WorldWide Drilling Resource

7 NOVEMBER 2022 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Environmental Equipment and Supplies by Ronald B. Peterson Drilling Products Specialist, Mountainland Supply Company Through the years, there have been many impacts on our environment. Some of these impacts have been caused by man, and some are the result of natural phenomenon. Increased awareness and knowledge of our environment has driven us to identify, mitigate, and correct any negative impact there may have been on our environment. The environmental industry has evolved and developed as a result of this greater awareness and concern. Once we realize there may be an issue, a process has evolved for us to follow to most effectively deal with it. First, we verify there is a problem through the use of inspection, sniffers, and surface sampling. Next, we evaluate the extent of the problem. This is done through soil probing and analysis, which may validate the need for deeper sampling to further evaluate the problem and how large an area is impacted. Further investigation may utilize larger, more powerful probing devices to enable deeper evaluation, as well as auger drills, coring systems (both sonic and rotary), or other methods to help us better obtain the needed samples. Typically, these boreholes are shallow and completed in the unstable surface formations, plus the drill rig will have a much smaller footprint for easier maneuverability and greater efficiency. Drilling fluids used are usually simple, selected, and designed with regards to the impact on the environment, but 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. (I was on one project early on where it was required the drilling fluid be only deionized water.) The holes may then be abandoned properly or used for piezometer or monitoring holes. The results from this process can then be evaluated to determine the appropriate and most effective method to cleanup the contaminated site. This may involve more drilling both vertical and horizontal, or in some cases excavation. In any drilling operation, it is always a good idea to get with your drilling fluids provider and have them get with their vendor representative to ensure you are using the correct products at the correct concentrations to maximize the effectiveness of your drilling operation, lower the cost to your customer, lower your overall costs, minimize environmental concerns, and maximize your profit. Thanks for reading. As I often say, “A man has to know his limitations.” Working together, it is amazing where we can go. 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. 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@ orldwidedrillingresource.com Shotgun Start - Come early for the , February 8, a e ournament - Mojave Golf T W dnesday t 12:30pm Golf Resort Raffle! TV Annual A Second

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