WorldWide Drilling Resource

Northern Plains Chapter of the ISEE President: Billy Obermire Tel: 307-689-0050 www.npcisee.org 29 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DECEMBER 2014 Black Hills Chapter of the ISEE President: Doug Hoy www.npcisee.org In Memoriam Bruce Wayne Palmer, Sr. (1954~2014) The International Association of Foundation Drilling sadly informed that Bruce Wayne Palmer, Sr., 60, of Woodstock, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2014. He was a great friend to many in the drilling industry, being a dedicated member of the NUMA Tool family for over 25 years. He was also a devoted family man, avid golfer, and fan of the New England Patriots. Bruce is survived by his wife of 34 years, April; children Bruce, Paul, Christeen, Dwayne, and Grady; 13 grandchildren; his mother Louise; and brothers Barry, Alan, and Wayne. The management and staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® would like to express their sincere condo- lences to Bruce’s family, friends, and colleagues. Preserving Environments with Low-Impact Techniques Compiled by Amy White, Associate Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Compared to the past, exploration companies are planning more carefully, using smaller equipment, and making use of lower-impact survey and clear- ing techniques. All of these practices use the best technology available to reduce surface impacts of seismic ex- ploration and minimize disruption to the environment. Best practices contribute to com- munity stability. When companies use best practices, they take a “triple bot- tom line” approach where economic, environmental, and social factors are all considered. In each of these areas, developers design best practices to keep communities’ well-being intact during resource exploration. With oilfield activity moving at an aggressive pace in the U.S., seismic data is fundamental. The geophysical process is an essential component in the search for oi l and gas. Through seismic surveys of the subsurface, geo- logists can pinpoint geological struc- tures indicating hydrocarbons. These surveys provide information crucial for determining probable sites for subse- quent drilling. Seismic exploration represents the first environmental impact in the cycle of oil and gas exploration and develop- ment. Best practices used during seis- mic exploration are designed to: k Minimize linear disturbance and division of habitats. k Lessen soil compaction and ero- sion. k Prevent damage to areas adja- cent to bodies of water. k Avoid soil and water quality im- pacts. k Minimize direct and indirect wildlife disturbance. Low-impact seismic techniques are being implemented to reduce losses of merchantable forest. Unlike the straight cutlines of the past, low-impact seismic lines are routed along a path of least resistance, meandering around large trees, animal dens, and creeks. At an average width of around 10 feet, today’s low-impact seismic lines are consider- ably more narrow than the up to 26- foot-wide paths of the past. Some newer seismic lines are as narrow as 6 feet. So how does equipment fit through these tight pathways? Recently devel- oped enviro-drills are made to fit re- stricted areas. These shot-hole drills are mounted on specifically-designed all- terrain vehicles requiring only 8-foot-wide corridors. The adoption of low-impact seismic testing has led to a 60% smaller foot- print by the exploration industry. This translates to less timber loss and de- creased disturbance to wildlife habitats. Exploration drilling professionals are to be commended on their efforts to pre- serve natural environments. This shot-hole drill operates in a narrow space. Photo courtesy of Terroza Exploration Services, Inc. ! ! ! ! % % % # $ ! " ! ! ! #' ' * ''(!) #" # %($ $(!$& #! ))) %($ $(!$& #! #% " ($ (!$ & "