Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) additional geological site characterization studies, Big Hill Salt Dome, Texas
The salt mass at Big Hill dome, Texas, has been characterized using information from 28 wells that were drilled in preparation for solution mining of fourteen new 11.5 MMBBL caverns for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Beneath an exceptionally thick caprock (/approximately/1350 ft), the salt is very pure, with an average anhydrite content of about 1.7%, and only minor shale and sylvite along the southern tier of caverns. Anhydrite distribution between holes is correlative on the density logs, revealing two distinct spines in the salt mass. These are separated by a north-northeast- trending shear zone that is structurally aligned with the High Island -- Spindletop salt ridge and parallels the Hackberry Embayment, a major Gulf Coast feature. The shear zone appears to displace the caprock down to the east by as much as 100 ft. Additional cavern space along the western and southern boundaries cannot be ruled out until further exploration is completed. Other space is available to the north, and probably has better potential for expansion. The results further substantiate the conclusions of the original geological site characterization report (SAND81-1045) that the site is geologically superior for SPR cavern development. 10 figs., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6134028
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-88-2267; ON: DE89010537
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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