than previously
reported LC 50 values for fishes.
A long-term (100 days) multispecies toxicity test was conducted
by Rubenstein et al. (1980) to elucidate biological effects of dril-
ling fluids on representative estuarlne organisms and developing
benthic communities. Drilling muds, collected weekly from an active
drilling site, were introduced into 10 gallon aquaria containing
clean silica sand (10 cm deep) and flowing seawater (380 1/min).
Three nominal concentrations of drilling fluids (10 ppm, 30 ppm and
1000 ppm) were continuously infused into test aquaria.
Organisms selected for study were: the mysid shrimp, Mysidopsis
bahia, a water column crustacean, the oyster, Grassestrea virginica,
an epibenthic mollusk, and a deposit-feeding polychaete, Arenicola
cristata (commonly called the lugworm). Test criteria were developed
to identify effects of drilling fluids on: (1) survival of mysids;
(2) shell deposition and bioaccumulation of drilling fluid constitu-
ents by oysters; 3) survival of lugworms; and 4) recolonization of
test substracts by macrofaunal organisms that settled in aquaria from
planktonic larvae within the 100-day test period.
Results indicate that the drilling fluids tested were moderately
toxic to mysids at 30 and 100 ppm. Oyster growth was also signifi-
cantly inhibited at these concentrations. Lugworm survival in all
three concentrations was significantly reduced. Finally, exclusion
of colonizing polychaetes was observed in aquaria containing 100 ppm
drilling fluids. These tests, however, used a drilling mud from a
well in Mobile Bay, Alabama, that is claimed to be atypical in
composition for discharge into marine waters.
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4.3.4 Bioaccumulation Studies
Several studies are available on the potential for bioaccumula-
tion of drilling fluid components by marine organisms. Organisms
studied include the grass shrimp and three species of molluscs.
When exposed to media containing barite or used drilling mud,
the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio ingested the settled barite and
drilling mud particles (Conklin et al., 1980). Ultrastructural
studies on the midgut of shrimp exposed for a 30-day period to 100
ppm or 500 ppm barite-containing media and living on the resulting
substrate showed that prolonged ingestion of barite causes marked
perturbations in the posterior midgut epithelium.
Barium has been shown to accumulate in hard and soft tissues of
grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) (Brannon and Rao, 1979). The rela-
tive mineral composition of the cast shells of barite-exposed shrimp
was markedly different from that of the control shrimp. Whether this
accumulation had any harmful effects was not determined.
Houghton and Beyer (1980) have reported increases in total met-
als concentrations in amphipods when exposed to various drilling
fluid concentrations. Sources of metal accumulation may include both
water soluble metals and metals found in particulates.
The bioavailability of chromium, lead, and zinc from four used
drilling muds to the marsh clam Rangia cuneata and the Pacific oyster
Crassostrea gigas was investigated by McCulloch et al. (1980). The
four used drilling muds included a spud mud, a seawater chrome ligno-
sulfonate mud, a mid-weight lignosulfonate mud and a high weight lig-
nosulfonate mud.
Clams (R. cuneata) accumulated significant amounts of chromium
when exposed for four days to a substrate containing a layer of
chrome lignosulfonate mud. However, most of the chromium was
released within 24 hours when the clams were returned to clean sea-
water, indicating that much of the chromium accumulated was in the
form of unassimilated mud components in the digestive tract or on the
gills. When the clams were exposed to an aqueous fraction (water
soluble fraction) of the mud for 16 days, they accumulated a mean of
19 parts per million chromium. When returned to clean seawater they
released approximately half the chromium in 24 hours. The clams
accumulated small amounts of chromium and lead from the mud aqueous
fraction of a mid-weight lignosulfonate mud. Less than half the
accumulated chromium and lead was released in four days when the
clams were returned to clean seawater.
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When spat of Che oyster (1. gigas were exposed to several concen-
trations of the suspended particulate phase of spud mud and mid-
weight lignosulfonate mud for four days, they accumulated significant
amounts of chromium from the mid-weight but not from the spud mud.
When exposed to the mud aqueous fraction of three drilling muds for
up to two weeks, the oyster spat showed little or no net accumulation
of chromium, lead or zinc. The authors concluded from these experi-
ments that heavy metals from typical used drilling muds had a limited
bioavailability to marine bivalve molluscs during short term expo-
sure. Chromium was more bioavailable than lead or zinc.
The uptake of chromium by Mytilus edulis from several test solu-
tions was studied at pH 7.8 by Page et al. (1980). The solutions
were (1) an aqueous extract of a medium density lignosulfonate mud,
(2) a solution of ferrochrome lignosulfonate at two different concen-
trations, (3) a solution of Cr3*. All solutions were of approxi-
mately equal concentration in total chromium except for one test
solution of ferrochrome lignosulfonate at a 10 fold excess concentra-
tion compared with the others. The mussels gained the most chromium
from the Cr^"1" solution followed by the ferrochrome lignosulfonate
solutions and the least from the used drilling mud extract. The
authors felt that these results showed that the form of chromium
available had a major effect on its uptake by organisms and should be
taken into account in assessing potentially harmful effects of dis-
charges of used drilling muds at sea.
4.3.5 Effects on Benthic Communities
Because solids from the discharged drilling fluids settle to the
bottom in the vicinity of the drilling platform, benthic communities
could be affected. Initial results from several EPA-funded studies
are available.
Drilling fluids and their components have been shown to alter
the composition of estuarine benthic communities at microbial, meio-
fauna and megafunal levels. White (manu-cript in preparation), using
new methodologies developed by EPA funding, has shown that some com-
ponents of drilling fluids alter the microbial community structure of
marine sediments at concentrations in the parts per billiom range.
Biochemical analysis of these sediments showed total benthic biomass
was not affected by drilling fluid components. However, two drilling
mud additives were shown to selectively inhibit portions of the ben-
thic microbial community. Surflo (800 ppb) and Dowicide (100 ppb)
increased the biomass of bacterial containing the anaerobic pathway
of fatty acid synthesis. Microeucaryotes were inhibited by Surflo.
Surflo and Dowicide were shown to decrease the ratio of benthic algae
to total microeucaryotes while Aldicide increased this ratio.
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Tagatz et al. (1980) has shown that drilling fluids and their
components affect the community structure of the meiofaunal popula-
tions colonizing estuarlne sediments in laboratory microcosms.
Aquaria contained sand and were continuously supplied with unfiltered
seawater. Whole drilling mud, barite, a paraformaldehyde-type bio-
cide (Aldacide®), and three chlorophenol-type biocides (pentachlo-
rophenol, Dowicide® G-ST, and Surflo® B-33) were tested. Tests with
whole drilling mud and barite were designed to determine their impact
as a cover (2 or 5 mm) over the substratum and when mixed with clean
sand (ratios of 1:10 sand and higher). Annelids were most sen-
sitive to drilling mud and barite and significantly fewer numbers of
organisms occurred in all contaminated aquaria than in control
aquaria. For all phyla, the average number of species per aquarium
was significantly less in treatments with a cover of mud or barite
than in the controls. Mollusks were particularly affected by the
chlorophenol-type biocides and significantly fewer occurred at
concentrations (active ingredient in water) of 7 ug pentachlorophe-
nol/1, 18 ug Dowicide G/l, and 10 ug Surflo B-33/l. Numbers of indi-
viduals and species of annelids per experimental aquarium containing
76 ug pentachlorophenol/1, 183 ug Dowicide G/l, and 205 ug Surflo
B-33/l were also significantly less than in control aquaria. Numbers
of animals and species did not significantly decrease in the presence
of Aldacide at nominal concentrations (active ingredient) as high as
273 ug/1.
Similar studies are being conducted near Georges Bank. Gilbert
(manuscript in preparation) conducted in situ studies of the effects
of drilling fluids on meiofaunal succession of Waquoit Bay sediments.
Drilling fluids either mixed into or layered on sediment suppressed
the biomas of the recolonizing community and altered the meiofaunal
community structure. Contaminated sediments reduced the total number
of individuals by 52 to 38 percent (when corrected for mobile spe-
cies). Capitella capitata, an indicator of marine pollution, was
more numerous in the drilling mud treatments than in controls.
4.3.6 Effects on Corals
EPA has funded a number of studies on the effects of drilling
muds on corals as part of the research effort related to the Flower
Garden Banks. Some initial results of these studies are available.
Seven species of coral, Dichocoenia stokesli, Nontastrea
annularis, Agarcia agaricites, Acropora cervicomis, Porites furcata,
P. astreoids, and £. divaricata, were experimentally exposed to each
of these concentrations (100, 316, 1000 ppm) of drilling mud
(obtained from an off shore oil well in the Gulf of Mexico), and
control sea water for 96 hours to observe behavioral response
(Thompson and Bright, 1980). Experiments were conducted at Carysfort
Reef, Florida
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Keys, using closed aquaria located in three meters of water. Polyp
behavior was determined with serial closeup photography, which
allowed counting of retracted, partially retracted, and non-retracted
polyps in each colony. Response to drilling mud concentrations was
measured as percent of polyps retracted. Montastrea annularis,
Agaricia agaricites. and Acropora cervicornis were killed by exposure
to 1,000 ppm mud. ^. cervicornis colonies survived this concentra-
tion in a replicate experiment. All corals except Dichocoenia
stokesii and Porites divaricata showed significant polyp retraction
during exposure to 100 ppm mud concentration, which 316 ppm mud was
the minimum concentration which induced significant polyp retraction
in Porites divaricata. Polyps of Dichocoenia stokesii did not
detectably react to any of the three concentrations.
Possible effects of drilling mud on the growth of Montastraea
annularis were evaluated in the following separate studies (Hudson
and Robbin, 1980): (1) short-term recovery and subsequent growth of
this species exposed to drilling mud on a Florida reef , and (2) long-
term growth record of these corals from East Flower Garden Bank, Gulf
of Mexico, an area of possible exposure to drilling mud from nearby
exploratory drilling operations that took place during 1974 and 1977.
In the short-term experiment, eight M. annularis head corals
were heavily dosed with drilling mud and left with 10 untreated con-
trol corals on the reef for six months to recover and grow. All
corals were then collected and analyzed using X-radiography to deter-
mine post-treatment growth rates. Barium and chromium levels incor-
porated in the coral skeleton before and after the experiment were
determined by emission spectroscopy. Barium levels ranged from 11
ppm (background) In pretreatment skeletal areas to as high as 1,200
ppm in skeletal areas deposited during and after treatment. Chromium
concentrations were at or below background levels in all samples. In
the second study, cores taken by divers from large rl. annularis heads
at East Flower Garden Bank were analyzed in the same manner as those
in the first experiment. Annual growth rates averaged 8.9 mm over a
50 year period (1907-1957). In 1957 average yearly growth declined
sharply and has remained 1.7 mm below previous long-term growth aver-
ages. Concentrations of barium and chromium were at or below back-
ground levels in skeletal material from both predrilllng growth
periods and growth periods during drilling operations.
Madracis decactis corals were exposed for 17 days in laboratory
aquaria to suspensions of 100 ppm drilling mud obtained April 1979
from a working drill rig in Mobile Bay, Alabama, and spiked in the
laboratory with 0, 3, and 10 ppm ferrochrome lignosulfonate (FCLS)
(Krone and Biggs, 1980). These muds were atypical in composition for
discharge into marine waters. During the first week of exposure to
drill mud + FCLS, corals increased their oxygen consumption and
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ammonium excretion, relative to uncontaminated controls. Those
corals exposed Co the highest enrichments of FCLS demonstrated the
greatest increases in respiration and excretion and also the largest
variation in respiration and excretion between Individual corals.
Corals reached their highest average rates of respiration and
excretion by the end of the first week and, after a secondary
increase in excretion and respiration between days 10-13 which was
most pronounced in those corals exposed to FCLS enrichment, leveled
off at near-initial rates by the end of the second week. Analysis of
variance demonstrated that oxygen consumption of FCLS-stressed corals
was not statistically different from uncontaminated control corals.
By contrast, ammonium excretion was significantly greater in
FCLS-stressed corals than in uncontaminated control animals.
All corals exposed to FCLS reacted by reducing their degree of
polyp expansion. Two of these, one exposed to 100 ppm drill mud +
3 ppm FCLS and the other to 100 ppm drill mud 10 ppm FCLS, became
bacterially infected and showed local areas of polyp mortality as the
experiment entered its second week. These were the two corals that
had shown the most rapid and most consistent increases in excretion
and respiration during the first week of exposure to FCLS.
When exposure to drill mud + FCLS was discontinued, respiration
and excretion of surviving corals remained low and stable while their
polyp activity returned to normal levels within 48 hours Thompson
(1980).
4.4 SUMMARY
Petrazzuolo (1981) has reviewed those studies summarized in sec-
tions 4.2 and 4.3 as well as other studies. An environmental hazard
assessment was carried out based on the literature review in support
of the issuance of a general discharge permit for oil and gas dril-
ling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. The area covered by the general
permit excludes areas adjacent to the Flower Garden Banks.
The estimates of the effect of drilling fluids and cuttings
determined by Petrazzuolo (1981) are based on the combined results of
two types of analysis. In the first type of analysis, acute lethal
toxicity data were extrapolated to estimate the potential chronic
effects after applying a safety factor of 0.01. These data were the
results of 303 acute lethal toxicity tests conducted on 35 to 40
drilling fluids using 48 species of test animals. A second analysis
utilized data on the effects of chronic (10 week) drilling fluid
exposure on benthlc recruitment and development in a flowthrough
system. These data were used in conjunction with data from short-
term, water column dispersion studies of the discharge plumes for
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whole drilling fluids and Che soluble and fine particulate fraction
of Che drilling fluids Co escimace the potential hazard of Che
discharge in che environment.
Analysis by Petrazzuolo (1981) of the results of the acute
toxicity data for the species and drilling fluids chat have been
tested to date yielded the following results:
Percentage of
LC5Q Values Exceeding Drilling Fluid
Che Given Concentration Concentration (ppm)
50 100,000
83 10,000
97-99 1,000
all 100
These results are derived from the relative frequencies of LC$Q
values occurring within specified ranges of drilling fluid concen-
trations. The use of percentage frequencies instead of absolute
frequencies of occurrence eliminates any bias in the resulting
distribution that would tend to favor che sensitivities of species
that have been tested most often.
The 96-hour ££50 value for the most sensicive species tested
was 100 ppm. Utilizing dispersion data, a concentration of 100 ppm
would be achieved within 100a> of Che discharge for whole muds and
1000m for che longer lasting soluble plume. For most species acute
lethal effects would not be expected more Chan 15m from che
discharge.
Estimates of the distance beyond which no chronic effects would
result to water column organisms ranged from 40m to 1000m depending
on the sensitivity of the species tested. Most species would' be
unaffected within 100m.
Estimates of effects on abundance of benthic organisms were as
f ollows:
Percent ReducCion
Distance (m) (excludes burial effects)
1-100 50
65-195 17
185-1100 2-10
1000-1400 No substantial effect
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5.0 FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE EPA PROGRAM
Ac the present point in the EPA Drilling Fluids Hazard Assess-
ment Program, initial results are becoming available. Additionally,
several extensive literature reviews are in preparation by EPA and
other agencies. While the results to date must be verified and
placed in perspective by the work yet to be completed, enough is
known from EPA, industry, and other agency research to establish the
needs of the final year of the EPA program.
5.1 FACTORS AFFECTING THE FINAL YEAR OF THE EPA PROGRAM
Results of work involving transport and fate of discharged muds
(exposure assessment) suggest that the majority of the mud may be
deposited near the point of discharge. The visible plume that
remains in the water column may constitute a relatively small amount
of the total volume discharged. These findings, however, must be
verified using better techniques that can overcome the hinderances
and sampling problems associated with the pioneer studies.
Considerable laboratory work on the effects of drilling muds on
marine organisms has been carried out by EPA, the oil industry, and
other Federal agencies since the initiation of the EPA Drilling
Fluids Hazard Assessment Program in 1975. The composition of drill-
ing muds is becoming better understood. The range of toxicity of
drilling muds is becoming established for the types of muds tested to
date. Some bioaccumulation of barium and metals has been observed.
With this expanding data base, it is now time to synthesize and
review the data in order to develop an assessment of the drilling mud
problem and the outline of a protocol for dealing with individual
site-specific situations Involving the discharge of drilling muds.
Still needed as an Input to this assessment is toxicity screening of
a variety of muds representative of those used on the Outer Conti-
nental Shelf.
As part of the recent court settlement concerning oil and gas
leasing on the Georges Bank, the Department of the Interior has been
directed to respond to the research needs for this area. These needs
are to be identified by the Biological Task Force, the existing
interagency advisory body for environmental issues related to Georges
Bank. EPA is a member of this committee. To avoid duplication of
effort and in response to funding cutbacks within EPA, drilling fluid
hazard assessments for th Georges Bank will now be one of the con-
cerns to be dealt with by the Biological Task Force. For the Gulf of
Mexico, an interagency five-year research plan is also being prepared
to coordinate drilling-related studies. EPA can help determine
research to be carried out through its membership on this committee.
Also, monitoring programs required of industry to determine
5-1
-------
compliance with discharge permit conditions will provide some addi-
tional data on muds in the marine environment.
5.2 STRATEGY FOR THE FINAL YEAR OF THE PROGRAM
The proposed strategy for the final year (fiscal year 1982) of
the Drilling Fluids Hazard Assessment Program is given in Figure 5-1.
The concentration will be on in-situ discharge plume studies and on
laboratory screening of a variety of muds representative of drilling
fluids that are being used or will be used on the Outer Continental
Shelf. The results of these final studies, all other studies com-
pleted as part of the EPA program, and work carried out by other
groups will lead to an adaptive environmental assessment model and a
state-of-the-art document that will Include guidance for assessing
the effect of drilling fluid discharges in the marine environment.
The in-situ plume studies will include both exposure and effects
assessments. The exposure work will be a continuation of the dis-
charge plume transport studies by NOAA. Emphasis will be on predict-
ing concentrations of drilling fluids that could occur under various
discharge conditions from platforms. The effects assessment will be
field studies focusing on the effects of drilling fluids on corals
and benthic organisms.
The screening of muds typical of those used on the Outer
Continental Shelf will use about 50 muds to be furnished by the
Petroleum Equipment Supplies Association. These mud samples will be
split with the oil industry. EPA and industry groups will then carry
out the same kinds of chemical analyses and laboratory biological
toxicity tests so that scientific results can be compared.
Synthesis activities will be undertaken in order to pull
together the results of the overall EPA drilling fluids research
program and the extensive data base developed by the oil industry and
other Federal agencies since 1975. This activity will be accom-
plished by preparing an assessment document that summarizes and syn-
thesizes what is known about the effects of drilling muds in marine
environments. An Adaptive Environmental Assessment Workshop will
contribute to this effort. Also included in the assessment document
will be a protocol for applying the knowledge gained to the assess-
ment and monitoring of individual site-specific situations involving
the discharge of drilling muds.
5-2
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IN-S1TU PUIME STUDIES
EXPOSURE
ASSESSMENT
• Plume
dispersion
Ln
u>
EFFECTS
ASSESSMENT
• Corals
• Bentliic cages
LABORATORY STUDIES USING
ABOUT 50 MUDS FURNISHED BY
PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN
PETROLEUM
INSTITUTE
Chemical
Analysis
Biological
Tests
EPA
GULF BREEZE
LABORATORY
Chemical
Analysis
INTEGRATION AND SYNTHESIS
ADAPTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT MODEL
STATE-OF-THE-ART AND PROTOCOL
FOR DETERMINING EFFECTS
Biological
Tests
• Mysids
• Palaemonetes
• Coral
« Nercenaria
FIGURE 5-1
RESEARCH STRATEGY FOR THE FINAL YEAR OF THE DRILLING FLUIDS
HAZARD ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
-------
APPENDIX A
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
EPA DRILLING FLUIDS HAZARD ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
A-l
-------
APPENDIX A-l
GENERIC STUDIES
A-2
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Project Tide: Drilling Fluid Reference Standards for Chemical
Analysis
Performing Organization: U.S. National Bureau of Standards
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To develop and provide drilling fluid reference
standards for use in characterization efforts and in a quality
assurance program to improve and maintain reliability of mea-
surements made on discharges from drilling and production
operations.
Approach: (1) Obtain candidate reference material(s) from
EPA-Gulf Breeze and assess the feasibility for preparing a dry
mixture of four major drilling fluid components; (2) If step (1)
proves feasibile, prepare a batch (i.e., grind, blend, sieve) of
material and establish homogeneity; (3) Characterize the dril-
ling fluid mixture for several trace elements to be determined
by NBS and EPA-Gulf Breeze; (4) Package, label, and provide
EPA-Gulf Breeze with drilling fluid reference standard for
specified trace elements.
Output: Report on Reference Standards of Drilling Fluids
Delivery: 2-81
A-3
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Project Title; Chemical Analysis of Drilling Fluids
Performing Organization: JRB Associates
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To provide support to the Environmental Research
Laboratory at Gulf Breeze for organic analytical chemical
analyses.
Approach: Analytical chemical services include the chemical
characterization of drilling fluids used in exposure of test
organisms, the accumulation of drilling fluid components in
tissues of exposed organisms, and the uptake of particulate
drilling fluid components in organisms.
Output: Analysis will be reported as part of the biological
experiments for which support was provided. There will also be
a final report on chemical analyses of drilling fluids.
Delivery: 6-81
A-4
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Project Title; Chemical Analysis for Energy Program
Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Objective: The purpose of this task is to provide organic
analytical chemical support to aquatic toxicity tests at the
Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory.
Approach: Analytical chemical services include development of
methods for analysis, measurement of concentrations in flowing
seawater, and determination of accumulation of concentrations
in tissues of organisms utilized in experiments.
Output: Results of the chemical analyses will be reported as
part of the study for which they were performed.
Delivery: 9-82
A-5
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Project Title: Mixing Zone Definition for Nonbuoyant Discharges
in Support of Section 403(c) of the Clean Air Act
Laboratory: Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory
Objective: The objective of this research is. to develop/revise
mixing-zone calculation methods for industrial discharges.
Emphasis will be given to those discharges containing fluids,
emulsions, and suspensions heavier than marine water, or those
which in general behave differently than the municipal wastes
for which mathematical models and limited verification data are
available.
Approach: Laboratory and field verification will be conducted
to substantiate the level of confidence in predicting water
quality characteristics for pollutants regulated by numerical
criteria. Completion of this research will most likely result in
a revision of the mixing zone definition requirements under
403(c).
Output: Report on mixing zone calculation (model) for those
discharges containing fluids, emulsions, and suspensions heavier
than marine water for which mathematical models of limited
utility exist.
Delivery: 12-80
Output: Report on verification of model
Delivery: 9-81
Output: Report on application of the model to several
situations.
Delivery: 6-82
A-6
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Project Title; Toxic. Sublethal and Latent Effects of Selected
Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Barium Sulfate on Marine Organisms
Performing Organization: University of West Florida
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To determine if drilling fluid components have
adverse affects on marine organisms with emphasis on
crustaceans.
Approach: Laboratory tests are used to see if toxic effects and
bioaccumulation occurs.
Output: Final report, journal articles and book
Delivery: 9-80
A-7
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Project Title: Behavioral Assays for the Effects of Drilling
Muds on Marine Animals
Performing Organization: University of West Florida
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To develop and test a device for measuring the
behavioral response of the scallop to drilling fluids.
Approach: A device capable of recording bivalve opening,
pumping, and escape attempts was developed.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 9-80
A-8
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Project Title; Laboratory and Field Studies of Used Drilling
Fluids and Fluid Formulation Components on Benthic Communities
Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Objective: Develop and apply methods for determining the effect
of diesel oil on a marine off-shore benthic community microcosm.
Approach: Utilize methods developed at the Gulf Breeze Labora-
tory and methods developed at the off-shore platform (Stage I)
to determine impact of diesel oil on a developing benthic commu-
nity microcosm. The variation, if any, between controls and
experlmentals with respect to numbers and kinds of individuals
as well as phyla will be observed.
Output: Final report and scientific paper
Delivery: 9-80
A-9
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Project Title; Offshore Pollutant Effects Program*
Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Objective: To determine the environmental effects of offshore
oil extraction. In order to simulate the conditions of the
marine environment, the Stage I offshore platform owned and
maintained by the Naval Coastal Systems Laboratory, Panama
City, Florida, will be used.
Approach: the Stage I facility and support for its operation
will be provided by the Navy.
Output: Conclude use of facility
Delivery: 10-81
This project has been suspended because of storm damage until
restoration funds become available.
A-10
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Project Title; The Effect of Drilling Mud on Marine Organisms
Performing Organization: Florida State University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To provide support for the operation of Stage I, and
offshore research laboratory near Panama City, Florida.
Approach: Specific tasks include the developments of a flowing
seawater aquatic toxicology testing laboratorys, collect organ-
isms for testing, collaborate with EPA and extramural research-
ers in the performance of toxicity tests, and logistic support.
Output: Final project report
Delivery: 7-80
A-ll
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Project Title; Effects of Drilling Mud Constituents on Che
Sedimentary Microflora and the Base of the Marine Benthlc Food
Web
Performing Organization: Florida State University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Develop and apply methods to assess environmental
effect of offshore oil and gas exploration on marine organisms.
Approach: Determine effects that result from exposure of
marine organisms.
Output: Journal article on impact on microflora.
Delivery: 10-80
Output: Final project report on methodology and effects
Delivery: 10-80
A-12
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Project Title; Effects of Soluble Fractions of Drilling Fluids
on Larval Development and Behavior of Callinectes sapidus and
Rhithropanopeus harrlssil
Performing Organization: Duke University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: The research includes measurements of drilling fluid
effects on (a) long-term development of crab larvae, (b) short-
term development of specific larval life stages, (c) swimming
speed of larvae, and (d) positive or negative phototaxis of the
larvae >
Approach: Laboratory studies will be carried out.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 11-81
A-13
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Project Title; Effects of Drilling Fluids on Embryo Development
Performing Organization: Trinity College
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To test for teratogenic effects of drilling fluids
Approach: The effects of drilling fluids on the developmental
stages of the embryos of fish and echinoderms will be
determined.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 5-82
A-14
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Project Title; Effects of Barium Sulfate on Fertilization of
Early Development
Performing Organization: Florida State University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: The effects of barium sulfate, a principal component
of drilling fluids, on sea urchin gametes and embryos will be
assessed. The project will characterize the cellular events
which are disturbed by-barium sulfate and will determine the ef-
fective concentrations necessary to induce these perturbations.
Approach: Sea urchin eggs and sperm will be exposed to solu-
tions containing barium. Barium is a periodic analog of
calcium, which is important as a mediator of such cellular func-
tions as fertilization, cell division and later development.
The project will characterize the cellular events which are
disturbed by barium sulfate, a major component of fluids used in
oil and gas well-drilling.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 3-82
A-15
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Project Title: Completion of Hazard Assessment Program
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To synthesize existing literature and conduct a
limited amount of research on the effects of the fluids on
selected marine organisms.
Approach: Principal efforts will be directed toward completion
of the five-year Drilling Fluids Hazard Assessment Program. A
state-of-the-art document will be prepared on the impact of
drilling fluids on marine organisms, which will include a hazard
assessment and protocol for measuring potential impact of dril-
ling fluids. Bioassay screening of the impact of "down-hole"
and other drilling fluids on selected marine organisms will also
be carried out.
Output: State-of-the-art document
Delivery: 9-82
Output: Final report of the impact of drilling fluid samples
Delivery: 9-82
A-16
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Project Title: Literature Review of Environmental Effects of
Well-Drilling Chemicals
Performing Organization: Battelle-Columbus Laboratory
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Prepare a review of available literature, published
and unpublished, on the origins, fate and effects of chemicals
discharged from oil and gas drilling operation into the marine
environment.
Output: Final report - annotated bibliography
Delivery: 10-81
A-17
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Project Title: Symposium on the Effects of Chemicals Used in
Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Operation on Marine Organisms
Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Objective: Disseminate state-of-the-art information on the
effects of oil and gas drilling activities on organisms and
ecosystems to industry, government, the academic community and
the general public.
Approach: Establish program committee for symposium. Advertise
meeting, select papers and session chairman, hold meeting, pub-
lish proceedings. In parallel with the above activities, pre-
pare annotated bibliography.
Output: Symposium completed
Delivery: 2-80
Output: Report and technical assistance to EPA and Region I and
VI
Delivery: 12-80
Output: Annotated bibliography
Delivery: 12-81
Output: Final project report
Delivery: 12-82
A-18
-------
APPENDIX A-2
FLOWER GARDEN BANKS
GULF OF MEXICO
A-19
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Project Title: Assessment of Exposure of the Ecosystem of the
Texas Flower Gardens to Pollutants Originating from Oil and Gas
Drilling Rigs
Performing Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To strengthen the scientific foundation of the esti-
mates or prediction of the dosage of drilling fluids discharged
into the water near the Flower Garden Banks.
Approach: Acoustical, particulate and physical oceanographic
measurements of the dosage of shunted drilling fluids from a
well near the Flower Garden Banks will be made. A predictive
model for drilling mud dispersion processes will be developed
from these data.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 9-82
A-20
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Project Title; Offshore Laboratory Studies of the Impacts of
Used Drilling Fluids on Behavior of Corals Representative of
the Flower Garden Banks
Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Objective: Develop and apply methods to determine lethal and
sub-lethal effectes of drilling fluids and this components on
corals.
Approach: Expose corals to drilling fluids and through time-
lapse movies, observe the rates of sediment removal or polps
contration. A mud-profile (muds from various depths of a
working well) will be used in the experiments. The project also
provides fiscal support for using Stage I.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 9-82
A-21
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Project Title: Effects of Drilling Fluids and Oil on Corals
Occupying Hard-Bank Communities
Performing Organization: Texas A&M University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Determine if drilling fluids have adverse effects on
adult reef building corals.
Approach: Various corals were tested to determine the toxicity
of a variety of drilling fluids to corals under laboratory and
field conditions.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 4-79
A-22
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Project Title: Biochemical Analyses on Coral and Other
Invertebrate Metabolic Activity and Nutritional Status with
Exposure to Oil and Gas Drilling Mud
Performing Organization: Florida State University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Develop and test biochemical measures of the
effects of drilling muds on: (1) The coral-zooxanthellae
interaction using lipid analysis; (2) The nutritional status
with the triglyceride, wax ester, phospholipid ration; (3) The
metabolic status of corals using the lipid analysis and GC/MS.
Approach: Expose corals and perform chemical analyses
Output: Final report on impact of drilling muds on biochemical
aspects of corals
Delivery: 9-82
A-23
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Project Title: Effects of Drilling Mud on Corals: Some Bio-
chemical and Neurochemical Aspects
Performing Organization: Louisiana State University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To study the effect of drilling mud treatment on
some biochemical and neurochemical aspects of coral physiology.
Specifically, these studies will include the evaluation of
protein, nucleic acid, energy and catacholamine metabolism.
Approach: Radioactive amino acids will be added to corals and
the incorporation of the amino acid into protein will be
measured by scintillation counting. Thin layer chromatography
and radioenzyme assay will be used to measure various enzyme
activities and the effects of drilling mud on them.
Output: Final project report on biochemical and neurochemical
effect of drilling fluids on corals.
Delivery: 8-81
A-24
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Project Title: Effects of Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling on
Reef Building Corals
Performing Organization: Texas A and M University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Determine the effects of chemicals used in offshore
oil and gas drilling activities on reef-building corals.
Approach: Expose corals to drilling fluids at the EPA-leased
Navy platform at Panama City, Florida, and measure effects by
time-lapse photography.
Output: Final Report
Delivery: 6-82
A-25
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Project Title: Effects of Oil Drilling Muds on the Physiology
and Nutritional Status of Texas Flower Garden Reef Coral
Performing Organization: Florida State University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: 1) Determine the effects of various concentrations
of whole drilling mud on respiration, nitrogen excretion and
calcification in a reef coral. 2) Determine the effects of
various concentration of whole drilling mud on the nutritional
states of reef corals. 3) Send exposed corals to other
investigators for complementary biochemical and
histopathological investigations.
Approach:
Output: Final project report
Delivery: 5-81
A-26
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Project Title; Physical and Chemical Effects of Drill Mud on
Coral Skeletons
Performing Organization: Nova University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To measure the physical and chemical record in coral
skeletons using density of minerals deposited in the skeleton
during periods of growth.
Approach: X-radiography will be used to determine the density
gradients in the coral skeletons. Also, in-situ cores of coral
heads will be taken and x-radiography will be used to examine
those corals.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 6-82
A-27
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Project Title; Comparison of Reef Fish Populations at the
Flower Garden Banks and at Oil and Gas Drilling Platforms
Performing Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To evaluate the impact of offshore drilling
activities on fish within a unique coral reef ecosystem in the
northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Approach: Offshore drilling structures provide an artificial
habitat for fish and bring them into contact with point source
pollutants. Such contaminants may be taken up by reef fishes or
may cause mortality or histopathological effects, suppress food
organism populations, or affect growth, reproductive processes,
recruitment, behavior, movements and migrations. The goal of
this project is to assess the biological characteristics of
natural reef fish populations and compare them with those of
reef fish populations associated with oil and gas fields in the
northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Output: Report covering the movements, migration, recruitment,
and standing stocks of reef fishes by catch-effort and mark-
recapture methods.
Delivery: 12-82
Output: Report describing the standing stocks, distribution,
and community structure of benthic macro-infauna in relation to
drilling operations.
Delivery: 12-82
Output: Report presenting the histopathology of reef fishes in
relation to drilling operations.
Delivery: 12-82
Output: Report that describes the microbial communities of
reef fishes, drilling plumes, nepheloid layers and surficial
sediments
Delivery: 12-82
Output: Report that describes the movements, migration,
recruitment, and standing stocks of reef fishes by remote
sensing assessments
Delivery: 12-82
A-28
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Project Title: Toxic and Sublethal Effects of Waste Drilling
Muds and Certain Chromium Compounds in Crustaceans
Performing Organization: University of West Florida
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: The project will investigate the effects of
drilling muds and their components on crustaceans.
Approach: Laboratory experiments will be used to predict
effects.
Output: Report on whole drilling mud effects
Delivery: 3-81
Output: Report on effects of drilling mud components
Delivery: 3-82
Output: Final project report
Delivery: 3-83
A-29
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Project Title: Developments of Components of a Monitoring
System - (I) Tethered Cage
Performing Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To develop a tethered cage that can maintain its
position in the thermocline.
Approach: The cage would be capable of maintaining its
position in that thermocline and would be fitted with special
devices for remotely monitoring the health status of the caged
animals.
Output: Preliminary engineering design package
Delivery: 9-80
Output: Deicsion on final design
Delivery: 10-80
Output: Complete laboratory system
Delivery: 5-81
Output: Complete field testing
Delivery: 8-81
Output: Final report
Delivery: 9-81
A-30
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Project Title: Development of Components of a Monitoring
System - (II) Evaluation of Devices and Materials for Seawater
Chemical Sample Collection-Preconcentration, and Analysis
Performing Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: The program had three objectives: Determination of
performance and contamination characteristics of existing
monitoring systems, specifically those that will be used in
Texas Flower Gardens research; evaluation of preconcentration
materials; and, development of laboratory analytical
techniques.
Approach: Equipment will be evaluated and techniques
developed.
Output: Complete evaluation of the performance and
contamination characteristics of the trace metal sampler.
Delivery: 1-81
Output: Complete the characterization of the performance and
measurement uncertainties of the in situ monitoring system.
Delivery: 8-81
Output: Complete the determination of the
performance/contamination characteristics of a pump sampling
for trace metal analysis.
Delivery: 1-82
Output: Complete the determination of the
performance/contamination characteristics of pump sampling
system for organic analysis.
Delivery: 1-83
A-31
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Project Title: Development of Components of a Monitoring
System - (III) Automated Sampler for Trace Organics in Marine
Waters
Performing Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To develop a self-contained automated sampler for
in-situ collection of trace organic chemicals in marine waters.
Approach: The sampler should be able to collect particulate
and dissolved samples and preserve both in uncontaminated
condition until removal for subsequent analysis, presumably by
GC/MS. The sampler should be programmable in terms of sampling
intervals and frequencies and the collected samples should be
ready for analysis without significant additional handling or
processing.
Output: Final report on shipboard prototype
Delivery: 1-82
Output: Final report on deployable system
Delivery: 10-83
A-32
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Project Title: New Methodologies for Measuring Energy-Related
Consent Decree Toxic Compounds in the Marine Environment
Performing Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: This project has three subobjectives: (1) vali-
dated methods for separating trace organic marine pollutants
into major chemical classes and removal of natural marine
organics that interfere with pollutant analysis; (2) validated
techniques for final detection, identification and measurement
of individual trace organic marine pollutants; and (3) identif-
ication of potentially hazardous organic pollutants from marine
water samples from the Texas Flower Gardens as well as from
areas near various ocean outfalls.
Approach: Validate methods and techniques and identify
potentially hazardous organic pollutants.
Output: Report on filter and sorbent components for sampling
trace organic pollutants in marine waters.
Delivery: 9-81
Output: Report or peer-reviewed journal article on separation
schemes for major classes and subclasses of trace polar and
nonpolar organic marine pollutants.
Delivery: 9-81
Output: Report or peer-reviewed journal article on multiple
analytical methods for determining ppb-ppt levels of individual
polar organic marine pollutants.
Delivery: 9-81
Output: Report or peer-reviewed journal article on inventory
of organic marine pollutants, including those not known, that
could have a potentially adverse effect on Flower Garden
Banks.
Delivery: 9-82
A-33
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Project Title; Adaptive Environmental Assessment Workshop on
Drilling Mud Disposal
Performing Organization: U.S. Department of the Interior
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: The Adaptive Environmental Assessment Group of the
Department of the Interior will provide staff support to EPA in
conducting a workshop on an integrated approach to regulations
of drilling and disposal.
Approach: The approach to provide this assistance will consist
of (1) a scoping meeting with key EPA personnel for identifica-
tion of the specific problem to be addressed by hypothetical
model, and (2) providing the staff assistance and guidance in
conducting an EPA sponsored AEA modeling workshop.
Output: Workshop report.
Delivery: 9-82
A-34
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Project Title; Identification of Macroinfauna from Experiments
Conducted at the U.S. Navy Platform "Stage I"
Performing Organizaton: VITRO
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Identify benthic organisms in support of "Stage I"
research on the effects of drilling fluids on marine organisms.
Approach: Identification will be performed using
state-of-the-art taxonomlc procedures.
Output: Final project report
Delivery: 12-81
A-35
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Project Title: Technical Assistance to EPA Region VI
Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research Laboratory
Objective: The EPA Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory will provide technical assistance to EPA Region VI
on NPDES permitting of discharges from offshore oil and gas
drilling activities.
Approach: Perform hazard assessment based on exposure
assessment and effects assessment. This project will provide a
continuing source of technical assistance to EPA Program
Offices and Regional Offices.
Output: Permit review as needed
Delivery: 12-83 - Terminate ongoing technical assistance
A-36
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APPENDIX A-3
GEORGES BANK
GULF OF MAINE
A-37
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Project Title; The Erodibility of Drilling Muds Deposited on
the Seafloor
Performing Organization: Yale University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To explore the erodibility of drilling muds in
different ecological conditions.
Approach: Laboratory flume studies and field observation will
be used to determine drilling mud stability.
Output: Final report on erodibility of drilling muds of the
seafloor
Delivery: 3-82
A-38
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Project Title: Effects of Drilling Mud on Adult American
Lobster
Performing Organization: Boston University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To determine the effects of drilling muds on the
American Lobster
Approach: The effects of drilling muds on feeding, molting,
mating, predator escape, shelter behavior, and substrate
selection of lobsters will be determined by controlled
laboratory experiments and seminatural environment and field
observations.
Output: Final effects assessment report
Delivery: 3-82
A-39
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Project Title; Drilling Fluid Effects to Developmental Stages
of the American Lobster
Performing Organization: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Predict the impact of drilling operations for oil
exploration on populations of the American Lobster (Homarus
americanus).
Approach: The effects of used, whole drilling fluids on larval
and postlarval stages of the lobster will be assessed.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 9-81
A-40
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Project Title; Feeding. Reproduction and Habitat Selection of
Lobster Homarus americanus - Effects of Drilling Mud in Labora-
tory and Field Situations
Performing Organization: Boston University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Determine the effects, if any, of drilling fluids
pollutants on behavior of the American Lobster.
Approach: Field, laboratory and neurophysiological studies of
the behavior of larval and young lobsters and the relation to
exposure to drilling fluids.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 6-81
A-41
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Project Title; The Effects of Drilling Muds on the Behavior and
Benthic Ecology of Three Gadid Species
Performing Organization: National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: To examine the effects of drilling on juveniles.
Approach: There will be two major phases of the study, (1) es-
tablishment of the normal baseline of settling behavior of the
three species and their patterns of shelter acquisition and
feeding exhibited during the benthic, juvenile stages, and
(2) alterations in the behavioral baselines following pollutant
contamination from drilling muds.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 12-81
A-42
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Project Title; A Study of the Impact of Discharged Drilling
Fluid on the Organisms of Georges Bank
Performing Organization: New England Aquarium
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: The objectives of the proposed research are to
expand the data base on the effects of drilling fluids on the
fauna of Georges Bank and to characterize toxic consitituents of
drilling fluids.
Approach: Laboratory approach will involve toxicity tests on
marine organisms
Output: Final report on toxicity tests
Delivery: 9-82
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Project Title: The Impact of Drilling Muds on Standing Stocks
and Metabolic Activities of Sediment Bacteria
Performing Organization: Wayne State University
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: This project will examine the impact of drilling mud
on bacteria populations.
Approach: Bacterial populations from sediment samples will be
counted and their growth rates determined.
Output: Final Report
Delivery: 3-82
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Project Title: Benthic Communities and Drilling Fluid Effects
on the Conditions for Larval Settlement on the Georges Bank
Performing Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
Responsible Laboratory: Gulf Breeze Environmental Research
Laboratory
Objective: Develop a technique for studying the effects of
drilling muds and fluids on larval settlement on benthic organisms.
Approach: Traps will be used for in situ experiments on the
effects of drilling fluids on larval settlement.
Output: Final report
Delivery: 6-81
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APPENDIX B
SECTIONS 402 AND 403
CLEAN WATER ACT (PL92-500)
3-1
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NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE
ELIMINATION SYSTEM
Sec. 402. (a) (1) Except as provided in sections 318
and 404 of this Act, the Administrator may, after op-
portunity for public hearing, issue a permit for the dis-
charge of any pollutant, or combination of pollutants,
notwithstanding section 301 (a), upon condition that
such discharge will meet either all applicable require-
ments under sections 301, 302, 306, 307. 308. and 403 of
this Act, or prior to the taking of necessary implement-
ing actions relating to all such rcquiiements, such condi-
tions as the Administrator determines are necessary to
carry out the provisions of this Act.
(2) The Administrator shall prescribe conditions for
such permits to assure compliance with the requirements
of paragraph (1) of (Ins subsection, including conditions
on data and information collection, reporting, and such
other requirements as lie deems appropriate.
(3) The permit program of the Administrator under
paragraph (I) of this subsection, and permits issued
thereunder, shall be subject to the same terms, condi-
tions, and requirements as apply to a State permit pro-
gram and permits issued thereunder under subsection
(b) of this section.
(4) All permits for discharges into the navigable
waters issued pursuant to section 13 of the Act of March
3, 1S99, shall be deemed to be permits issued under this
title, and permits issued under this title shall be deemed
to be permits issued under section 13 of the Act of
March 3, 1899, and shall continue in force and effect for
their term unless revoked, modified, or suspended in ac-
cordance with the provisions of this Act.
(5) No permit for a discharge into the navigable
waters shall be issued under section 13 of the Act of
March 3, 1899, after the date of enactment of this title.
Each application for a permit under section 13 of the
Act of March 3, 1899, pending on the date of enactment
of this Act shall be deemed to be an application for a
permit under this section. The Administrator shall au-
thorize a State, which he determines has the capability
of administering a permit program which will carry out
the objective of this Act, to issue permits for discharges
into the navigable waters within the jurisdiction of such
Stats. The Administrator may exercise the authority
granted him by the preceding sentence only during the
period which begins on the date of enactment of this Act
and ends either on the ninetieth day after the date of the
first promulgation of guidelines required by section
304 (h) (2) of this Act, or the date of approval by the
Administrator of a permit program t'or.such State under
subsection (b) of this section, whichever date first oc-
curs, and no such authorization to a State shall extend
beyond the last day of such period. Each such permit
shall be subject to such conditions as the Administrator
determines are necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act. No such permit shall issue if chc Administrator
objects to such issuance.
(b) At any time after the oromulganon of the guide-
lines required by subsection (h) (2) of section 304 of this
Act, the Governor of each State desiring to administer
its own permit program for discharges into navigable
waters within its jurisdiction may submit to the Admin-
istrator a full and complete description of the program
it proposes to establish and administer under State law.
or under an interstate compact. In addition, such State
shall submit a statement from the attorney general (or
the attorney for those State water pollution control
agencies which have independent legal counsel), or from
the chief legal officer in the case of an interstate agency,
that the laws of such State, or the interstate compact,
as the case may be, provide adequate authority to carry
out the described program. The Administrator shall ap-
prove each such submitted program unless he
determines that adequate authority does not exist:
(1) To issue permits which—
(A) apply, and insure compliance with, anyapplica-
blc requirements of sections 301. 302, 306, 307, and 403:
(D) arc for fixed terms not exceeding five years; and
(C) can be terminated or modified for cau.sc includ-
ing, but not limited to, (he following:
(i) violation of any condition of the permit;
(ii) obtaining a permit by misrepresentation, or fail-
ure to disclose full> all relevant facts;
(iii) change in any condition that requires either a
temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the
permitted discharge:
(D) control the disposal of pollutants into wells;
(2) (A) To issue permits which apnly, and insure
compliance with, all applicable requirements of section
B-2
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308 of this Act, or
(B) To inspect, monitor, enter, and require reports to
at least the same extent as required in section 308 of this
Act;
(3) To insure that the public, and any other State the
waters of which may be affected, receive notice of each
application for a permit and to provide an opportunity
for public hearing before a ruling on each such applica-
tion;
(4) To insure that the Administrator receives notice
of each application (including a copy thereof) for a per-
mit;
(5) To insure thai any State (other than the permit-
ting State), whose waters may be affected by the issu-
ance of a permit may submit written recommendations
to the permitting State (and the Administrator) with re-
spect to any permit application and, if any part of such
written recommendations are not accepted by the per-
mitting State, that the permitting State will notify such
affected State (and the Administrator) in writing of its
failure to so accept such recommendations together with
its reasons for so doing;
(6) To insure that no permit will be issued if, in the
judgment of the Secretary of the Army acting through
the Chief of Engineers, after consultation with the Sec-
retary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating, anchorage and navigation of any of the navi-
gable waters would be substantially impaired thereby;
(7) To abate violations of the permit or the permit
program, including civil and criminal penalties and
other waj s and means of enforcement.
(S) To insure that any permit for a discharge from a
publicly owned treatment works includes conditions to
require the identification in terms of character and vol-
ume of pollutants of any significant source introducing
pollutants subject to pretreatmcnt standards under sec-
tion 307 (b) of this Act into such works and a program
to assure compliance with such prctreatment standards
by each such source, in addition to adequate notice to
the pcimilting agency of (A) new introductions into
such \\oiks of pollutants from any source which would
be a new source as defined in section 306 if such source
were discharging pollutants. (B) new introductions of
pollutants into such works from .1 source winch would
be subject to section 301 if it were discharging such pol-
lutants, or (C) a substantial change in volume or char-
acter of pollutants being introduced into such works by
a source introducing pollutants into such works at the
time of issuance of the permit. Such notice shall include
informaiion on the quality and quantity of effluent to
be introduced into such treatment works and any antici-
pated impact of such change in the quantiiy or quality
of effluent to be discharged from such publicly owned
treatment works: and
(9) To insure that any industrial user of any publicly
owned treatment works will comply with sections 204
(b), 307, and 308.
(c) (1) Not later than ninety Jays after the date on
which a Slate has submitted a program (or revision
thereof) pursuant 10 subsection (b) of this section, the
Administrator shall suspend the issuance of permits
under subsection (a) of this section as to those navigable
waters subject to such program unless he determines
that the State permit program does not meet the require-
ments of subsection (b) of this section or does net con-
form to the guidelines issued under section 304 (i) (2) of
this Act. If the Administrator so determines, he shall
notify the State of any revisions or modifications nec-
essary to conform to such requirements or guidelines.
(2) Any State permit program under this section shall
at all times be in accordance with this section and guide-
lines promulgated pursuant to section 304 (h) (2) of this
Act.
(3) Whenever the Administrator determines after
public hearing that a Stale is not administering a pro-
gram approved under this section in accordance with
requirements of this section, he shall so notify the State
and, if appropriate corrective action is not taken within
a reasonable time, not 10 exceed ninety days, the Admin-
istrator shall withdraw approval of such program. The
Administrator shall not withdraw approval of any such
program unless he shall first have notified the State, and
made public, in writing, the reasons for such with-
drawal.
(d) (1) Each State shall transmit to the Adminis-
trator a copy of each permit application received by
such State and provide notice to the Administrator of
every action related to the consideration of such permit
application, including each permit proposed to be issued
by such State.
(2) No permit shall issue (A) if the Administrator
within ninety days of the date of his notification under
subsection (b) (S) of this section objects in writing to
the issuance of such permit, or (B) if the Administrator
within ninety days of the date of transmitial of the pro-
posed permii by the Slate objects in writing to the is-
suance of such permit as being outside the guidelines
and requirements of this Act. Whenever the Administra-
tor objects to the issuance of a permit under this para-
graph such written objection shall contain a statement
of the reasons for such objection and the effluent limita-
B-3
-------
lions and conditions which such permit would include if
it were issued hy the Administrator.
(3) The Administrator may, as to any permit applica-
tion, waive paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(4) In any case where, after the date of enactment of
this paragraph, the Administrator, pursuant to para-
graph (2) of this subsection, objects to the issuance of a
permit, or request of the State, a public hearing shall be
held by the Administrator on such objection. If the
State does not rcsubmit such permit revised to meet such
objection within 30 days after completion of the hear-
ing, or, if no hearing is requested within 90 days after
the date of such objection, the Administrator may issue
the permit pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for
such source in accordance with the guidelines and
requirements of this Act.
(c) In accordance with guidelines promulgated pur-
suant to subsection (h) (2) of section 304 of this Act. the
Administrator is authorized to waive the requirements
of subsection (d) of this section at the time he approves
a program pursuant to subsection (b) of this section for
any categoty (including any class, type, or size within
such category) ot point sources within the State submit-
ting such program.
(0 The Administrator shall promulgate regulations
establishing categories of point sources which he deter-
mines shall not be subject to the requirements of subsec-
tion (d) of this section in any State with a program ap-
proved pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. The
Administrator may distinguish among classes, types.
and sizes within any category of point sources.
(g) Any permit issued under this section for the dis-
charge of pollutants into the navigable waters from a
vessel or other floating craft shall be subject to any ap-
plicable regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the
Departmem in which the Coast Guard is operating,
establishing specifications for safe transportation.
handling, carriage, storage, and stowage of pollutants.
(h) In the event any condition of a permit for dis-
charges from a treatment works (as defined in section
212 of this Act) which is publicly owned is violated, a
State with a program approved under subsection (b) of
this section or the Administrator, where no State pro-
gram is approved or where the Administrator deter-
mines pursuant to section 309(a) of this Act that a State
with an approved program has not commenced appro-
priate enforcement action with respect to such permit,
may proceed in a court of competent jurisdiction to
restrict or prohibit the introduction of any pollutant
into such treatment works by a source not utilizing such
treatment works prior to the finding that such condition
was violated.
(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit
the authority of the Administrator to take action pur-
suant to section 30^ of this Act.
(j) A copy of each permit application and each pcr-
mi! issued under ihis section shall be available to li-.e
public. Such permit application or permit, or portion
thereof, shall fmihcr be available on request for the
purpose of reproduction.
(k) Compliance with a permit issued pursuant to this
section shall be deemed compliance, for purposes of sec-
tions 309 and SOS, with sections 301. 302, 306. 307. and
403, except any standard imposed under section 307 for
a toxic pollutant injurious to human health. Until
December 31, 1974, in any case where a permit for dis-
charge has been applied for pursuant to this section, but
final administrative disposition of such application has
not been made, such discharge shall not be a violation
of (1) section 301. 306. and 402, of this Act, or (2)
section 13 of the Act of March 3, IS99, unless the Ad-
ministrator or other plaintiff proves that final admin-
istrative disposition of such application has not been
made because of the failure of the applicant to furnish
information reasonably required or requested in order
to process (he application. For the 180-day period
beginning on the date of enactment of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, in
the case of any point source discharging any pollutant
or combination of poilutants immediately prior to such
date of enactment which source is not subject to section
13 of the Act of March 3, 1899, the discharge by such
source shall not be a violation of this Act if such a
source applies for a permit for discharge pursuant to
this section within such 180-day period.
(I) The Administrator shall not require a permit
under this section, for discharge composed entirely of
return flows from irrigated agriculture, nor shall the Ad-
ministrator directly or indirectly, require any State to
require such a permit.
[Editor's note: SEC. 54(c) (2) of the Clean Water
Act of 1977 says:
"Any State permit program approved under section
402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act before
the date of enactment of the Clean Water Act of 1977,
which requires modification to conform to the amend-
ment made by paragraph (1) of this subsection, shall not
be required to be modified before the end of the one
year period which begins on the date of enactment of
the Clean Water Act of 1977 unless in order to make the
required modification a State must amend or enact a
law in which case such modification shall not be
required for such State before the end of the two year
period which begins on such date of enactment."]
OCEAN DISCHARGE CRITERIA
Sec. 403. (a) No permit under section 402 of this Act
for a discharge into the territorial sea. the waters of the
contiguous zone, or the oceans shall be issued, after
promulgation of guidelines established under subsection
(c) of this section, except in compliance with such guide-
lines. Prior to the promulgation of such cuidelmcs, a
permit may be issued under such section 402 if the Ad-
ministrator determines it to be in the puolic interest.
(b) The requirements of subsection (d) of section 402
of this Act may not be waived in the ease of permits lor
discharges into the territorial sea.
(c) (1) The Administrator shall, within one hundred
and eighty days after enactment of tins Act (and from
B-4
-------
time to lime thereafter), promulgate guidelines Tor
determining the degradation of the waters of the terri-
torial seas, the contiguous zone, and the oceans., which
shall include:
(A) the effect of disposal of pollutants on human
health or welfare, including but not limned to plankton,
fish, shellfish, wildlife, shorelines, and beaches;
(B) the effect of disposal of pollutants on marine life
including the transfer, concentration, and dispersal of
pollutants or their byproducts through biological, phys-
ical, and chemical processes; changes in marine ecosys-
tem diversity, productivity, and stability; and species
and community population changes;
(C) the effect of disposal, of pollutants on esthetic,
recreation, and economic values;
(D) the persistence and permanence of the effects of
disposal of pollutants;
(E) the effect of the disposal at varying rates, of par-
ticular volumes and concentrations of pollutants;
(F) oilier possible locations and methods of disposal
or recycling of pollutants including land-based alter-
natives; and
(G) the effect on alternate uses of the oceans, such as
mineral exploitation and scientific study.
(2) In any event where insufficient information exists
on any proposed discharge to make a reasonable judg-
ment on any of the guidelines established pursuant to
this subsection no permit shall be issued under section
402 of this Act.
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APPENDIX C
CALCULATION OF VOLUME OF DRILLING MUD DISCHARGED TO THE
MARINE ENVIRONMENT DURING 1980
C-l
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CALCULATION OF VOLUME OF DRILLING FLUIDS RELEASED TO THE
MARINE ENVIRONMENT DURING 1979
The drilling fluids that are discharged within the marine envi-
ronment typically are water-based slurries containing clays and vari-
ous chemical and mineral additives. The specific formulations used
in oil and gas exploration activities vary videly, although most con-
tain barlte (barium sulfate) for density control and low concentra-
tions of sodium hydroxide, chrome lignosulfate, lignite and other
chemicals to control viscosity, fluid loss, corrosion and other mud
properties (Ayers, 1980).
These materials are released at drilling rig platforms both as
relatively small-volume operational discharges and as infrequent
large-volume bulk discharges. It is estimated that a total volume of
10,000 to 30,000 barrels of mud, containing 20 to 30 percent solids,
are discharged over the life of a typical well (Ayers, 1980). Since
the total number of wells within the OCS increased by 1,519 from 1978
to 1979 (U.S. Geological Survey, 1980), it is roughly estimated that
a total of 15 million to 46 million barrels of drilling fluid were
discharged Into the marine environment during 1979. This is about
2.4 million to 7.1 million yd3 (1.8 million to 5.4 million m3).
C-3
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REFERENCES
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REFERENCES
Ayers, R.C., Jr. 1980. Comments on the fate and effects of drilling
discharges in the marine environment. Prepared on behalf of the
American Petroleum Institute in connection with the Georges Bank
Protection Act, Senate Bill S-2119. March 25, 1980, Washington, D.C.
Ayers, R.C., Jr., T.C. Saver, Jr., D.O. Steubner, and R.P. Meek.
1980a. An environmental study of drilling fluids on water quality
parameters during high rate, high volume discharges to the ocean. _I_n
Symposium on Research on the Environmental Fate and Effects of Dril-
ling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980. Lake Buena Vista,
Florida.
Ayers, R.C., Jr., T.C. Saver, Jr., R.P. Meek, and G. Bowers. 1980b.
An environmental study to assess the impact of drilling discharges in
the mid-Atlantic. I. Quality and fate of discharges. In Symposium
on Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and
Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980. Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Brandsma, M.G., L.R. Davis, R.C. Ayers, Jr., and T.C. Saver, Jr.
1980. A computer model co predict the short term fate of drilling
discharges in the marine environment. In Symposium on Research on
Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January
21-24, 1980. Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Brannon, A.C. and K. R. Rao. 1979. Barium, strontium, and calcium
levels in the skelton, hepatopancreas, and abdominal muscle of the
grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio; relation to molting and exposure
to barite. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 63A:261-274.
Carr, R.S., L.A. Reitsema, J.M. Neff. 1980. Influence of a used
chrome lignosulfonate drilling mud on the survival, respiration,
feeding activity and net growth efficiency of the opossum shrimp
Mysidopsis abnyra. In Symposium on Research on Environmental Fate
and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980, Lake
Buena Vista, Florida.
Conklin, P.J., D.G. Doughtie, and K.R. Rao. 1980. Effects of barite
and used drilling muds on crustaceans, with particular reference
to the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. ^n Symposium on Research
on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings,
January 21-24, 1980, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
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REFERENCES (Continued)
Gerber, R.P., E.S. Gllfillan, B.T. Page, D.S. Page and J. B. Hottiam.
1980. Short and long term effects of used drilling fluids on marine
organisms. ITI Symposium on Research on Environmental Fate Effects of
Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980, Lake Buena Vista,
Florida.
Houghton, J.P. and D.L. Beyers. 1980. Effects of oil well drilling
fluids on several important Alaskan marine organisms. In Symposium
on Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and
Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Haughton, J.P., R.P. Britch, R.C. Miller, A.K. Runchal, and C.P.
Falls. 1980. Drilling fluid dispersion studies at the Lower Cook
Inlet, Alaska, C.O.S.T. well. In Symposium on Research on Environ-
mental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24,
1980. Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Hudson, J.H. and D.M. Robbin. 1980. Effects of drilling mud on the
growth rate of the reef-building coral, Monastrea annularis. In
Symposium on Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling
Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980. Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
King, D. and W. Muir. 1974. Report of the Interagency Working Group
on Health and Environmental Effects of Energy Use. Council on
Environmental Quality, Washington, D.C.
Koons, C.B., C.D. McAuliffe and F.T. Weiss. 1975. Environmental
Aspects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings from Oil and Gas Extraction
Operations in Offshore and Coastal Waters. Prepared by Sheen
Technical Subcommittee for the Offshore Operators Committee.
Krone, M.A. and D.C. Biggs. 1980. Sublethal metabolic responses of
the hermatyplc coral Madracis decactis exposed to drilling mud
enriched with ferrochrome lignosulfonate. In Symposium on Research
on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings,
January 21-24, 1980. Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
McCulloch, W.L., J.M. Neff and R.S. Carr. 1980. Bioavailability of
selected metals from used offshore drilling muds to the clam Rangia
cuneata and the oyster Crassostrea gigas. In Symposium on Research
on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings,
January 21-24, 1980. Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
D-3
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REFERENCES (Continued)
Monaghan, P.H., C.D. McAuliffe and F.T. Weiss. 1976. Environmental
Aspects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings from Oil and Gas Extraction
Operations in Offshore and Coastal Waters. Prepared by Sheen
Technical Subcommittee for the Offshore Operators Committee.
Neff, J.M., W.L. McCulloch, R.S. Carr, and K.A. Retzer. 1980.
Comparative toxicity of four used offshore drilling muds to several
species of marine animals from the Gulf of Mexico. In Symposium on
Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and
Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980. Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Page, D.S., B.T. Page, J.R. Hotham, E.S. Gilfillan and R.P. Gerber.
1980. Bioavailabllity of toxic constituents of used drilling muds.
In Symposium on Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of
Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980, Lake Buena Vista,
Florida.
Petrazzuolo, G. 1981. An environmental assessment of drilling
fluids and cuttings released onto the Outer Continental Shelf
(draft). Prepared for the Office of Water Enforcement, Division of
Oil and Special Materials Control, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, D.C.
Ray, J.P. and R.P. Meek. 1980. Water column characterization of
drilling fluids dispersion from an offshore exploratory well on
Tanner Bank. In Symposium on Research on Environmental Fate and
Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980. Lake
Buena Vista, Florida.
Ray, J.P. and E.A. Shinn. 1975. Environmental effects of drilling
muds and cuttings. In Conference Proceedings on Environmental
Aspects of Chemical Use in Well-Drilling Operations, May 21-23, 1975,
Houston, Texas. EPA 560/1-75-004.
Rubinstein, N.I. and R. Rigby. 1980. Acute and sublethal effects of
whole used drilling fluids on representative estuarine organisms. In
Symposium on Research on Environmental Fate and Effects of Drilling
Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Tagatz, M.E., J.M. Ivey, H.K. Lehman, M. Tobia, and J.L. Oglesby.
1980. Effects of drilling mud on development of experimental estu-
arine macrobenthlc communities. In Symposium on Research on Environ-
mental Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24,
1980, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
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REFERENCES (Concluded)
Thompson, J.H. and T.J. Bright. 1980. Effectis of an offshore
drilling fluid on corals, jn Symposium on Research on Environmental
Fate and Effects of Drilling Muds and Cuttings, January 21-24, 1980,
Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
U.S. Geological Survey. 1980. Outer Continental Shelf Statistics,
1953 through calendar year 1979. Conservation Division, Reston, Va.
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