Fun Facts About Salt Caverns

How many underground natural gas salt caverns are in the United States?

At this writing, within the United States, there are approximately 36 total underground natural gas salt cavern facilities. The majority of these facilities are on the Gulf Coast.*

*SOURCE: U.S. Department of Transportation / Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

What is the percentage of total underground storage capacity in Salt Caverns?

Approximately 7% of the total underground natural gas storage capacity is in Salt Caverns.*

*SOURCE: U.S. Department of Transportation / Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

What is the world’s largest underground salt mine?

Located 1,800 feet under Lake Huron, Compass Minerals’ Goderich salt mine is the largest salt mine. The salt was deposited 400 million years ago by the ocean that covered the Great Lakes Basin.

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Is there a difference between a Salt Cavern and a Salt Mine?

  • The major purpose of a SALT CAVERN is storage

  • The main purpose of a SALT MINE is the manufacture of salt

Difference No. 1: Method of Creation

  • SALT CAVERNS are made by dissolving salt and creating a hollow area

  • SALT MINES are made by manually removing solid salt.

Difference No. 2: Structure

  • SALT CAVERNS are more homogeneous and contained

  • SALT MINES have more intricate and erratic tunnel networks

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