Reserve Pit
Definition - What does Reserve Pit mean?
Reserve pits are storage pits dug near drilling sites for the purpose of holding drilling mud and wastewater from drilling operations. This prevents the harmful additives in the waste water from seeping into the earth and contaminating groundwater. The reserve pits are lined with a special pit liner that prevents contaminants from seeping into the ground.
On completion of drilling activities the reserve pit is fenced to prevent access to wildlife or livestock till the pit is reclaimed.
Trenchlesspedia explains Reserve Pit
Reserve pits help the solids and drill cuttings present in the drill mud to settle. The fluid then can be used to pump into the wellbore in case of emergency. It also helps in reducing the volume of wastewater by evaporation that occurs naturally thus reducing the disposal volume.
The solids can be transferred to authorized landfills intermediately or at the end of the drilling operation. In some cases, the solids are buried in the same pit after the liquid has evaporated.
