Natural gas was released in late 2010 from an underground storage cavern resulting in natural gas injected under pressure into drinking water aquifers overlying the storage cavern.
The site poses unique challenges due to the depth of the aquifers, the stratigraphic sequences of aquifers and aquitards overlying the storage cavern, and the dual phase presence of methane in multiple aquifers.
- Developed the site conceptual model for migration on methane in a dual phase system, involving migration of natural gas updip in the gas phase and downgradient as a groundwater solute;
- Completed geophysical log interpretation and geologic interpretation to develop aquifer structure model over several mile area;
- Developed novel sampling techniques that enabled sampling of free phase gas at depth, while maintaining in-situ pressures needed to prevent loss of gas during sampling;
- Developed novel field screening method for determining methane concentrations in groundwater from pumped wells;
- Currently conducting and overseeing groundwater sampling at the facility including monitoring, industrial, and private water supply wells;
- Interpreted gas isotope data to investigate gas sources;
- Prepared annual and periodic reports on groundwater conditions for oversight agencies and public information; and
- Oversaw shallow seismic survey directed at identifying free phase gas in shallow aquifers.
SSP&A continues to work with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to manage monitoring oversight and long-term management of this facility.
Project Details
Highlights:
Categories:
Team:
Gallery
