Slurry Injection

Our protection goes deep

Our patented, best-in-class slurry injection process is the most cost-efficient and environmentally secure way to permanently isolate waste. We accept all RCRA-exempt, non-hazardous liquid and slurry waste streams, which are injected into carefully selected geological strata, thousands of feet below the Earth's surface. These permeable strata are capped by massive impermeable layers of rock and shale, blocking any possible migration up into our vital water resources.

For example, E&P companies pump drilling mud down the drill string to lubricate the bit during downhole rotation. Drilling mud is comprised of an oil or water base, emulsifiers, brine, dispersants, and/or gels. As the bit rotates, circulation and pressure of the fluid system moves rock fragments up the wellbore to the surface, where it is processed in a nearby reserve pit (or in a series of storage and separation tanks in a “closed-loop” regulatory system). Approximately 20% of drilling mud is recycled back into the fluid system for future use. Depending on the jurisdiction, the remainder is either disposed of onsite via reserve pit or land farming, or it is transported to a permitted disposal facility.

Reliable, safe, and compliant engineering for full assurance

We design our slurry injection facilities to go above and beyond in making sure waste is safely isolated deep below the Earth’s surface. Aſter drilling the injection well, we install multiple layers of steel casing and cement them in place, creating an impermeable barrier between the wellbore and surrounding groundwater and strata. We also perform regular maintenance and testing of the facility, and monitor the surrounding groundwater, to ensure wellbore integrity remains intact.

Milestone’s state-of-the-art Class II slurry injection facilities are designed to handle waste that is primarily liquid. Our surface equipment extracts a small fraction of incidental solids from the mud and slurry volume we receive, which we send to our landfills or others nearby. Our landfills handle both incidental solid and liquid waste streams. To prevent leakage at our landfills, we utilize advanced liner technologies and monitoring systems. Liquid waste delivered to the facilities also undergoes a dehydration or bulking process before disposal.

We have focused on carbon solutions since day one

Since its inception, Milestone has helped businesses reduce their carbon impact, long before this issue gained the urgency it has today. Our locations are meticulously chosen to deliver the best customer convenience and environmental protection. Our surface handling procedures are state-of-the-art, and our wells are engineered and constructed to perform and last. Our slurry injection process has a highly efficient carbon footprint, reducing the need for customers to purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions and helping customers potentially avoid penalties because of excessive emissions. Milestone simply offers the most cost-effective, environmentally secure waste management option.