Design elements include surface tanks, underground storage caverns, rail lines, truck racks, elevating platforms, pumps and meter systems, scales, manifolds, control rooms, loading arms, grounding equipment and overfill protection, stairs and gangways, terminal automation systems, docks, jetties, fire protection systems and security systems.
We have also designed and constructed numerous brine ponds throughout the Gulf Coast area. Salt caverns are constructed by dissolving salt deposits underground and extracting the brine solution into a holding pond. Brine storage ponds need to be lined to prevent leakage and potential contamination of aquifers, and their construction requires expertise in permitting, erosion and sedimentation control, earthen berm construction, voluminous dirt movement, pond liners, sump pumps, piping, leak detection and degasification systems—all WSP areas of expertise.
In addition, dissolving salt from a subsurface formation requires injection of large amounts of water using high-horsepower pumps. During solution mining or leaching, raw water is injected through the hanging string into the salt formation. Water movement is accomplished through a leaching plant, which consists of two banks of pumps: one for pumping the raw water and another for disposing of brine. We offer extensive experience in the design, construction and operation of these plants.
