Publications Details

Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) additional geologic site characterization studies, West Hackberry salt dome, Louisiana

Neal, J.T.

This report is a revision and update of the original geologic site characterization report that was published in 1980. Many of the topics addressed in the earlier report were predictive in nature and it is now possible to reexamine them some 12 years later, using the data from 17 new caverns and more than ten years of SPR storage experience. Revised maps of the salt configuration show on overhand and faults on the north side of the dome, defining more clearly the edge relationships with respect to the SPR caverns. Caprock faults may locally influence the pattern of subsidence, which is occurring primarily as a result of cavern creep closure. The greater subsidence rate occurring at West Hackberry will likely require mitigative action within a few years. Seismicity of low intensity recurs infrequently at West Hackberry, but a small earthquake in 1983 caused dish rattling in the immediate vicinity.