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Permalink Reply by Steven A Joliat on July 13, 2012 at 6:48am

A 3D seismic survey is the current method for determining the depth, thickness and surface configuration (similar to the surface topography,) of the geologic reservoir which contains the oil and gas.  Other information useful to planning wells is also gained from this process.  It is similar to earlier methods in that seismic waves are produced at the surface either from shallow shotholes loaded with small amounts of explosives, or the large vibrator trucks.  These waves pass downward through the rock and are reflected back to the surface where they are recorded by devices called geophones, (think microphone).  The time it takes for these waves to travel is what is recorded and interpreted using a lot of computer power.  What you will likely see at the ground surface are the geophones and cables connecting them to a recording truck about the size of a small RV.  The geophones and cable are laid out in a set pattern and may requiore some brush cutting in wooded areas.  If they drill shotholes on your property there can be some surface disturbance, (ruts and mud, or other similar to drilling a water well).  The big vibrator trucks usually stay on roads, but offroad they can tear things up about as much as a timber cut would.  Usually you can negotiate conditions for access that compensate for any surface damage.  Send me a message and I can send you a copy of the agreement I negotiated.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Tarr on July 14, 2012 at 2:14am

  We just had one completed the end of 2011 (Nov). They used a wireless (Radio) system, so no wires running allover the place. Didn't get any compensation, was part of our lease. It took about 6 months form start to finish. They kept us well informed when they were going to be on our property and what was going on. Even got a picnic and live demonstration of what under ground explosive was going to be like. Only thing left now are a few survey stakes and small trails to explosive sites. Very pleased with their operations.

It was Aguila that did our seismic survey.

Do you have a lease? If so have them get a letter stating that it's for your company. Than tell them what you want. Road access, setback for charges from house,water well, septic system etc......

If you don't have a lease I would not let them do the Survey. Why let them see what you have before a lease.

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Permalink Reply by Linda A on July 14, 2012 at 7:40am

Thanks Tim.

We only own surface - grandfather was in coal business in '60's and sold off mineral rights when he retired and only saved 2.2 acres for 'fun'.  He sold the remaining almost 2k to the PA state game commission, which boarders this little corner, 'piece of the rock'...

So, your comment leads to another question - do they normally do this test on property they are interested in leasing?  (we have a few acres here in NW PA)  How many acres does one test cover or perhaps a better question is this - if you own 100 acres it covers the entire acreage?  Is this test common practice for those interested in leasing?

Operator is Setel, Inc. but they had Gateway Permit Services, LLC send us the permit to sign, along with a questionnaire.  Called contact on Friday, but no return call as of yet.

Should we expect compensation for them entering our land?  And, since the game commission owns on two sides, road on third side, and very small parcel then another road off the main road, not sure they would even need to come on our property.   They must think otherwise, thus the request for permission.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Kathleen on July 14, 2012 at 8:18am

We live in Ohio and received 3 dollars an acre or a flat fee of 25 dollars if you only owned a couple of acres, for the study here which is on going and so far no bother to us or our land. They will be using wires and explosives here and so far I haven't seen any major disturbances to the land where they put the charges. I was told they are about the size of a can of soda.
A week or so ago they came in with a helicopter to dropped the sound wave recorders attached to wires in big bundles, which my 8 year old and I thought was a bunch of fun. Even that lasted no more than a couple of minutes.
Here they flagged who gave permission and no flags where no permission was given. The first flags were placed the Tuesday after the Super Bowl so this process seems very slow. They than placed different color flags to show if septic tanks were close or wells, so they are keeping the ribbon co. in business. It seems if you are small they will just go around you if you don't agree to the study and not bug you to much to sign but I guess every company could be different. This company was working for Chesapeake who has almost everyone in my area leased.
This company may be selling this information later for millions so you should get paid too. On this board I've read others received 5 dollars an acre but if you look around you may find a higher amount.
Again we have had no problems with this and have found it very interesting.

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Permalink Reply by Linda A on July 14, 2012 at 8:34am

thank you Kathleen, for your input and information.  Always trying to learn from others... :)

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Permalink Reply by Tom Brian on July 14, 2012 at 10:38am

Have shot holes and recorders in my wood lot at this time other than extra traffic on the ATV trail ribbons and stakes no big deal, the have held up on drilling here until the area is mapped so they find the exact location of the sweet spot and any under ground shifts in the shale line. Nope you will not get paid unless getting a better well faster with a better payout counts. when they are done they take every thing with them so i see no problem.

 

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Permalink Reply by Linda A on July 14, 2012 at 11:53am

thanks Tom  BTW, this property is in Indiana County, PA

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Permalink Reply by LW on July 14, 2012 at 4:28pm

We had the same as Kathleen, but about $5 an acre a few years ago. I accidently came too close to a wire in the tall grass with the lawn tractor. Within 5 minutes a team was there to fix it while I was still trying to figure out who to call. We were suppose to get results sent to us, but that never happened.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Tarr on July 15, 2012 at 12:59am

Linda

   We're in S.W. Pa, Washington county, Buffalo Twp.

   The seismic they did here covered 100 square miles, covered our Township and parts of 2 or 3 others. I've seen in our local paper, same company is doing another this year.

I don't think they have any problem filling in data for "small" gaps. There is a 10 acre parcel next to Us that didn't allow them to shoot their land. When I asked Aguila about that they said it wasn't a problem.

  Happy to help where I can.

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