LWD APPROVED IN AUSTRALIA
Landspraying While Drilling (LWD), also known as land spreading, mud spraying or land application, is the process of applying water-based drilling mud on carefully selected approved agricultural land.
The process is regulated in Queensland by the Department of Environment and Science (DES), which ensures only tested and approved non-hazardous fluids are applied to flat land away from waterways and other environmental, cultural and landholder constraints.
Drilling mud is essential to the well drilling process for:
Carrying cuttings from the hole
Cooling and cleaning the drill bit
Reducing friction
Maintain the stability of the bore;
Maintain downhole pressure
LWD on lease
Purpose built equipment and machinery for LWD operations
LWD is a minimum disturbance method and an environmentally friendly way to dispose of residual drilling material, or drilling mud, produced from drilling a well. LWD involves safely applying drilling fluids to land using purpose built vacuum trucks or similar machinery at approved and controlled application rates during or immediately after drilling operations. Disposal of the by-product occurs in a manner that both preserves the topsoil's chemical, biological and physical properties by limiting the accumulation of salts and protects the quality of surface and groundwater. All Queensland petroleum operators use water-based additives as they are prohibited from using any synthetic-based additives.
An additional benefit of the LWD process is that it reduces the need to construct on-site disposal sumps.
Summit supervises Australia’s first LWD Trial
The trial commenced from 29th August 2013 to 5th June 2014 and was successfully completed as per Environmental Authority conditions.
The trial also required pre-approved risk assessed freshwater water-based drilling mud systems, under the supervision of Summit specialised environmental professionals.
Summit’s involvement and service in Queensland prompted The Department of Environment and Science (DES) to amend the Streamlined model conditions for petroleum activities. (Version 2.01, 05 May 2016). These changes now benefit all EA holders by providing clear regulation around Mix Bury Cover (MBC) and LWD.
As part of the trial a third party study was completed and concluded the following;
“From an environmental risk perspective, the trial has generally validated the content of the Canadian LWD guidelines, with no measured adverse impact on soil chemistry or vegetation cover or density.”
“The auditor concurs with the report conclusions and recommendations, based on the results of their works, the trials did not measure any adverse impact on soil chemistry or vegetation cover or diversity.”
Aerial View of LWD Disposal Area
LWD Approved
Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science (formerly Department of Environment and Heritage Protection) reviewed 3rd party report and 3rd party audit and did not submit any requests for further information.
Summit has been instrumental in the development of LWD EA conditions, reducing the impacts our clients have on the environment and improving environmental performance.
Oil and Gas companies may drill thousands of wells each year, consequently, the volume of drilling by-product produced is quite significant, as is the potential disturbance to the land. From the perspective of many worldwide regulators, environmental practitioners and operators, the proper management and disposal of drilling by-product will;
Minimize the overall oil and gas industry footprint
Save significant capital on the construction of wellsites and disposal of drilling by-products
Restore drilling by-product disposal sites to equivalent land capability
Protect the quality of the environment, particularly soil and water; and
Save significant capital on end of life rehabilitation costs.
Summit have been industry Landspray While Drilling experts in Australia since 2013, operating on several sites across Queensland. Summit Australia have the advantage of working collaboratively with Summit in Canada, who have been undertaking LWD activities for over …. years, to ensure best industry practices.
