Columbia’s deteriorating salt dome getting attention from city council

January 6, 2026 Dilipadmin Mid-Missouri News
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Columbia Public Works says its aging salt dome has active roof leaks, is missing multiple shingles and has other issues.

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Columbia Public Works says this shingle was torn from the salt dome’s roof by recent high winds (January 5, 2026 photo courtesy of Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan)

Public Works says the 20-year-old salt dome is deteriorating and has “reached the end of its useful life.” The city council has first-read a bill that would transfer $100,000 from one capital improvement project account to another to fund the project. The bill is expected to be approved at the next council meeting in January.

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A salt delivery truck makes a delivery to Columbia’s salt dome on January 5, 2026 (photo courtesy of Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan)

Public Works says the salt dome’s deterioration has been accelerated by the harsh chemical environment created by the salt storage.