A large proportion of wastes  generated in drilling operations are water based wastes and minimal recycle and re-use plagues the industry as less than 5 % of WB wastes are recycled

As unconventional resources come the fore more water resources are needed in their exploitation or produced in the exploitation of these resources (CBM).

Subsurface reach has increased by over 6400% in the last 30 years though rig sizes have reduced significantly thereby negating gains made in footprint reduction due to impoundments needed to hold waste.

This increase in subsurface reach has made uneconomical viable environmental treatment options such as bioremediation, composting, land applications, thermal treatment. (favors injection)