How Environmentally Sound Are They?

In addition to being the lowest-cost way to store crude oil, salt dome caverns are the most environmentally safe method as well. Salt dome caverns are the most environmentally safe method for containing it. Salt dome caverns do not leak. At depths that range from approximately 2000 to 4000 feet, the salt walls of the storage caverns are “self-healing.” Extreme geologic pressures make the salt walls rock hard, and should any cracks develop in the walls, they are closed naturally.

Protection from Natural Disasters

Situated far beneath the earth, the crude oil stored within salt dome caverns is safe from natural disasters such as hurricanes, lightning strikes, and floods that are so prevalent along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Even with winds of 150 mph, the cavern and its precious contents are unaffected. These underground storage facilities provide far superior safety and environmental protection than steel and concrete tank farms above ground, which are susceptible to natural disasters. Furthermore, salt dome caverns present optimal protection from any criminal activities or other manmade threats.

See why Salt Domes are the most efficient method for storing crude oil