Evaluation of Area Studies of the U.S. Gulf coast Salt Dome Basins

Results of the evaluation of data from area studies in salt domes of the interior basins of the Gulf Coast region are presented, along with background information about salt domes, the site qualification process, and data collection and analysis methods; discussions of the geologic and environmental data obtained for the eight salt domes under investigation during area studies; and analysis of the data according to preestablished criteria. Applicable data are synthesized to differentiate among the domes.<br/>Three recommendations are presented: (1) to eliminate one dome from further study because of a safety flaw; (2) to eliminate three domes from further study for failure to meet site performance criteria; and (3) to continue further studies at the four domes assessed as acceptable in meeting the site performance criteria.<br/>This report and supporting technical documents form the basis for planning location studies at the domes to be further evaluated. Such studies involve all technical participants and the states and localities where the recommended domes are located.<br/>The report was compiled for the U.S. Department of Energy by the Office of Nuclear Waste Isolation, managed by the Project Management Division of Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio.