ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2013
page 16
6.2 Chemical Discharges
In 2012, 97,891 tonnes of chemicals were discharged to sea. Drilling and production operations contributed
68,708 and 28,816 tonnes, respectively, with 367 tonnes of pipeline chemicals discharged. Chemicals
from drilling operations include cement and cement additives, weighting agents, acidity control chemicals
and filtrate reducers, which are necessary for the development and maintenance of wells. Production
chemicals are generally associated with physical and chemical treatment for the separation of oil, gas and
produced water. Corrosion inhibitors and biocides are used to maintain the integrity of the plant and to
optimise production.
Figure 4: Chemical Discharges by Activity on the UKCS from 2000 to 2012
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Tonnes
Source: EEMS August 2013
Drilling Chemicals
Production Chemicals
Pipeline Chemicals
