Shale, mudstone, and claystone as potential host rocks for underground emplacement of waste

In this report, the suitability of the argillaceous formations in the conterminous United States as host rocks for underground waste emplacement is reviewed in terms of available geologic information. The strata are considered mainly according to their dimensions, Depth, composition, permeability, structural and seismic history, and to the extent of drilling in the area. Shale, mudstone, and claystone of marine origin in areas of little structural deformation and seismic risks are generally the most promising. These include the Ohio Shale of Devonian age in northern Ohio and the Devonian-Mississippian Ellsworth Shale and Mississippian Coldwater Shale in Michigan. In-the Rocky Mountain states, the Pierre Shale and other thick shales of Late Cretaceous age are also potential host rocks.