Drill Fluid spillage.

Spills were minor in 1998. This is not a environmental problem as this material comprises sea water and biodegradable products. In the colder part of the season spills on the sea ice surface froze and were shovelled up and either dumped through the ice hole or taken to the surface dumping area or reused if the product was clean. The problem is that later in the season when ice temperatures have warmed the saline enriched fluid is corrosive on and penetrates the sea ice causing premature weakening of the sea ice structure. We should consider ways to capture/divert spilt drill fluid in the cellar floor area to maintain the integrity of the ice directly under the drill rig.