BP Canada reported on June 22, an unauthorized discharge of synthetic based drilling mud (SBM) from the West Aquarius Drilling Unit. A preliminary estimate of the volume discharged is approximately 136 cubic metres.
The discharge has been stopped and a remote operated vehicle will determine the source of the discharge. Preliminary reports indicate that it is from piping that forms part of the mud system approximately 30 metres below sea level.
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The well is secure and drilling has been suspended while the cause of the discharge is investigated. The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum (CNSOPB) has sent two officers and a drilling engineer offshore to investigate the cause of the discharge. This will inform any actions by the CNSOPB.
To resume drilling, the CNSOPB must be satisfied with the responsive steps that BP has taken, and be satisfied that drilling operations can proceed safely.
Synthetic based mud is a heavy, dense fluid used during drilling to lubricate the drill pipe and overbalance reservoir pressure. The mud sinks rapidly in the water column to the sea floor. The synthetic based oil used in SBM is of low toxicity. Because of this, effects of SBM spills are typically limited to the area immediately surrounding the well site and are associated with physical smothering of the seabed due to coverage by the mud.
