Environmental Impact Related to our Projects​

From their first use in 1928 surface seismic survey data are acquired with both source and receiver, which is essentially done on the surface of the earth. In the past, common practice has been to produce a signal into the earth, which is generated by setting off an explosive charge in small holes drilled into the surface or by using a hydraulic Vibroseis (large truck mounted vibrators that shake the earth or that physically strikes the ground). Sound energy generated by the source propagates in all directions, but the useful energy is that which travels down, reflects at layer interfaces, and comes back up to the receivers. The receiver records data as wiggles with amplitude that varies with time; and through processing these are turned into an image of the reflectors.

The earth is a fragile eco-system. To protect it from any adverse effects from our operations, GEI has developed and implemented an action plan to make sure our operations have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.

As a seismic data acquisition contractor, our entire operation has been redesigned from the ground up. We have pioneered and are the only contracting firm to specialize in low impact and environmentally friendly high-resolution seismic sources.  We have done away with the need for the use of explosives and high impact large vehicles, making GEI the only seismic data acquisition contractor to specialize in remote area portability. Flat out, we do the work that the others can’t or won’t, because this is what we are designed to do and that is our mission.

GEI has extensive experience in applying low impact seismic techniques and environmental impact mitigation measures such as:

Avoiding sensitive areas and times
Using no highway type vehicles in any of our field operations and implementing the use of proprietary, environmentally friendly, light weight field equipment and practices specifically designed by GEI and never before considered in the industry.

 

GEI implements the use of the following types of specific light weight, low impact equipment:

Equipment:

1.    Energy source comprised of a source vehicle (Kubota RTV 900 light weight, low impact) and a nitrogen accelerated weight drop. This unit leaves very little to no impact on the ground surface.

2.    New technology, light weight seismic cables manually deployed (neck rolled) and resting only on the surface of the ground.

3.    Sensors or geophones consisting of only single light weight units and utilizing a three inch long by one quarter inch wide spike.

Note: Most work involving deployment and retrieval is done by hand and on foot making every attempt at initializing a “one time through”, low environmental impact operation.

 

Field Operations:

Field operations start with a responsible plan of operation beginning with a ground survey and station layout of the line, which is done by personnel on foot. This involves careful consideration regarding terrain and environmentally sensitive areas such as wet area’s and ground cover. The seismic line generally consists of a “given” number of stations at a “given” foot spacing, and involves: lightweight cable (1/4 inch diameter), recording geophones that sit on the surface of the ground (2 inch in diameter), a small lightweight recording unit every 6th station (6” inch square by 3 inch thick and radio transmitted). The deployment and retrieval of the “seismic line layout” is always done by hand. The transportation to the areas of layout is always by lightweight, low impact ATVs (we never use highway vehicles such as trucks during field operations). The use of ATVs allow for great mobility between terrain and brush. The impact or “source” is dependent upon specific needs and could range from our 20 pound sledge hammer to one of our larger proprietary sources such as the Nitro 200 or 450 all-terrain systems; they are low impact and small (about 4.6’ x 8’ Nitro 200), the impact energy source consists of a nitrogen spring which propels a 200  or 450 pound weight onto a stationary “plate”, The “plate” is lightweight aluminum (24”x12” x ½” Nitro 200, 36” round Nitro 450) and is carefully positioned at each station along the line. When struck, this plate transfers high frequency signal into the earth with little to no surface disturbance. It takes just a few minutes per station and typically leaving only a quarter inch dimple in the soil. Our larger source (Nitro 450) is a rubber track unit

The disturbance from our operation is minimal and usually consists of nothing more than two narrow, barely visible tracks about 36 inches apart. We stay within our tracks if a second trip is required. Within a short period of time, or after a rain or two, it can be very difficult to find evidence of our short visit to the area. Our larger transport vehicles are always stationary and stored at an environmentally safe staging area. Other than standard fuel and lubricants, which are dispensed within our staging area.

If there are any further questions or photo’s needed please feel free to contact us.