Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for Synthetic-Based and Other Non-Aqueous Drilling Fluids in the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category

This proposed rule would amend the technology-based effluent limitations guidelines for the discharge of certain pollutants into waters of the United States by existing and new facilities in portions of the offshore and coastal subcategories of the oil and gas extraction point source category. This proposed rule would establish effluent limitations guidelines and new source performance standards (NSPS) for direct dischargers based on ``best practicable control technology currently available'' (BPT), ``best conventional pollutant control technology'' (BCT), ``best available technology economically achievable'' (BAT), and for new sources ``best available demonstrated control technology'' (BADCT). EPA is proposing to amend the regulation by providing specific requirements for the discharge of synthetic-based drilling fluids (SBFs) and other non-aqueous drilling fluids. The wastestreams that would be limited are drilling fluids and drill cuttings. This rule would not amend the current regulations for water-based drilling fluids. Also, this rule would not amend the zero discharge requirement for drilling wastes in the coastal subcategory (except Cook Inlet, Alaska) and in the offshore subcategory within three miles from shore. Controlling the discharge of SBFs as proposed today would reduce the discharge of SBFs by 11.7 million pounds annually. Further, allowing rather than prohibiting the discharge of SBFs would substantially reduce non-water quality environmental impacts. Compared to the zero discharge option, EPA estimates that allowing discharge will reduce air emissions of the criteria air pollutants by 450 tons per year, decrease fuel use by 29,000 barrels per year of oil equivalent, and reduce the generation of oily drill cutting wastes requiring off-site disposal by 212 million pounds per year.