HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9199 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9199
ATE To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 23, 2010
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• SUBJECT: SEISMIC SURVEYS
Members of the City Council recently inquired about increased seismic survey activity related to gas
drilling in the Barnett Shale. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the seismic survey
process.
Seismic surveys are used by geoscientists to determine the potential for oil and gas production. Scientists
transmit sound waves through the earth to image or"map" the geologic formations underlying the surface.
Typically seismic surveys are done prior to exploration. However, in most areas of Fort Worth, gas
operators pursued leasing in a competitive environment prior to performing these surveys.
The actual survey involves several pieces of equipment. A grid of small geophones, remote seismic
recorders and cables are placed on the ground surface in a neighborhood. The smaller pieces of
equipment are used to receive and record sound wave information. The sound waves are produced using
a vibrator truck.
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Vibrator Truck
Seismic surveys are temporary events and do not pose health or safety concerns and are not harmful to
property. The Gas Drilling Ordinance requires an operator to notify the Gas Well Inspector 10 days before
activity begins and to post signs providing a 24-hour phone number of the person conducting the activities
A map has been included that shows the general area of the City currently being surveyed. The area has
been divided into three phases scheduled to begin in the north and work southward. The operator
informed staff that approximately 22,000 mailed notices were sent according to the following schedule:
Phase 1 December 26, 2009
Phase 2 February 2, 2010
Phase 3 February 10, 2010
In addition, over 12,000 door hangers and 200 signs have been placed providing contact information as
required by the ordinance.
Additional questions related to seismic surveys or any other gas related issue may be directed to Rick
Trice at (817) 392-7959.
Dale A. Fiss
E.
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
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