Comment

Comment by Deb on October 21, 2012 at 10:53am

Hello,

I just found this great site and joined.  I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is anything happening as far as companies looking for marcellus sites in the Dayton, Smicksburg area?  In particular along the dayton-smicksburg road, closer to Dayton?  Any feedback would be appreciated.

Comment by Hunter on October 15, 2012 at 11:26pm

Hi Dennis, welcome.  Leases for seismic testing are being signed now by landowners in both Jefferson County and Armstrong County, probably others as well.  It appears that the big gas companies may be getting ready for exploration should gas prices rise, and if an energy-friendly president is elected this fall.  It appears that the testing will begin after hunting season ends. 

Comment by Dennis L. McKinley on October 12, 2012 at 8:06am

First timer. I have signed to have sissmic to be done spring 2013. Agreement last no longer than 18 months. I'm interested in knowing and learning if theirs gas or oil.

Who would be interested in buying my soft timber (red pine, white pine, Norway spruce, larch and some hardwoods? Have contacted several lumber mills in the area. (no response yet) Before testing is done, 84 acres. All suggestion helpful. 

Comment by DEER HUNTER on August 30, 2012 at 9:38am

Does anybody know how much gas/oil rights are worth in armstrong county ? per acre ?

Comment by Thomas Duringer on July 30, 2012 at 4:26am

Does anyone have any information on XTO 's drilling in South Buffalo Township?

Comment by Hunter on July 27, 2012 at 7:17am

Correction to previous post...300' buffer zones, not 100'.

Comment by Hunter on July 27, 2012 at 7:14am

Bob Poorman, permit agent for ION was just here so I asked many questions.  Here are some of the details...As mentioned in an earlier comment, they have been contracted by the big gas companies to validate and improve the thumper truck data taken earlier.  Charges are dynamite, but what they call a seismic charge which I took as a lesser detonation.  Thumper trucks are not used.  All is wireless so no lines strung across the ground.  They first send a survey crew to locate buffer zones, which are 100' circles around buildings, water sources (wells, springs) and anything else where they will not detonate charges.  Then a "buggy crew" shows up to clear underbrush where the grid is laid out for the charges.  A shredding machine clears about a 4' wide path so the buggies can get to the test holes and boxes that will sit next to the hole.  Boxes record the data.  Last, the detonation and test crew shows up to do the test.  Each phase could be 60 days between, so entire process might take 6 months to complete it all.  Data will be sold to the gas companies.  ION seemed willing to work with the landowner to gain the signature.  In my case, I told them I wanted a 5-acre buffer established around my water source.  He agreed and offered water testing before and after the test.  In the agreement, he will place language to replace my water source if damage to it results from testing.  Not comforting if water is lost, but it is insurance of sorts.  I also asked if they could do the seismic test either before hunting season, or after.  He is taking all of my concerns and wishes back to his bosses to lay out a plan that will work for me to sign.  However, he did say that under the current gas lease in place, they have the authority to test on leased ground without the landowner's permission if so stated in the gas lease.  They don't want to do that, but can if the pressure from the gas company is substantial.  Bottom line is they are willing to meet the landowners wishes prior to testing.  He is to bring me a revised permit agreement before I sign it.  

Comment by GEOMAN on July 26, 2012 at 3:15am

Rural-I do know that the charge is quite controlled and causes very little disturbance but without discussing with the seismic crews I am not 100% positive on a safe distance.  I would definitely address my concerns with the landmen and seismic company and pressure them to use the thumper trucks as much as possible as these will not harm your water source if it is a spring.  I will put a call to some guys I know and see if I can get a more concrete answer for you.

Comment by Hunter on July 25, 2012 at 11:48pm

Thanks for the info Geoman.  I have yet to talk directly to the ION (GX Technology) rep, so I can only relay to you what is in the permit request.  They will use thumper trucks on open land, and use explosive charges (not sure if dynamite or other charge) where trucks can't get to (woodlots, etc.).  My water source is a spring, so who knows where the water veins runs underground.  I am concerned that dynamite charges may alter the direction of flow of that water vein if done close to it.  There is no way for me to know where that water vein originates or the path it follows to my water holding tank.  If I knew those anwers, I could tell ION where I did not want the testing done.  Ultimately, my question is, what is the "safe minimum distance" for them to discharge explosives from where my water source emerges above ground.  If I knew that, I can tell them where to test with explosives, and where to use thumper trucks.  Otherwise, I will be guessing and may get it wrong. 

Comment by GEOMAN on July 24, 2012 at 5:16am

Do you know if they are planning on using dynamite for the seismic shoot, a thumper truck, or a combination of both.  Generally they will lay their lines out with shot holes every 110 ft but that depends on what they are trying to image, so it could be tighter spacing.  If they are using dynamite, they will drill 5-10 ft holes and load them with the dynamite.  There will be minimal disturbance and I would highly doubt they would use dynamite anywhere near a water well.  As far the the thumper trucks, they will run these along the shot lines and vibrate the ground every 110ft or so to record the sound waves through the ground.  For the most part it will only be a nuisance while they are doing the testing and in my experience there as been very little damage.  I hope this helps.

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