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Abandoned Mine Subsidence Investigation
ZAPATA performed several mine subsidence investigations for DRMS in support of its Inactive Mine Reclamation Program (IMRP). These projects provided invaluable information for DRMS to design and implement a mitigation program. ZAPATA employed a suite of surface and downhole geophysical mapping methods delineating old mine workings beneath the residential area of the CCC.
Brawley Passive Seismic for Geothermal Field
ZAPATA has installed and for several years monitored a network of passive seismic stations in the vicinity of Brawley, California. The network has allowed the detection of many more seismic events than are recorded on the southern California network established by USGS, and the hypocenters of the events have been located and mapped to monitor any seismicity around the geothermal well field.
Brighton CO Wellfield Development
ZAPATA conducted surface geophysical surveys for groundwater investigations at the South Platte Wellfield Development Project near Brighton, Colorado. The main objectives were to map subsurface geologic formations and features (i.e. channels) that are important in controlling the occurrence of groundwater, particularly the depth to bedrock shale, and the potential of overlying alluvial sediments for groundwater resources. Both Frequency Domain Electromagnetic profiling and Time Domain EM sounding methods were employed.
DC Resistivity Surveys at Former Landfill, Ft Carson
On the site of a former landfill, ZAPATA conducted electrical (DC) resistivity imaging to determine the bedrock/overburden contact in order to identify possible buried stream channels. The geophysical data were very effective in mapping subsurface geologic formations and delineating sand and gravel channels incised into the bedrock.
Image Abandoned Mine Works
ZAPATA performed the investigation in support of MSHA initiative “Geophysical Void Detection Demonstrations” to advance the current state-of-practice of geophysical technologies for detecting underground mine voids. ZAPATA employed several surface and borehole geophysical mapping methods and downhole void scanning/imaging techniques at a known abandoned room and pillar coal mine at a depth of approximately 235 ft. These methods included: 1) surface high-resolution 2D and 3D seismic using P-wave (HRPW) and S-wave (HRSW) reflection; 2) crosshole seismic tomography (XHT); 3) seismic guided waves (GW); 4) reverse vertical seismic profiling (RVSP); and 5) downhole sonar imaging of the flooded mine workings.
Kern River Oil Field
Six high-resolution seismic reflection profiles were acquired by ZAPATA in the southern portion of the Kern River Field northeast of Bakersfield, California. The primary objective of the survey was to map the China Grade fault, which presented a hydrologic barrier interfering with oil production efforts. Data collection took place in the presence of high ambient noise levels from existing oilfield production, with target depths ranging from 1000 to 2000 ft below ground surface. ZAPATA used its iVi Envirovibe as the seismic source.
Lake Mead No. 3 Tunnel
ZAPATA, in cooperation with Brierley Associates, performed a surface seismic survey along the planned alignment of the Lake Mead No. 3 tunnel project, located in Clark County, Nevada. ZAPATA employed innovative data acquisition parameters to image four high-angle faults within a complex geologic setting to a depth of up to 680 ft, while the tunnel construction activities were occurring on both ends of the seismic profile.
MSHA Edgar Mine
ZAPATA performed this investigation in support of MSHA’s initiative “Geophysical Void Detection Demonstrations” to advance the current state-of-practice of geophysical technologies for detecting underground mine voids. ZAPATA conducted 2D void imaging using the seismic crosshole tomography (XHT) method at this gold/silver mine. A reinforced shotcrete bulkhead was constructed in the Army Tunnel by CSM’s contractor in order to demonstrate void detection under both air and water filled void conditions.
Natural Gas Development in Western Colorado
ZAPATA completed the delineation of a natural gas reservoir for development purposes in Mesa County, Colorado, with 25 miles of high resolution 2D seismic reflection. Using its iVi Envirovibe as the seismic source, ZAPATA successfully mapped the producing horizon at depths below 1000 ft. below ground surface, completing data acquisition in an environmentally sensitive area with minimal disturbance.
Oklahoma Salt Plains UXO
An electromagnetic survey was conducted over 288 acres by ZAPATA at the Oklahoma Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, in Cherokee, Oklahoma. The objective of the work, completed for the United States Geological Survey, was to identify the presence of potential disposal pits containing metallic debris. All the electromagnetic geophysical surveys were conducted using Dual Coil and Triple Coil Geonics EM61-MK2 systems, and real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS navigation.
