Environment Report 2013

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2013

6.2 Chemical Discharges In 2012, 97,891 tonnes of chemicals were discharged to sea. Drilling and production operations contributed 68,708 and 28,816 tonnes, respectively, with 367 tonnes of pipeline chemicals discharged. Chemicals from drilling operations include cement and cement additives, weighting agents, acidity control chemicals and filtrate reducers, which are necessary for the development and maintenance of wells. Production chemicals are generally associated with physical and chemical treatment for the separation of oil, gas and produced water. Corrosion inhibitors and biocides are used to maintain the integrity of the plant and to optimise production.

Figure 4: Chemical Discharges by Activity on the UKCS from 2000 to 2012

Drilling Chemicals

Production Chemicals

Pipeline Chemicals

0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000

Tonnes

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Source: EEMS August 2013

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