While the general OSPAR guidelines with success have minimized the footprint of the oil industry in temperate regions there is uncertainty whether these guidelines in their present form are adequate in high arctic regions. Aim of the project are to strengthen the basis for the authorities evaluation of chemicals in drilling fluids and mud and improve the operator’s selection of environmental save drilling systems /chemicals available for use in the high arctic waters. The project will include studies where biodegradability and toxicity of selected chemicals are tested at high arctic condition (low temperature, high arctic bacteria and arctic species). Based on results from the studies a methodology for evaluating chemicals in drilling fluids and mud used and potentially discarded in high Arctic waters will be elaborated.

Contact: Kim Gustavson, kig@ecos.au.dk