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Removal Solutions - Detailed Description Research Area Removal Solutions Reference 6.1 Title Identification and Effectiveness of Methods to Remove Drill Cuttings Piles from the Seabed Objectives To investigate possible means, whether existing, in development or proposed, for removing drill cuttings from the seabed, to assess and compare their efficacy and prepare data for assessing their environmental effects. Background One set of management options for drill cuttings piles on the seabed is to remove, either partially or totally. Existing Information Existing work by Rogaland Research has identified methods of removal and the potential difficulties with such methods. A number of organisations are promoting equipment for cuttings removal and additionally there is proven equipment for moving cuttings around the seabed. In addition there are relevant studies both in Europe and USA associated with removal of contaminated materials from lakes and estuaries. Scope Liaise with industry (operators and contractors) to identify drill cuttings removal equipment that has been developed or is in development. Investigate any patents for movement of seabed material. Following receipt of reports from equipment promoters, review and assess the different equipment and methods for:- Effectiveness in removing cuttings from the seabed and lifting them to 10 m above sea level from depths of 100m, 150m and 200m. Likely spillage of cuttings and/or contaminated sea water during recovery operation. Time and costs (including support costs) for lifting 10,000 Tonnes of cuttings Ability to work in confined areas, using data from Beryl B for comparison (centre bay drilling with pre-drilling template and with pipelines installed beneath platform.) Volume of water likely to be recovered with the cuttings Deliverables Preliminary report containing data on existing or proposed equipment for removal of drill cuttings to surface, including sponsors and contact details. Draft and final reports covering all aspects of scope and including as appendices data on all equipment considered. Schedule Requirements This activity is interrelated with activities 6.2 and 6.3. The preliminary report is required as input to activity 6.2, and scope item 3 work cannot continue until sponsors responses have been received. Activity 6.3 is dependent on the final results of this activity. Six weeks are allowed for completion of item 1, three months are allowed for sponsor responses and a further three months are allowed for the completion of this package