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| Image source: bingabye.london |
The business of management of wastes in industrial oil extraction is something that can make or break a company. Government regulations on waste management are so stringent that these rules effectively deters reckless violations from oil conglomerates particularly in the way that they handle oil waste.
For those extractions done in the shale industry, cuttings, spent mud, flow back water, reservoir waters, and sludge, all contribute to the total waste.
Most people might think that the solution is as simple as disposing of waste within the operation’s premises or where there are no communities of people nearby. In this type of operation, it is much more complicated. Any weakness in the process of waste management is considered to be a huge risk to the environment and the community at large. The rule of thumb, especially at such a scale, is to be careful of even the slightest contamination.
When waste cannot be transported away from the oil site, it has to be stored tightly and secured shut under lock and key to avoid pollution. Steps have to be ensured to keep it vandal-proof and safe from flood risk.
Oil waste collection has legal requirements, too. There are certified consignees or waste receivers who are sourced out to do just this specific task. There may be companies that offer collection services as some oil waste can be treated to recover valuable components or used as a fuel in some other application.
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| Image source: hendrickssolidwaste.com |
There is a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of those who are privileged to operate in the industry. A good measure of companies that last here is whether they give importance to their production as much as they give to disposal.
Energy magnate Brian Alfaro is the founder of Primera Energy LLC, an industry leader in shale oil extraction known for practicing responsible oil waste management. For more on the oil and gas industry, visit this Facebook page.
