Effects of Brine Disposal on Benthic Communities Off Freeport, Texas

Brine (250 ppt) derived from solution mining the Bryan Mound salt dome located near Freeport, Texas, was discharged into the Gulf of Mexico through a series of vertical pipes collectively called the "diffuser". Disposal of brine had no apparent effect on either bottom water temperature or dissolved oxygen. However, salinity of the bottom water and pore water in the vicinity of the diffuser was increased above ambient levels as much as 3 ppt. The brine did not appear to effect a change in numbers of species collected near the diffuser, nor did the amphipod populations (which are relatively sensitive to pollution) appear to be affected. However, abundances of organisms may have been altered.