What would actually take place with seismic testing done at my house which is located in a subdivision? I have a note that was left on my door for a Geophysical Survey Permit. I contacted the town and they said it has to do with a company wanting to do seismic testing.
Michelle
I just received a letter asking for permission in Logan & Payne co to do geophysical seismic.
Has anyone in this area had any seismicgraph done?
I know they lay cable over the land and that goes into a large truck for reading. I was wondering if anyone had much damage and if they keep the gates closed.
Virginia
Michelle,
A seismic survey is a method of determining the structure of the subsurface geology. The basic theory is that a vibration (wave of energy) is initiated at the earth's surface which will travel throught the earth. Every time the density of a rock formation changes, a reflection of the energy is sent back to the surface where it is monitored by an array of geophones (listening devices, if you will). By correlating the time between the initial vibration and receiving the signal reflection, it is possible for geophysicists to determine the depth of the rock formation that reflected the energy. This allows them to map rock formations of interest and assist in the exploration for oil and gas.
There are two methods of initiating the energy signal at the surface. The first method is by drilling shallow holes and placing a small explosive charge in them (this is generally strictly regulated by the state and you should be able to find the regulations on your state oil and gas website). The second method of initiating the energy signal is with a large seismic truck. This truck has a large pad or "foot" that is lowered; the truck then "shakes" itself thus sending an energy signal to the ground.
A seismic company needs to have the surface owner's permission before conducting a survey. It might be worth calling the seismic company to inquire about the survey. Ask if they will be using charges or a seismic truck, how many holes they need to drill on your property, when they will be filled back in, how soon any surface damages will be repaired, etc.
Jason,
Thank you so much for the information on how seismic survey is being done. I remember the holes from a long time ago and lots of them weren't closed up and when the tractor hit it, that was fun.
Do you know if it hurt growing crops when they do this? I was told it didn't hurt then, that they would walk and lay cables on the ground only. The truck was on large tires, so it didn't hurt anything either.
They said they will only pay $10 per acre and this enclosed any damages from what I understand. Do you know what the going rate is for this kind of testing nowadays?
Thanks,
Virginia in Logan, Noble, Garfield, Woodward, etc.
Virginia,
I wish I could help you more. I'm an engineer and not a landman or lawyer and I really don't know what the going rate is for this surface use. I have never been on a seismic survey job (only worked with survey results) so I cannot say for certain what damages would be like.
You may have some luck contacting the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Here is a link to their site that discusses seismic surveys: www.occeweb.com/og/seismic(a).htm. Depending on your acreage position, $10/acre may or may not be a significant sum. If it is not significant, I believe you could always tell the survey company that they may not conduct the survey on your property. However, if you own the minerals under your acreage, it may be to your advantage to allow the survey, as it is one of the first steps in oil and gas exploration. It is always possible that it may results in the drilling of a well in the future.
The website above has phone numbers you can call to speak with the state about seismic surveys and what your rights are. Good luck. Sorry I wasn't more help.
Jason Stewart said:
Virginia,
I wish I could help you more. I'm an engineer and not a landman or lawyer and I really don't know what the going rate is for this surface use. I have never been on a seismic survey job (only worked with survey results) so I cannot say for certain what damages would be like.
You may have some luck contacting the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Here is a link to their site that discusses seismic surveys: www.occeweb.com/og/seismic(a).htm. Depending on your acreage position, $10/acre may or may not be a significant sum. If it is not significant, I believe you could always tell the survey company that they may not conduct the survey on your property. However, if you own the minerals under your acreage, it may be to your advantage to allow the survey, as it is one of the first steps in oil and gas exploration. It is always possible that it may results in the drilling of a well in the future.
The website above has phone numbers you can call to speak with the state about seismic surveys and what your rights are. Good luck. Sorry I wasn't more help.
Jason,
Thank you.
They are drilling a Horizontal well at the present time on 640 A spacing. I have 320 acres of that and it has had production for several years. That is why I was surprised when they wanted to do a seismic survey. They will be drilling 4 more wells in the area and the seismic survey aren't even working for the company that has my land lease or is drilling the wells.
I will check with OCC and see what they can tell me.
Thanks again.
Virginia