Fate of organics from spent drilling fluid discharged into the marine environment. Final report.

Abstract

This report describes a study on the impact of spent drilling fluids from oil rig operations in the vicinity of the Texas Flower Gardens Reef system. Sediment, suspended particles, and water samples were collected near the rig during and after the discharge. Background data was obtained by collecting samples from the Flower Gardens Coral Reef area and from the production rig areas to the north and northeast of the reef. The objective was to determine the fate and effects of these components discharged into the marine environment.