Fall Edition of Surface Owners’ News Discusses 3D Seismic Surveys

by Duane Nichols on October 10, 2011

WVSORO working session

WVSORO first was asked about 3D seismic surveys in early 2010 when Chesapeake Energy hired Dawson Geophysical to do seismic testing there. It has been a learning process. What we learned during that process is now described on the WVSORO web-site. The experience of one owner who signed a permit for Dawson is on a web page.

ION Technology is now doing seismic testing in Preston County. They are working for a number of companies that own mineral rights in the area, including the entity that will own mineral rights if the “Preston County Alliance” deal goes through. Like the Dawson outfit that did Upshur County, it appears that rather than doing title work in the courthouse deed room, they are using the surface tax map data and sending permit request to the people who get the property tax bills for the tracts indicated on the surface tax maps.

According to ION, they will first send in surveyors who will use GPS (Global Positioning System satellite sensors) to locate the places where their technicians have decided the seismic shots should occur. Next they will send in people with drills to drill the shot holes, often by helicopter or a rubber tracked “doodle bug” — something like a bobcat. The shot holes will be 25 feet deep and 3 inches around.  Then, geophones are placed to detect the shock wave that bounces off the rocks deep in the ground. Ammonium nitrate-based explosives are typically used at the bottom of the hole.

There is an addendum to the permit that the Preston County Alliance folks have negotiated. It does directly agree to repair or reimburse any land owner at fair market value for any damages that would occur. The WVSORO web-site has much more information and discussion on this and related topics.

Further, a substantial source of information on Marcellus shale development is contained in the New York State draft supplemental environmental assessment.  It is available here ….

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