In October 1999 the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) developed the first version of the Norsk olje og gass document "A Guidance Document for Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterisation of Offshore Drill Cuttings Piles". Norsk olje og gass issued Version 2 of this document in May 2000 with amendments agreed upon by the Norsk olje og gass Steering Group, NIVA, NGI and Rogaland Research (RF).
During the recent UKOOA R&D JIP on drill cuttings the knowledge about cuttings piles has increased. It was therefore found appropriate to further develop the characterisation guidelines into a practicable management tool in line with this new knowledge.
The Norsk olje og gass working group for handling of drill cuttings has been responsible for the update. RF has contributed with valuable input and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has had the secretariat function during development of these guidelines.