21 JULY 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Environmental Developments by Ronald B. Peterson Drilling Products Specialist, Mountainland Supply Company This month, we will discuss environmental developments - primarily in regards to the drilling industry. Increased awareness and knowledge of our environment has driven us to identify, mitigate, and correct any negative impact we may inadvertently have had on our environment. Historically, there have been many impacts on our environment. Some of these have been beneficial and some have been harmful. Some were caused by man and some were the result of natural phenomenon. Natural phenomena are difficult to predict and even more difficult to control. The knowledge and power of man is unfortunately much more limited than we like to admit. So let’s talk about one of my favorite subjects: “A man has to know his limitations.” Early on, we were busy trying to survive and deal with life. We did not have the history, nor the knowledge, of the potential influence our actions could have. If we lack knowledge because it’s not available, it may be a valid excuse. However, if the knowledge is available and we fail to ask for it or look for it, then we may be the problem. We are much more aware of the impact our actions have than we were in the past. The environmental industry has evolved and developed as a result of this greater awareness and concern. Once we realize there may be an issue and a proper process to effectively deal with it, we need to modify our operations. Originally, the Environmental Protection Agency tested, approved, and monitored many of the products we use in the drilling industry. This became cumbersome and difficult to administer, so the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) was formed to verify products were fit for use in specific applications. This process very rapidly went international and the term NSF became the name. NSF and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) became the testing and verification entities to verify products were fit for use in specific applications. Schedule 60 is the section for chemicals in the water well industry; Schedule 61 is the section for products in the water well industry. Drilling fluids used are usually simple, selected, and designed with regard to their impact on the environment. They still need to be monitored and maintained to ensure performance. Typically, water, soda ash, bentonite, and polymers are selected and used at the appropriate concentration. Bentonites may be required to be unaltered and dry polymers may be required to avoid the liquids used as carrying agents in liquid polymers. The advantage of using NSF or ANSI 60 or 61 products in your operation is your client is assured you have made the best effort you could to ensure you have not added nor used anything which may be potentially harmful to them or the end user. In any drilling operation, it is always a good idea to get with your provider of products and equipment and make sure you are aware of what is new and may improve your operations. Try it, maybe it will help you avoid being stuck in a rut and you can enjoy the benefits of new products and methods. Always remember, “A man has to know his limitations,” but he doesn’t have to be defined by them. He can raise the bar. Working together, it is amazing where we can go. Let’s enjoy the trip! If you have any questions on drilling fluids or if you have another topic you would like addressed; please remember this column is ours, help me make it of value to you. It needs to be an interactive tool and I need your feedback. Please send your suggestions to Michele (below) and she will get them to me. Ron Ron Peterson may be contacted via e-mail to michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Publisher’s Note: Ron Peterson is a rarity in the industry. He has a very broad base of knowledge across many areas of drilling. Take advantage of his offer. WTR
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