Analyzing of environmental impacts of natural gas storage technologies in salt caverns – the case of Sultanhanı Underground Natural Gas Storage facility

Within the scope of the study, it was aimed to analyze and analyze the environmental impacts that occurred during the construction works of the Tuz Gölü Natural Gas Storage Facility and the effects of the brine discharged into the Tuz Gölü on the Tuz Gölü. For this purpose, it was aimed to statistically evaluate the pH, Electrical Conductivity, Suspended Solids, Salinity, Dissolved Solids, Suspended Solids, Alkalinity, Sulfate, Chloride, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonium Nitrogen, Sodium, Magnesium and Calcium parameters in the brine samples taken monthly by the institution from the brine discharge point from the beginning of the discharge until 2023. The study aims to provide an environmental impact prediction for future projects. As a result of the study, it was understood that the analyzed parameters were in compliance with the samples taken from Tuz Gölü before the project and the pollutant parameter values were below those of Tuz Gölü. When the water samples were examined, calcium and dissolved solid values in the average values of all years were found to be 672,49 mg/L and 50000 mg/L in Tuz Gölü while 1222,47 mg/L and 54978,87 mg/L in the water samples, respectively. According to the analysis results, dissolved solids and calcium values are statistically significantly higher than the average of Tuz Lake. However, pH, electrical conductivity, suspended matter, sulfate, chloride, alkalinity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium nitrogen, sodium and magnesium values are statistically significantly lower than the average values of Tuz Gölü. According to these results, it is seen that the levels of pollutants are below the average of Tuz Lake and this difference is significant. Keywords: Environmental Impact, Natural Gas, Statistical Analysis, Water Quality, Tuz Gölü