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Seismic contractor describes 305-square-mile survey, seeks parish road-use permissions
Summary
A seismic contractor told the Natchitoches Parish Council it plans a 3-D seismic survey across roughly 305 square miles centered near Robeline and asked for road-use permits, describing equipment, timing (survey then August drilling), landowner consent procedures and commitments to repair accidental damage.
Jason East, representing Versed 5 Land Management, told the Natchitoches Parish Council that his company has been contracted to run a 3-D seismic survey covering about 305 square miles centered near Robeline and spanning parts of Natchitoches and Sabine parishes. He asked the council to consider road-use permissions and described the survey process, equipment and mitigation plans.
East said the operation uses individual receivers “about the size of a tent peg” placed in the ground and vibrating sources deployed from trucks; planned heavy vehicles are about 60,000 pounds. He said the company will avoid man-made structures, test proximity to buildings during the process and compensate for merchantable timber or more extensive damage. “We will actually test that structure or test how close we can actually get to each structure,” East said.
East said work requires permission from mineral owners and surface owners where applicable and that the next procedural step is survey placement and drilling, pointing toward an August timeframe for the drilling phase. He said some landowners had already been approached about leases and noted that last year a large number of new leases were recorded with the clerk of court, which the company considers an indicator of local interest in mineral activity.
Council members and residents pressed for details on safety and road impacts. A resident asked how close seismic charges might come to homes; East said the company avoids “any type of man-made object,” and that the process includes tests to determine safe setbacks. He acknowledged that on very hot days articulated turning on asphalt can damage pavement and said crews would steer units into pastures or use escorts and police when operating near populated areas.
The parish said it will review the written map and information East left with staff and coordinate with the parish attorney and public works to assess permit language and any required protections. Council members suggested staff confirm compensation procedures for unexpected damages and clarify the scope of road-use rights before any permit is issued.
The presentation concluded with council members asking to receive the contractor’s map and permit paperwork; officials said they will follow up after reviewing the materials and consulting the attorney.
