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Cimarex Energy Co. Sour Lake 3-D Seismic Survey
Big Thicket National Preserve » Cimarex Energy Co. Sour Lake 3-D Seismic Survey » Document List
Cimarex's operations within the Units are part of the 43-square mile Sour Lake 3-D seismic survey. Approximately 3 square miles of the survey overlaps the Preserve. The proposed data collection will be accomplished using acoustic reflection methodology, where sources of vibration are created and the resulting energy wave recorded at various points along a grid to develop an image of the subsurface in three dimensions. The vibrations would be created by the detonation of explosive charges loaded into a single hole drilled at each source point.
Cimarex will use "cable-only" methodology within the Preserve. This means that no shot holes will be drilled and no explosive charges will be detonated inside the Units. Operations in the Units will begin with the surveying of locations for receiver placement. Recording operations will follow. This phase of the operation consists of the layout of cables, geophones and batteries to record vibrations produced outside the Preserve, and the removal of this equipment. Recording operations will be supported by helicopter. No off-road vehicle use will be permitted in the Unit. Vegetation will be trimmed to permit passage by foot down the receiver lines. Cimarex requested, and was granted, a reduction in offset distances required by both the NPS nonfederal oil and gas regulations found at 36 CFR 9B and the Preserve's Oil and Gas Management Plan from watercourses in the project area due to the seleciton of cable-only methodology.
Cimarex began operations within the Preserve on January 5, 2007. Activities associated with the seismic survey were limited to the Lance Rosier Unit south of Black Creek within the proposed operations area. Operations concluded February 2, 2007.
Contact Information
SuperintendentBig Thicket National Preserve
Attn: Dusty Pate
6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77626