You are on page 1of 4

MATERIALS & WELDING GROUP

TECHNICAL NOTE : 130

DISCHARGE OF BIOCIDES OFFSHORE

JUNE 1995

D:\03 Tech Library\10 Subject Files\18 Formal Notes And Presentations\18-10 Technical Notes\TN-130 Discharge Of
Biocides.DOC
DISCHARGE OF BIOCIDES OFFSHORE

1. INTRODUCTION

Biocides are added to sealed dead spaces such as the flooded legs of jackets to kill the
bacteria contained in the seawater. The effect of these bacteria over the lifetime of a
structure has not been quantified but it is the belief of some operators that they could cause
significant pitting of structural steel. Some operators therefore require treatment of flooded
compartments with biocides whilst others have structures have been standing for many years
untreated.

The recommendations on the discharge of biocides into open sea water are currently in a
state of flux. This is of concern because biocides which it is currently acceptable to
discharge may not be permitted to be discharged in the future when the platform is
abandoned.

2. NOTIFICATION SCHEMES

The DTI currently administer a voluntary notification scheme based on testing the toxicity
of chemicals titled 'Notification for Selection of Chemicals to be Used Offshore'. This lists
chemicals in categories from 0 (no limits on discharge) to 4 (take care). Most of the
biocides we use (generally quaternary amines) are in group 1.

The above scheme is gradually being superseded by a new draft notification scheme - 'New
Notification Scheme for the Selection of Substances and Preparations to be Used Offshore'
issued in September 1994. This draft scheme requires that biocides are tested for features
such as their effect on the food chain as well as toxicity.

Following testing biocides will be categorised in groups with Group A being the most
hazardous and Group E relatively innocuous. The testing to the new requirements is being
carried out gradually. Biocides categorised under the old scheme will retain their existing
categories until the dates given below. After the cut-off date they will no longer be listed for
use in UK waters unless they have been tested and recategorised.

Old Category Cut-Off Date


4 1 January 1995
3 1 July 1995
2 1 July 1996
1 1 July 1997
0 1 July 1998

As the biocides that we use are in (old) categories 1 and 2 they have yet to be tested to the
new requirements.

D:\03 Tech Library\10 Subject Files\18 Formal Notes And Presentations\18-10 Technical Notes\TN-130 Discharge Of
Biocides.DOC Page 1 of 3
A single document covering all European coastal waters is currently in production. This is
to be entitled 'Chemical Hazard and Risk Manual' (CHARM). There is a meeting of the
committee scheduled for June '95, but no date set for issue. Once issued the CHARM
requirements will be mandatory.

D:\03 Tech Library\10 Subject Files\18 Formal Notes And Presentations\18-10 Technical Notes\TN-130 Discharge Of
Biocides.DOC Page 2 of 3
ADDENDUM A

Categories for chemical toxicity under DTI "notification for selection of chemicals to be used
offshore" scheme.

As stated above this scheme is being superseded. Within it the categories are as follows:-

Category 0 Unlimited limitations on discharge.


Category 1 Maximum 100 tonnes per year may be discharged.
Category 2 Maximum 10 tonnes per year may be discharged.
Category 3 Maximum 1 ton per year may be discharged.
Category 4 Any usage is to be notified.

ADDENDUM B

Categories within the new offshore chemical notification scheme (ONCS).

Group A All usage to be notified.


Group B Maximum 1 ton per year.
Group C Maximum 10 tonnes per year.
Group D Maximum 100 tonnes per year.
Group E Maximum 1000 tonnes per year.

The above scheme is that stated in "new notification scheme for the selection of substances and
preparations to be used offshore" MAFF, September 1994, as agreed in the EC Parcom Agreement.

INHIBITORS

It should be noted that chemical inhibitors as frequently used on offshore platforms may be in any
of the above categories. For example the following categories apply for common inhibitors:

Baker Cronox ML2427 Category 1


Nalco NAL1272 Category 2
Exxon Corexit 8453 Category 3

D:\03 Tech Library\10 Subject Files\18 Formal Notes And Presentations\18-10 Technical Notes\TN-130 Discharge Of
Biocides.DOC Page 3 of 3

You might also like