SUBJECT: DETONATION-TYPE SEISMIC SURVEYING (FOR DRILL SITES AND PIPELINES
(Please distribute this information to all landowners and also share with local and county government officials.)
Prior to drilling, companies may use detonation-type seismic surveying to determine the best place to drill.
If you see someone on your property planning to do seismic surveying, ask them, “Will you be setting off explosives?” If yes,
Demand to see all of the following documentation, which must be on site:
· Truck with placard: Danger – explosive. (Red sign with explosive symbol) · Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF&E)
o Permit to purchase and possess explosives.
o License to detonate such explosives. · ODNR - Training Certificate to Handle Explosives. · ODNR permit to USE EXPLOSIVES (different from seismic testing permit) on a plot by plot basis. · Photo ID · Proof of liability insurance (and hopefully a bond – which would directly cover damages)
They must also provide sufficient prior notification: · 72-hour prior notification via mail, personal contact with landowner or legal notice in newspaper · Prior notification to the sheriff’s department
Additionally, if ODNR’s permit says “Survey”, then the company must have an Ohio Licensed Surveyor on site. The Surveyor must have a: · Photo ID · Ohio Licensed Surveyor ID · Name of the company on BATF&E license has to match the surveyor’s employer’s identification (through company’s photo ID or letter of introduction)
If the company can’t provide all the above information, · Call the sheriff’s department · Call the regional BATF&E office, 800-800-3855 · Ask that the company leave your property immediately
To protect yourself and your property, photograph everything: licenses, IDs, license plates, people’s images, work as it progresses.
Information provided by retired engineer and surveyor, Jerry Smith, PhD