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Cimarex Energy Co. Delilah Cable-Only 3-D Seismic Survey
Big Thicket National Preserve » Cimarex Energy Co. Delilah Cable-Only 3-D Seismic Survey » Document List
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. subsection 9.52(a), the Superintendent of Big Thicket National Preserve (Preserve) gives notice that Cimarex Energy Co. (Cimarex) has submitted a draft Plan of Operations to conduct a "cable-only" three-dimensional (3D) seismic survey within the Lance Rosier and Little Pine Island-Pine Island Bayou Corridor Units (units) of the Preserve. The proposed operations area is shown on the attached figure. Upon determining the Plan of Operations substantially complete, the Superintendent will publish a notice of availability of the Plan of Operations in the Federal Register for a 30-day public review period.
Cimarex's proposed operations within the Units are part of the 76-square mile Delilah 3-D seismic survey. Approximately 5.4 square miles of the survey would overlap the Preserve. The proposed data collection would be accomplished using acoustic reflection methodology, where sources of vibration would be 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 proposes to use "cable-only" methodology within the Preserve. This means that no shot holes would be drilled and no explosive charges would be detonated inside the Units. Operations in the units would begin with the surveying of locations for receiver placement. Recording operations would 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 would be supported by helicopter. No off-road vehicle use would be permitted in the units. A minimal amount of vegetation would be trimmed to permit passage by foot down the receiver lines.
At this time, the Preserve is announcing a 30-day public scoping period to solicit public comments on this proposal prior to completing environmental impact analysis. We invite you to participate in this scoping process. Please click on the 'Document List' link to the left to review and comment on a scoping brochure regarding the project.
Biologist, Oil and Gas Program Manager
National Park Service
Big Thicket National Preserve
6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625
409-951-6822
409-951-6868 fax
Cimarex's proposed operations within the Units are part of the 76-square mile Delilah 3-D seismic survey. Approximately 5.4 square miles of the survey would overlap the Preserve. The proposed data collection would be accomplished using acoustic reflection methodology, where sources of vibration would be 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 proposes to use "cable-only" methodology within the Preserve. This means that no shot holes would be drilled and no explosive charges would be detonated inside the Units. Operations in the units would begin with the surveying of locations for receiver placement. Recording operations would 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 would be supported by helicopter. No off-road vehicle use would be permitted in the units. A minimal amount of vegetation would be trimmed to permit passage by foot down the receiver lines.
At this time, the Preserve is announcing a 30-day public scoping period to solicit public comments on this proposal prior to completing environmental impact analysis. We invite you to participate in this scoping process. Please click on the 'Document List' link to the left to review and comment on a scoping brochure regarding the project.
Contact Information
Haigler "Dusty" PateBiologist, Oil and Gas Program Manager
National Park Service
Big Thicket National Preserve
6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625
409-951-6822
409-951-6868 fax