Field Verification of Benthic Boundary Layer Modelling Effects

The fate and environmental effects of discharged drilling muds are ongoing issues of concern for operators, regulators, government agencies and environmentalists, particularly with multiple development sites in proximity to one another. Sound scientific assessments of the fate and effects for different mud/discharge scenarios can provide a basis for cost-effective strategies that minimize both real and perceived adverse impacts.

Existing data on drilling mud distributions collected under the Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) programs of Sable Offshore Energy Inc. is being used in this project to compare against predications of benthic boundary layer models. Validation of the models at this site and comparisons to other sites on the Sable Band, such as the Cohasset-Panuke, will aid in our development of an effective generic assessment approach for use in waste management planning.

DFO Contacts:

Charles Hannah & John Loder

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