Which wastes generated from offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities may be discharged into the ocean?
Routine discharges may include water-based drilling muds and cuttings, synthetic-based mud cuttings, treated produced water, treated sanitary and domestic waste, deck drainage, once-through fire water, and non-contact cooling water. Other wastes, such as excess cement and bilge and ballast waters, may be discharged at some point in the operation. All discharges are regulated by the EPA. The EPA prohibits the discharge of some wastes. These include oil-based drilling muds and cuttings, produced sands, synthetic-based muds, waste oil, chemical products, and trash and debris, none of which can be discharged into the ocean.
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