Comments on: PA Environment Digest Blog: Conventional Oil & Gas Drillers Dispose Of Drill Cuttings By ‘Dusting’ https://www.fractracker.org/2022/05/pa-environment-digest-blog-conventional-oil-gas-drillers-dispose-of-drill-cuttings-by-dusting/ Insights empowering action Thu, 18 May 2023 10:47:46 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 By: Dever Sanderson https://www.fractracker.org/2022/05/pa-environment-digest-blog-conventional-oil-gas-drillers-dispose-of-drill-cuttings-by-dusting/#comment-301074 Thu, 18 May 2023 10:47:46 +0000 https://www.fractracker.org/?p=67474#comment-301074 It is important for the DEP to engage in a thorough review process, seeking input from various stakeholders, including industry experts, environmental organizations, affected communities, and the public. By considering the potential environmental and health impacts of “dusting” and on-site disposal of drill cuttings and liquid wastewater, the DEP can work towards updating the regulations in a way that protects the environment, safeguards public health, and promotes sustainable practices in the oil and gas drilling industry.
Nice Blog!

]]> By: Sylvester Deal https://www.fractracker.org/2022/05/pa-environment-digest-blog-conventional-oil-gas-drillers-dispose-of-drill-cuttings-by-dusting/#comment-298169 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 02:03:55 +0000 https://www.fractracker.org/?p=67474#comment-298169 1. “Up to 70,000 tons of material for every 1,500 foot of well depth is estimated to have been permanently disposed of on conventional drill sites and frequently in the air under the 721 DEP-approved plans, according to calculations by the FracTracker Alliance.”

While disclaiming accurate figures for potential dusting, FracTracker estimate seems like a good first estimate for a maximum tophole volume (1500 ft depth) of about 12.5 inch diameter borehole for surface casing (water protection string). But then claim 70,000 ton from 721 wells when only about 600 were drilled. Hardly a good estimate, and just for surface casing not the well (you don’t make anything clear)

2. a) DEP added, to help control fugitive dust emissions, “a common measure used by operators is spraying water on the wellbore while drilling is occurring,” a practice also used by water well drillers.”

b)”Practice Is Pervasive In Conventional Drilling
The practice of “dusting” is pervasive in the conventional industry.”

So, dusting is common in drilling into the ground, and control methods are common to both petroleum and water well drilling. How serious is “dusting” in the water well drilling through similar geologic formations? Aren’t you concerned?

3. Dusting is a condition encountered while drilling, characterized as you have described, not a waste management technique after drilling. PA forms specify for surface casing point only, dusting into unlined pit. Drilling below surface casing seat, nada.

Poorly written Mr Hess, poorly documented FracTracker.

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