directional drilling.pod5

8/12/2019 Directional Drilling.pod5

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APPENDIX G

Contingency Plan for Directional Drilling


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CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

2.0 DIRECTIONALDRILLINGMETHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.1 Workspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.2 Drilling Fluid and Drilling Fluid System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.3 Pilot Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

2.4 Reaming Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

2.5 Pull Back Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

3.0DRILLING FLUID SEEPAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.1 Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.1.1 Suitable Material and Adequate Overburden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.1.2 Pipeline Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.1.3 Responsibility of Drilling Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

3.1.4 Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

3.2 Corrective Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

3.3 Follow-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

3.4 Response Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

4.0 REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


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Plan of Development, App. G - Contingency Plan for Directional

Drilling

January 19, 2000

Timberline Pipeline Project

Page 2-1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

As part of the Timberline Pipeline Project, Kern River plans to construct approximately 82 miles of pipeline to transport

natural gas from production areas near Price, Utah to an interconnect with the existing Kern River pipeline west of

Nephi, Utah. The proposed route of the pipeline involves crossing a number of streams. Kern River intends to utilize

the directional drilling process to drill underneath at least one of the streams, Salt Creek at MP 64.8, rather than utilizing

open-trench methods. The directional drilling method was chosen because there are a number of obstacles at this pointincluding Salt Creek, the Mt. Nebo Loop Road and an old dam. Directional drilling is environmentally friendly and has

been proven to be a safe and efficient method for crossing rivers and streams. The purpose of this plan is to aid Kern

River in developing a program designed to:

Eliminate or minimize adverse effects from directional drilling fluid seepage.

Develop procedures for properly responding to a pipe lodging and separation.

A brief description of the directional drilling method is presented to provide the backdrop for

discussing contingency plans.


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Drilling

January 19, 2000


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2.0 DIRECTIONAL DRILLING METHODS

2.1 Workspace

Temporary workspace areas for the directional drilled crossing will be required on both the entry side

(rig side) and the exit side (pipe side) of the stream. The entry side workspace will be approximately150 feet wide by 200 feet long and will contain the majority of the equipment required to complete

the crossing. The exit side workspace will be approximately 150 feet wide by 500 feet long and will

be primarily used for removing and adding joints of drill pipe as the entry side rig progresses through

or pulls out of the borehole. The crossing pipe will be welded and stored on the exit side until it is

pulled into the completed borehole. Typically there are two pits on the entry side: the entry pit and

the cutting settlement pit. On the exit side there are typically one or two pits. The pit sizes vary

considerably from job to job; however, an average size would be 20 feet long by 10 to 20 feet wide

by 5 to 10 feet deep. Project specifications require working pits to be lined with an impervious,

flexible membrane liner.

1.2 Drilling Fluid and Drilling Fluid System

The directional drilling process involves a drilling fluid made up primarily of water and clay. The

primary purposes of this drilling fluid are to remove the cuttings from the borehole, to stabilize the

borehole and to act as a coolant and lubricant during the drilling process. The water and clay drilling

fluid consists of 1 to 5 percent active clays, 0 to 40 percent inert solids, and water. The primary

active clay component is bentonite. Bentonite is a naturally occurring, non-hazardous clay product.

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the typical material as taken from Fisher Scientificis

included as Attachment 1.

The directional drilling operation involves the continuous flow of drilling fluid into the borehole,

to lubricate the drill stem and cutters, carry away cuttings, and assist in maintaining hole integrity.The drilling fluid is first prepared in mixing tanks with both new and clean, recycled drilling fluid.

The fluid is pumped at rates of 100 to 1000 gallons per minute (gpm) through the center of the drill

pipe to the cutters. Return flow is through the annulus, created by the space between the borehole

and the drill pipe. The cuttings are then carried back to the entry pit which will be lined with an

impervious, flexible membrane. Once in the entry pit, the fluid moves into the cutting settlement

pit and is then pumped into the fluid processing equipment. Shaker screens, desanders, desilters and

centrifuges remove increasingly fine cuttings from the drilling fluid. The cleaned and recycled fluid

is returned to the mixing tank and pumps for reuse in the borehole. The volume of cuttings per

crossing will range from an estimated 4400 cubic feet (163 cubic yards) to 7225 cubic feet (268

cubic yards), depending on the length of the crossing. These cuttings will be placed in a company-

approved landfill.


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Drilling

January 19, 2000


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2.3 Pilot Hole

Directional drilling installation within clay, silt, sand, and gravel materials are typically

accomplished using conventional drilling and hole reaming methods. The pilot hole drilling process

uses a non-rotating small-diameter (2 to 4 inch) drill pipe thrusting a jetting assembly or motorized

drilling bit (5 to 9 inch) along the designed drill path. A larger diameter drill pipe (6 to 10 inchdiameter) is used as a wash pipe for the small drill stem. As the pilot hole drilling progresses, the

wash pipe is rotated and thrust concentrically over the drill stem. The use of the wash pipe facilitates

movement of the small drill stem and allows retrieval of the drilling and guidance systems for

maintenance purposes without substantial collapse of drilled pilot hole. The bentonite-based drilling

fluid is continuously pumped downhole through the drill stem to power the drill motor, remove

cuttings, and lubricate the working assemblies.

2.4 Reaming Operation

Once the pilot hole drilling process has been completed, the drill stem is withdrawn leaving only the

wash pipe within the drilled hole. Depending upon the type of pipe used, it may be necessary toreplace the wash pipe with high strength drill pipe before continuing with hole reaming. To enlarge

the pilot hole, specialized cutters and reamers are attached to the drill pipe. The drilling rig then

rotates the reaming assembly with the drill pipe and guides the reamers along the drilled path.

Bentonite drilling fluid is continuously pumped through the borehole, as the reamers are rotated

toward the exit side, to remove the cutaway material. One or more reaming passes through the

borehole are usually made to achieve the required borehole size.

2.5 Pull Back Operation

When the appropriate reaming passes have been completed, the prefabricated pull section is attachedto the drill pipe by means of a swivel assembly. A cutter or reamer is usually placed between the

drill pipe and the swivel. As the crossing pipeline section is pulled into the reamed hole by the drill

rig, the reamer is rotated with the drill pipe, and drilling fluid is pumped continuously to evacuate

cuttings and lubricate the pull section.


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Plan of Development, App. G - Contingency Plan for Directional Drilling January 19, 2000

Timberline Pipeline Project Page 3-1

3.0 DRILLING FLUID SEEPAGE

3.1 Prevention

Directional drilling is an increasingly popular method of installation whereby waterway

disturbance is minimized or eliminated altogether. Directional drilling installation doeshowever present a remote potential for waterway disturbance through drilling fluid seepage.

Drilling fluid seepage can be caused by pressurization of the drill hole beyond the

containment capability of the overburden soil material. This potential can be substantially

reduced by providing adequate depth of cover for the installation.

3.1.1 Suitable Material and Adequate Overburden

In the contingency planning for the stream crossings of the Timberline project, prevention

of drilling fluid seepage will be a primary consideration in determining the profile of each

crossing. The primary factors in selecting the pipeline crossing profile are the type of soil

material and the depth of cover material. Cohesive soils, such as clays, are considered idealmaterial for horizontal drilling. Careful evaluation of the subsurface strata of each proposed

stream crossing, will be completed determine suitability of the soil material for directional

drilling. The second factor to be considered in developing a profile is adequate overburden

material. A minimum depth of cover of fifteen feet in competent soils should be maintained

to provide a margin of safety against drilling fluid seepage.

As the drill and hole opening assembly nears the ground surface on either side of the river,

it passes through the area that presents some potential for drilling fluid seepage. Since

prevention is the best and most effective contingency plan, steps (see paragraph 3.3) have

been taken to reduce the potential for seepage in these areas. At the exit point, an exit pit can

be constructed. The exit pit will allow the pipeline to terminate below the surface of theground, so a greater cover or overburden material depth will be maintained to prevent

seepage. If seepage does occur, it will be more easily detected because the seepage will be

on land rather than under water. Subsequent containment of the mud can therefore be

planned and managed. Containment dikes in the form of berms and hay bales will contain

any seepage and minimize any migration of the mud from the work area.

3.1.2 Pipeline Geometry

The geometry of the pipeline profile can also affect the potential for drilling fluid seepage.

In a profile which forces the pipe to make compound or tight radii turns, downhole pressures

can build up, thereby increasing the potential for drilling fluid seepage. The profiles for the

stream crossings on the Timberline Pipeline Project will avoid this potential to the extent

possible, as they will be designed to be very smooth and gradual vertical curves. In addition,

horizontal curves will be minimized or eliminated. Therefore, the potential for pressure

buildup caused by pipeline geometry will be minimized.

3.1.3 Responsibility of Drilling Contractor


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The drilling contractor is responsible for execution of the directional drilling operation,

including actions for detecting and controlling drilling fluid seepage. The progress and

actions of the drilling contractor will be closely supervised by Williams Chief Inspector and

their delegated deputies.

2.0.4 Detection

Detection of a drilling fluid seepage includes identifying those conditions that may indicate

a loss of pressure containment within the drill hole, thereby creating the potential for a

drilling fluid seepage. It also will include those visible signs that surface seepage has

occurred.

Directional drilling is a technically advanced process. The detection of drilling fluid seepage

prior to it occurring is highly dependent upon the skills and experience of the drilling crew.

Each drilling situation is unique in that the behavior of the subsurface material is highly

variable and difficult to predict. There is no in-hole monitoring equipment that can detect

drilling fluid seepage. It is a combination of factors that must be properly interpreted, that

may indicate conditions which can have the potential of causing drilling fluid seepage.

A seep occurs when there is a failure to maintain pressure in the hole. The most obvious

signs of a drilling fluid seepage are surface seepage or loss of drilling fluid circulation. One

of the functions of the drilling fluid is to seal the hole to maintain the downhole pressure, and

the loss of returning drilling fluid is a sign that pressure is not being contained in the drillhole

and seepage is occurring outside of the hole. If there is a reduction in the quantity of drilling

fluid returning to the drilling site (loss of circulation), this could be a warning sign.

However, some loss of drilling fluid is also normal in the drilling process. There can be

times in the drilling process that a loose sand or gravel layer is encountered. Both of these

conditions will require additional drilling fluids or the introduction of "lost circulation

materials" (LCM) such as cedar chips to fill in the voids. Consequently, drilling fluid lossin and of itself is not an indication of a potential seepage condition. It is a loss of drilling

fluid in combination with other factors that may indicate a potential seepage condition. For

example, if there is a loss of drilling fluid and the return cuttings do not show a large quantity

of gravel, then this could indicate a loss of containment pressure within the hole.

Again, the detection of a potential seep prior to it actually occurring is dependent upon the

skill and experience of the drilling crew. It is for this reason that Kern River will be using

a firm that specializes in directional drilling to perform the proposed stream crossing. The

selection and supervision of this drilling contractor will be the responsibility of Williams,

assisted by their directional-drilling inspectors.

3.2 Corrective Action

Once surface seepage of drilling fluid is detected, the drilling crew will take immediate

corrective action. The only pressure causing the surface seepage to occur is the pressure

from the drilling fluid pumps. Therefore, the most direct corrective action is to stop the rig

pumps. By stopping the pumps, the pressure in the hole will quickly bleed off. With no


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pressure in the hole, the surface seepage will stop. Stopping the pumps will be done as soon

as surface seepage is detected.

If seepage occurs in the stream, there may be a visible plume. Minor seepage may be

difficult to detect due to the turbidity of the water and the high specific gravity of bentonite

clay drilling fluid. Once seepage is detected and, with the immediate stopping of the mudpumps, there should be minimal disturbance to surface sediment. As mentioned previously,

there will be very little pressure to disturb surface sediment because of the distance that the

drilling fluid must travel to reach the surface. The composition of the drilling fluid is

primarily water and bentonite clay. If a small amount is released into the stream, it is usually

dissipated quickly by the streams currents.

There is a greater potential for drilling fluid seepage at the entry and exit locations of each

crossing than along the length of the borehole. In the contingency planning for the pipeline

crossing, drilling fluid seepage at the entry and exit locations has been considered, and

preventative actions have been developed. The entry and exit locations of all directionally

drilled crossings will have dry land segments where drilling fluid seepage can be easilydetected and contained. To isolate and contain potential drilling fluid seepage at each of the

drill sites, a berm will be constructed around the entire drilling site. Certified weed-free

straw/hay bales or silt screen could be incorporated into berm construction and placed on the

water side of the drilling area. To contain and control drilling fluid seepage on the land area,

there will be earth moving equipment, portable pumps, sand, and hay bales available at each

of the drilling sites. Any drilling fluid seepage will first be contained and isolated using dirt

berms, hay bales or silt screens. It will then be immediately cleaned up from the area and

hauled to one of the storage pits at the closest drilling site.

3.3 Follow-up

If drilling fluid seepage should occur, the drilling operation will be stopped. After the

drilling fluid seepage has been contained and disposed of, the drilling contractor and Kern

River will make every effort to determine why the seepage occurred. Once Kern River has

determined the cause of the seepage, measures will be developed to control the factors

causing the seepage and to minimize the chance of seepage recurrence. In no case will Kern

River resume drilling operation until it has determined the cause of the drilling fluid seepage

and instituted preventative measures.

In some cases, the corrective measure may involve a determination that the existing hole

encountered a void which could be bypassed with a slight change in the profile. In other

cases, it may be determined that the existing hole encountered a zone of unsatisfactory soil

material and the hole will have to be abandoned. If the hole is abandoned, it will be filled

with drilling cement.

3.4 Response Equipment

From the day-to-day operation and maintenance routine, drilling personnel will be aware

of what materials are critical during a drilling fluid seepage and will have those


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containment items on hand. Since drilling fluid seepage can be easily controlled on land,

where it has the greatest potential of occurring, containment items will be stored within

the drilling sites and will include materials such as lumber for temporary shoring, sand,

portable pumps, hand tools and hay bales. The drilling contractor will also have heavy

equipment such as backhoes that can be used to control and clean up drilling fluid

seepage.


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occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids. Get medical aid.

Skin: Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15

minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical

aid if irritation develops or persists.

Ingestion: If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of

milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious

person. Get medical aid.Inhalation: Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. Get

medical aid if cough or other symptoms appear.

Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.

Section 5 - Firefighting Measures

General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing

apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent),

and full protective gear.

Extinguishing Media: For small fires, use water spray, dry chemical,

carbon dioxide or chemical foam.

Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable.

Flash Point: Not applicable.NFPA Rating: Not published. Explosion Limits, Lower: Not available.

Upper: Not available.

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures

General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as

indicated in Section 8.

Spills/Leaks: Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable

disposal container. Avoid generating dusty conditions.

Section 7 - Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with skin andeyes. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed

container.

Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use adequate ventilation to keep airborne

concentrations low.

Exposure Limits Chemical Name ACGIH NIOSH OSHA - Final PELs

BENTONITE none listed none listed none listed

OSHA Vacated PELs: BENTONITE: No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed forthis chemical.

Personal Protective Equipment

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety

goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations

in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166.

Skin: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin exposure.

Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize contact

with skin.

Respirators: Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR

1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European


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Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid

Appearance: cream

Odor: odorless pH: Not available.

Vapor Pressure: Not available.

Vapor Density: Not available.

Evaporation Rate:

Viscosity: Not available.

Boiling Point: Not available.

Freezing/Melting Point:Not available.

Decomposition Temperature:Not available.

Solubility: Insoluble in water.

Specific Gravity/Density:Not available.

Molecular Formula:Not applicable.

Molecular Weight:

Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.

Conditions to Avoid: Moisture.

Incompatibilities with Other Materials: None reported.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Irritating and toxic fumes and

gases.

Hazardous Polymerization: Has not been reported.

Section 11 - Toxicological Information

RTECS#:

CAS# 1302-78-9: CT9450000

LD50/LC50:

Not available.

Carcinogenicity:

CAS# 1302-78-9: Not listed by ACGIH, IARC, NIOSH, NTP, or OSHA.

Epidemiology: Experimental tumorigenic data has been reported.

Teratogenicity: No data available.

Reproductive Effects: No data available.

Neurotoxicity: No data available.

Mutagenicity: No data available.Other Studies: No data available.

Section 12 - Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not available.

Environmental Fate: Not available.

Physical/Chemical: Not available.

Other: Not available.

Section 13 - Disposal Considerations


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Dispose of in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local

regulations.

RCRA D-Series Maximum Concentration of Contaminants: None listed.

RCRA D-Series Chronic Toxicity Reference Levels: None listed.

RCRA F-Series: None listed.

RCRA P-Series: None listed. RCRA U-Series: None listed.

Section 14 - Regulatory Information

US FEDERAL

TSCA

CAS# 1302-78-9 is listed on the TSCA inventory.

Health & Safety Reporting List

None of the chemicals are on the Health & Safety Reporting List.

Chemical Test Rules None of the chemicals in this product are under a Chemical Test

Rule.

Section 12b

None of the chemicals are listed under TSCA Section 12b.

TSCA Significant New Use Rule

None of the chemicals in this material have a SNUR under TSCA.

SARA

Section 302 (RQ)

None of the chemicals in this material have an RQ.

Section 302 (TPQ)

None of the chemicals in this product have a TPQ.

Section 313 No chemicals are reportable under Section 313.

Clean Air Act:

This material does not contain any hazardous air pollutants. This

material does not contain any Class 1 Ozone depletors. This material

does not contain any Class 2 Ozone depletors.

Clean Water Act:

None of the chemicals in this product are listed as Hazardous

Substances under the CWA. None of the chemicals in this product are

listed as Priority Pollutants under the CWA. None of the chemicals

in this product are listed as Toxic Pollutants under the CWA.

OSHA:

None of the chemicals in this product are considered highly

hazardous by OSHA.STATE

CAS# 1302-78-9 is not present on state lists from CA, PA, MN, MA,

FL, or NJ.

California No Significant Risk Level: None of the chemicals in this

product are listed. European/International Regulations

European Labeling in Accordance with EC Directives

Hazard Symbols:

Not available.

Risk Phrases:


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