Underground natural gas storage project in Picacho basin

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission continues to evaluate a plan to create caverns in the Picacho basin salt deposit to hold natural gas for use during peak periods.  The plan by Arizona Natural Gas Storage LLC, would dissolve the salt and evaporate the brine in surface ponds.     There have been a couple of public meetings in the region where some questions were raised about the salt deposits.

FERC is now requiring the company to consider has asked the company for information on why they are not considering underground injection of the brine in deep saline aquifers as an alternative.  The injected water is expected to be fresher than the existing water but ADEQ rules treat all underground aquifers as if they are potential fresh water supplies.   [updated 4-26-10, 14:53]