British Columbia's approach to drill cuttings disposal : is legislation fit for the purpose?
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Issue Date
2014-10-31
Authors
Yetskalo, Valentina
License
Subject
Cuttings
Drilling
Law
Management
Policy
Waste
Drilling
Law
Management
Policy
Waste
Abstract
Planned acceleration in hydrocarbon development is a growing concern among British Columbians. My thesis explores BC's regulatory regime governing non-aqueous drill cuttings disposal. The thesis particularly evaluates the regulatory regime through the lens of waste management hierarchy with the objective of assessing the extent to which they prevent potential adverse impacts on public health and the environment. As part of the qualitative research, I interviewed subject matter experts and conducted a cross-jurisdiction comparison to identify whether or not the provincial legislation can be improved. The research identified the need for a single waste management strategy to be supported by the BC Government, BC Oil and Gas Commission, and the petroleum industry. The lack of a cumulative approach to environmental assessment in the province, and the inability of the Commission to take the lead in forming such strategy are major weaknesses of the regulatory approach to drill cuttings management in BC.