Geotechnical Characterization of Landfilled Oilfield Exploration and Production Waste

The significant advancement in the production of crude oil and natural gas through hydraulic fracturing and directional drilling has transformed the energy landscape in the US but has also led to increases in waste generation. Waste generated from exploration and production (E&P) of oil, gas, and geothermal energy is often referred to as E&P waste. Many US state governments have specific regulations and guidance for proper management and disposal of E&P waste, including adequate characterization of the physical properties of the waste. This paper focuses on the geotechnical characterization and behavior of in-place E&P waste derived from solid and semi-solid portion of drilling (i.e., drilling muds and cuttings) and disposed of at a landfill site in southern US. Results of the geotechnical site investigation suggest that, based on the site-specific pre-processing and placement technique, the in-place E&P waste classifies as a medium stiff, lean clay with relatively low permeability. Based on the comparison of laboratory test results with well-established cone penetrometer testing (CPT) correlations, the CPT was found to be an excellent tool for characterizing the E&P waste.